Video Games: EU Investigates Abuses of Virtual Currencies by Publishers

European consumer protection authorities have launched investigations into nine video game publishers, including Ubisoft, Mojang Studios, and Riot Games, over abusive practices related to virtual currencies embedded in their games. A specific procedure has been initiated against Activision Blizzard regarding « Diablo Immortal » and « Call of Duty Mobile » to ensure transparency of costs and protect vulnerable players, especially children. BEUC welcomed this move as an important step to combat manipulative practices encouraging excessive spending. These investigations follow failed attempts at voluntary regulation and aim to enforce consumer protection laws.