EU regulators open coordinated probe into nine game publishers over virtual currency compliance
Summary
The EU's Consumer Protection Cooperation Network has opened coordinated investigations into nine game companies over compliance with 2025 Key Principles on in-game virtual currencies.
Targets include Activision Blizzard, Riot Games, Supercell, Ubisoft, King, Mojang, Crytek, InnoGames, Plarium and PLR Worldwide Sales, covering titles such as Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, Clash of Clans and Call of Duty Mobile.
Voluntary talks that began in 2025 failed to produce a satisfactory outcome, according to the European Commission, opening the door to enforcement by national authorities.
"The game must be fair, and the rules must be respected."
01
Nine publishers face formal scrutiny after two years of stalled talks
The CPC Network has contacted Activision Blizzard, Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell and Ubisoft.
All nine must align in-game currency practices with CPC Key Principles.
Games under assessment include Diablo Immortal, Valorant, Clash of Clans, For Honor, Gardenscapes, Forge of Empires, Mech Arena and Hunt: Showdown 1896.
Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft and Call of Duty Mobile are also flagged.
Most of the nine made no substantive changes despite years of direct dialogue.
Star Stable Entertainment already faced CPC enforcement over child-targeted pressure tactics and unclear currency pricing.
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Live-ops currency design is now a direct compliance target
Key Principles require real-money price disclosure for virtual currency.
Publishers must allow consumers to decline currency purchases.
Withdrawal rights must be honored and child safeguards added.
Bundled currency packs and double-conversion loops are directly affected.
EGDF and Video Games Europe argue in-game currencies are digital content, not value representations.
That classification determines whether refund and withdrawal obligations apply.
Industry groups have sought the legal basis for CPC's classification since spring 2025.
No response has been received, per a joint EGDF and Video Games Europe statement.
"This precedent could go far beyond the Principles and potentially influence the law itself."
What this means
For Publishers & Developers: Budget EU storefront and currency-flow rework into live-ops roadmaps before national enforcement.
For Investors & VC: Add EU refund-liability exposure on currency revenue to F2P diligence checklists.
For Service Vendors: Pitch EU store compliance audits and storefront redesign to mid-size F2P publishers outside the probe.
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Europe
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