Video Games Europe Hits Back at EU Watchdog Over IAP Practices
The EU Consumer Protection Cooperation Network has launched coordinated enforcement actions against major game companies including King, Supercell, Mojang, Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, Crytek, InnoGames, Plarium Europe, and PLR Worldwide Sales over their in-game virtual currency practices. The CPC Network claims these companies have not made substantive changes following its 'Key Principles' published in March 2025, particularly regarding loot boxes, dark patterns, and practices that encourage children to spend money. Trade bodies Video Games Europe and the European Game Developers Federation have pushed back, disputing the legal classification of in-game currencies as digital representations of value and citing a European Court of Justice ruling on Runescape. They propose six commitments including clearer real-money pricing, refunds for unused bundles within 48 hours, 30 days' notice before content removal, and enhanced parental controls, conditional on addressing legal uncertainty.
- •EU CPC Network launched coordinated enforcement actions against game companies including King, Supercell, Mojang, Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, Crytek, InnoGames, Plarium Europe, and PLR Worldwide Sales.
- •CPC Network published joint statement on September 30, citing non-compliance with its 'Key Principles' on in-game currencies from March 2025.
- •Video Games Europe and European Game Developers Federation published a rebuttal on September 30, disputing legal classification of in-game currencies.