by Coinstrooper Crypto Articles
Quick Take
  • European consumer authorities have launched coordinated action against nine video game companies over in-game currency practices.
  • Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, and Clash of Clans face scrutiny over potential breaches of EU consumer law.
  • The action runs through the European Commission’s Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national enforcers.
  • It escalates a dispute that earlier talks with the gaming industry failed to resolve.

What Happened

European consumer authorities have launched coordinated action against nine video game companies over in-game currency practices. Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, and Clash of Clans face scrutiny over potential breaches of EU consumer law.

Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) announced the action on October 1. The companies involved are Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell, and Ubisoft.

Market Context

Other titles under review include Valorant, For Honor, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Mech Arena, and Gardenscapes.

Prices shown in real money

That review goes further. It also covers personal data collection, potentially addictive design, parental controls, marketing aimed at children, and account blocking.

As a result, the network ran a large-scale market check, which flagged the games now under review.

Why It Matters

The latest action moves that approach from a single children’s title to some of gaming’s biggest franchises. EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath signaled that Brussels expects compliance.

Companies that fail to address the concerns could face enforcement by national authorities. No deadline or penalties have been disclosed.

Details

The action runs through the European Commission’s Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national enforcers. It escalates a dispute that earlier talks with the gaming industry failed to resolve.

What Regulators Are Examining

According to the CCPC, the review spans seven areas.

Virtual currency exchanges that hide what items cost

Pressure to buy more currency than needed to progress

Clear information before checkout

The 14-day withdrawal right, including for unused currency

Fair, plain-language terms and conditions

Safeguards for children and vulnerable players

In a separate track, the CPC Network is engaging with Microsoft-owned Activision Blizzard over Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty.

Why Regulators Are Targeting In-Game Currency Now

Last year, the CPC Network opened talks with federations representing the global video game industry. However, regulators judged the outcome unsatisfactory for consumers.

“Millions of consumers across Europe play video games many of which are children. Consumers should be able to enjoy these games without being misled about costs, pressured into making purchases, or left unclear about their rights,” Geoffrey Gray, Commission Member at the CCPC, said.

Earlier, in March 2025, the network set out principles for in-game currencies. It also acted against Star Stable Entertainment, maker of a horse-riding game popular with children.

“The game must be fair, and the rules must be respected,” McGrath said.

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