The European Consumer Protection Network (CPC) has initiated investigations into nine gaming companies, including the creators of Minecraft, Clash of Clans, and Candy Crush Saga, due to their in-game currency sales practices.

Authorities will examine price transparency, hidden costs, pressure tactics for purchases, and compliance with players' rights to refunds.

This coordinated investigation is being carried out by national consumer protection agencies that are part of the CPC network. The companies under scrutiny include Crytek, InnoGames, King.com, Mojang, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales Limited, Riot Games Limited, Supercell Oy, and Ubisoft.

Among the games being reviewed are Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, Mech Arena, Gardenscapes, Valorant, Clash of Clans, and For Honor.

Regulators will assess whether these companies adhere to the European Union's guidelines regarding in-game currencies. These rules mandate that players must see the actual costs of digital items and currencies in advance, and that companies should not employ hidden fees or mechanics that compel additional currency purchases.

Additionally, the investigation will look into whether developers provide adequate information before purchases, respect consumers’ rights to cancel transactions, and use clear and fair terms. Special attention will be given to protecting vulnerable groups, including children.

Separate Inquiry into Activision Blizzard

Concurrently, the CPC is conducting a separate investigation involving Activision Blizzard, focusing on Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile.

In these titles, regulators are examining not only the sale of in-game currency but also the collection of personal data, mechanics that could lead to addiction, parental control settings, marketing aimed at children, pre-purchase information, and account banning practices.

Regulators Have Previously Offered Recommendations

This latest round of investigations is a continuation of the EU's engagement with the gaming industry. In March 2025, the CPC, in collaboration with the European Commission, published guidelines for in-game currencies.

While the regulatory actions focus on products featuring in-game currencies, they do not extend to GameFi projects within the blockchain industry, such as The Sandbox and Axie Infinity.

It is worth noting that in May, the London-based startup Moth launched Quantum Backrooms, the first consumer game utilizing real quantum computing technology.

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