EU launches probe into nine gaming firms over in‑game payments

The European Commission’s Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network has opened an investigation into nine online gaming companies over the pricing and transparency of in‑game purchases.

According to Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the probe follows failed talks with industry groups and a large‑scale market check that identified concerns about virtual currencies, hidden costs and consumer rights.

Companies under investigation include King (owner of Candy Crush), Mojang (creator of Minecraft), Ubisoft, Riot Games, Crytek, InnoGames, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales, Supercell Oy and others.

Focus of the investigation

The CPC will examine whether players are adequately informed of the real‑world cost of in‑game items, the fairness of terms and conditions, the right to cancel purchases within 14 days – even for unused virtual currency – and safeguards for children. It will also look at the use of “excessive” virtual money that may pressure users to spend more.

Geoffrey Gray of the CCPC said the aim is to ensure consumers are not misled about costs, are not pressured into purchases and have clear rights when spending euros on games.

Separately, the CPC Network is engaging with Activision Blizzard UK, also owned by Microsoft, over virtual money sales and related consumer‑protection issues in titles such as Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty.

Source: Silicon Republic. Photo: Jaroslav Nymburský / Pexels.