Online Game Companies Investigated over in-Game Purchases
Regulators say virtual currencies and in-game tactics can hide true costs and push players to buy more, with nine games under review.
- The Europe-wide Consumer Protection Cooperation Network launched an investigation into nine popular video games over concerns about how players are encouraged to spend money on virtual currencies and in-game items.
- Regulators initiated dialogue with the video games industry last year after publishing guidelines on in-game currencies, but the CPC Network reported a "high number" of companies failed to make substantive changes following the guidance and subsequent talks.
- Authorities require games to clearly display real-world prices and must not force players into buying €5.99 bundles for €4 items. Players also have the right to withdraw from contracts within 14 days, including for unused virtual currency.
- Separately, the network is examining Activision Blizzard's Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile, including how virtual currencies are sold, whether games use addictive designs, and how gamers' personal data are collected.
- "The industry must ensure that its games do not expose players to harmful or unfair practices," EU consumer protection chief Michael McGrath said, adding that national authorities will ensure rules are enforced.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Online game companies investigated over in-game purchases
Nine online gaming companies - including the makers of Candy Crush, Minecraft, and Clash of Clans - are being investigated by European consumer authorities, including the CCPC, for potential breaches of consumer protection law.
'The Rules Must Be Respected' — European Commission Calls Out Riot, Activision, Mojang, and More Over In-Game Currency and Transactions
The European Commission is taking action against nine video game companies over their digital currency and pricing of in-game items with the goal of protecting players’ rights.
Action follows guidelines on EU consumer law aimed at promoting transparency and fairness, says European Commission
The investigation is being conducted over virtual currencies in games.
Reformatorisch Dagblad
European consumer watchdogs intend to take action against the game companies behind Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, and Clash of Clans, among others. The joint action, in which the Authority for Consumers & Markets is also involved, focuses on the way the companies entice users to make additional in-game purchases. Talks with the companies did not yield the desired result, and therefore the regulators are launching nine formal investigations to enf…
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