EU consumer protection investigation into video game companies

According to the statement made by the European Union (EU) Commission, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) network, consisting of national consumer protection authorities, opened coordinated investigations against video game companies in order to strengthen the rights of players.

In the investigations, it will be evaluated whether the real money equivalent of in-game products and virtual currencies is clearly shown. Different virtual currencies and conversions between them will ensure that the true cost of purchases is not hidden.

It will also be addressed to ensure that players are not directed to purchase more virtual currency than they need to progress or benefit from the game.

It will be examined whether companies provide clear and understandable information to players before purchasing, inform them about their 14-day right of withdrawal, including unused virtual currencies, and offer fair contract conditions.

Measures to protect sensitive consumer groups, especially children, from harmful practices will also be evaluated.

The investigations include companies Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium Europe, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell and Ubisoft.

Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft and Clash of Clans, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Mech Arena, Gardenscapes, Valorant and For Honor games will also be examined.

Last year, the CPC network initiated negotiations with the industry in line with the principles to ensure transparency and fairness in the use of in-game virtual currencies. As a result of the lack of sufficient results from the negotiations, it was determined in the market scan that the games in question needed to be examined in more detail.

On the other hand, a separate investigation is being conducted regarding Activision Blizzard UK's Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile games.

In addition to the sale of virtual currencies, this review covers practices such as collection of personal data, addictive designs of games, parental control settings, direct marketing to children and blocking of game accounts.