Consumer protection authorities step up action to protect gamers' rights

Today, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network launched coordinated EU-wide action targeting nine video game companies, aiming to strengthen the protection of players' rights. Through this action, the CPC Network is enforcing key principles on in-game virtual currencies -- a set of guidelines on EU consumer protection law that promote transparency and fairness in the use of in-game virtual currencies. Today's coordinated action aims to ensure compliance with the following principles: clear and transparent pricing; not hiding costs behind multiple currencies or currency conversions that obscure the real price; not forcing unwanted currency purchases; providing clear information before purchase; respecting the right of withdrawal within 14 days, including for unused virtual currency; using fair and easy-to-understand terms and conditions; and protecting vulnerable consumers, including children. The CPC Network also adopted a joint statement today, setting out a common approach to protecting consumer rights across the EU market. Background The CPC Network is made up of national authorities responsible for enforcing EU consumer protection law. Working together and coordinated by the European Commission, they act against breaches of consumer protection law that affect many people and involve several Member States. In 2025, the CPC Network opened a dialogue with the video game industry to ensure alignment with the key principles. As the dialogue did not bring satisfactory results, the network carried out a market check and identified several games requiring further assessment: Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, Mech Arena, Gardenscapes, Valorant, Clash of Clans and For Honor. The investigations launched today concern Crytek GmbH, InnoGames GmbH, King.com Operations (Malta) Limited, Mojang AB, Plarium Europe S.à.r.l., PLR Worldwide Sales Limited, Riot Games Limited, Supercell Oy, and Ubisoft EMEA SAS. In parallel, the CPC Network is carrying out action with Activision Blizzard UK Limited to ensure compliance with EU consumer protection law in Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile, examining how in-game virtual currencies are sold, how players' personal data is collected, whether the games have addictive design patterns, default parental control settings, direct marketing to children, pre-contractual information, and account blocking.