The EU is investigating nine major gaming companies, including Mojang and Supercell, regarding their in-game currency practices and consumer rights compliance.
The European Consumer Protection Network (CPC) has announced an investigation into nine prominent gaming companies, including the developers of popular titles like Minecraft, Clash of Clans, and Candy Crush Saga, over concerns regarding their in-game currency sales practices.
This inquiry will scrutinize several factors, including the transparency of pricing, the presence of hidden costs, pressure tactics to encourage purchases, and compliance with consumer rights related to refunds.
The investigation involves national consumer protection agencies from the CPC network, focusing on companies such as Crytek, InnoGames, King.com, Mojang, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales Limited, Riot Games Limited, Supercell Oy, and Ubisoft.
Games under review include a mix of popular titles such as Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, Mech Arena, Gardenscapes, Valorant, Clash of Clans, and For Honor.
Regulators are set to evaluate whether these businesses comply with European Union regulations, which require clear visibility of the actual costs associated with digital items and currencies. They will investigate the avoidance of hidden charges and coercive purchasing mechanisms.
Moreover, the inquiry will assess if developers provide sufficient information before purchases, adhere to rights allowing consumers to cancel transactions, and use fair terms. There will also be a particular focus on protecting vulnerable demographics, including minors.
Separate Investigation on Activision Blizzard
In a parallel investigation, Activision Blizzard is under scrutiny concerning its titles Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. This examination looks at the sale of in-game currency alongside issues like personal data collection, potential addiction mechanics, parental control features, child-targeted marketing, pre-purchase information, and account suspension policies.
Continued EU Engagement in the Gaming Industry
This latest action is part of the EU's ongoing oversight of the gaming sector. In March 2025, the CPC, in partnership with the European Commission, had already released guidelines pertaining to in-game currencies.
While the current investigations target traditional gaming companies, they do not encompass blockchain-based GameFi projects like The Sandbox or Axie Infinity. Notably, in May, the London startup Moth introduced Quantum Backrooms, a pioneering consumer game that leverages real quantum computing technology.
