EU consumer watchdogs target King, Supercell over virtual currencies
The EU's CPC network says ten game firms, including King, Supercell and Mojang, have not done enough to make in-game virtual currency costs clear.
The Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network has named ten games companies that it says have not done enough to address its concerns about in-game virtual currencies. The CPC is a network of national authorities that enforce EU consumer protection law.
The companies named are Activision Blizzard, Crytek, InnoGames, King, Mojang, Plarium, PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell and Ubisoft. The games under review include several big mobile titles, among them Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Gardenscapes, Mech Arena, Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile, along with Minecraft, Valorant and Forge of Empires.
What the regulators want
The CPC says the companies have not been transparent enough about what virtual currencies really cost, and it is particularly concerned about the effect on children. Its principles ask developers to:
- give clear prices and information before a purchase
- avoid hiding costs or forcing players to buy virtual currency
- respect consumers' right of withdrawal
- protect vulnerable consumers, especially children
The principles are guidance, not law. The CPC says breaking them is not automatically unlawful, but warns that failing to deal with its concerns could lead national authorities to take enforcement action. Video Games Europe and the European Game Developers Federation have challenged the CPC's legal basis. They have offered commitments, such as clearer real-money pricing and refunds for unused bundles within 48 hours, provided the legal uncertainty is resolved.
Why it matters
Any free-to-play game sold in the EU that uses gems, coins or chips bought with real money could face the same scrutiny. Showing prices clearly in real-money terms is a sensible step for developers, whatever the size of the studio.
Sources: PocketGamer.biz · Mobilegamer.biz
