EU Targets Video Game Companies Over In-Game Currency Practices
- European consumer authorities have initiated actions against ten video game companies regarding their in-game currency sales.
- Companies involved include Activision Blizzard UK, Crytek, InnoGames, King.com, Mojang, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell, and Ubisoft EMEA.
- The games under scrutiny are Diablo Immortal, Call of Duty Mobile, Hunt Showdown, Forge of Empires, Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, Mech Arena, Gardenscapes, Valorant, Clash of Clans and For Honor.
- Guidelines require displaying real-world prices for in-game items and a mandatory 14-day right of withdrawal on unused currency.
- Cryptocurrencies are excluded from these guidelines as they function as alternative payment forms using encryption.
The European Commission’s Consumer Protection Cooperation Network is focusing on the transparency of in-game currency pricing and the protection of vulnerable groups like children and high spenders. The initiative aims to address aggressive commercial practices in video games that could mislead consumers or encourage excessive spending.
These measures reflect growing concerns over consumer rights within digital economies where real money is exchanged for virtual goods. The exclusion of cryptocurrencies highlights the unique regulatory challenges they pose compared to traditional in-game currencies.(Source)
