Key information
The European Union is investigating the monetization practices of ten major gaming companies, including Activision Blizzard, Riot Games, Ubisoft, and Mojang. Announced on September 30, this initiative aims to address potential violations of consumer rights regarding virtual currencies used to purchase in-game content.
Authorities are scrutinizing systems where virtual currency packages do not align with item prices, often leaving players with leftover balances that encourage further spending. Concerns also include the use of multiple currencies within a single title, which obscures the actual cost in euros, alongside manipulative design choices and inadequate parental controls.
Affected titles include Minecraft, Valorant, Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, For Honor, Hunt: Showdown 1896, Forge of Empires, Gardenscapes, and Mech Arena. Additionally, separate proceedings involve Activision Blizzard and Microsoft regarding Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile.
The European Commission demands that companies clearly display prices in euros and respect consumer rights. While no formal infringements have been proven, authorities have initiated a dialogue with the firms. If these issues remain unresolved, the commission may adopt further measures to ensure compliance with European legislation.
