Online game companies investigated over in
European consumer authorities are investigating nine major gaming companies, including the makers of Minecraft and Candy Crush, over concerns regarding in-game purchases and virtual currencies. The probe focuses on transparency, consumer rights, and the protection of children from predatory monetization practices.
Why it matters
This investigation could lead to significant regulatory changes in how the global gaming industry handles microtransactions and virtual economies.
Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Nine online gaming companies - including the makers of Candy Crush, Minecraft, and Clash of Clans - are being investigated by European consumer authorities, including the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, for potential breaches of consumer-protection law.
The action is looking into in-game purchases, in-game virtual currencies, consumer rights when making purchases, transparency around costs, and the fairness of terms and conditions.
The companies under investigation include: Crytek GmbH, InnoGames GmbH, King.com Operations (Malta) Limited, Mojang AB, Plarium Europe S.à.r.l., PLR Worldwide Sales Limited, Riot Games Limited, Supercell Oy, and Ubisoft EMEA SAS.
Games owned by these companies and now under scrutiny include 'Hunt: Showdown 1896', Forge of Empires, Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft, Mech Arena, Gardenscapes, Valorant, Clash of Clans and For Honor.
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