EU consumer authorities launch coordinated action targeting video game companies

EU consumer protection authorities launched coordinated actions targeting video game companies to strengthen gamers’ rights, the European Commission said Wednesday.

In a statement, the commission said the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network action follows its Key Principles on in-game virtual currencies, guidelines aimed at promoting transparency and fairness under EU consumer law.

The measures seek to ensure clear and transparent pricing, prevent costs from being obscured and prevent unwanted currency purchases, the commission said.

They also seek to provide clear information before purchases, respect consumers’ right to withdraw and ensure fair and understandable terms, it added.

The commission said the action also aims to ensure that game companies provide appropriate safeguards to all consumers, including vulnerable users such as children.

The Consumer Protection Cooperation Network brings together national authorities responsible for protecting consumers in the EU and the European Economic Area.

Coordinated by the European Commission, the authorities act against consumer law breaches that affect people in multiple member states.

In a separate statement, the network said it seeks to foster a competitive European video game market that provides a supportive environment for businesses.

“A broad consensus among academics, consumer advocates, and gamers is that some video game business models and design practices harm consumers, especially vulnerable groups such as children,” it said.

The network said some video games “directly exhort” children to make purchases despite an explicit prohibition under EU consumer protection law.

It announced 11 coordinated actions requesting Activision Blizzard UK Limited, Crytek GmbH, InnoGames GmbH, King.com Limited, Mojang AB, Plarium Europe S.a.r.l., PLR Worldwide Sales Limited, Riot Games Limited, Supercell Oy and Ubisoft EMEA SAS to bring practices involving in-game virtual currencies into line with EU consumer protection laws.