Key information
The European Union has announced new measures to increase transparency regarding microtransactions in video games. Authorities have long criticized industry practices for potentially misleading consumers through the use of virtual currencies. The Secretariat General of Consumption and Gaming emphasized that purchasing items with virtual assets like gems or doubloons constitutes a real financial transaction.
Under the new requirements, developers must clearly display the real-world price in euros for all virtual items. The regulations aim to prevent confusing payment structures where multiple currencies obscure the actual cost. Furthermore, game designs must not force players to purchase virtual items to progress, and clear information must be provided to users prior to any transaction.
A significant change includes a mandatory 14-day right of withdrawal for virtual purchases, allowing for the refund of unused virtual amounts. These protections are intended to safeguard all consumers, with special focus on vulnerable groups such as minors. The initiative follows unsuccessful 2025 negotiations with companies including Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium, Riot Games, Supercell, and Ubisoft regarding their titles.
These regulatory actions apply to various platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. The move addresses concerns highlighted by data suggesting that 82% of free-to-play users in the United States engaged in such purchases as of 2024. By enforcing these standards, European authorities seek to ensure that virtual transactions respect established consumer protection rights.
