EU regulatory guidelines target in-game virtual currencies but explicitly exclude cryptocurrencies, potentially leaving crypto-integrated games in a regulatory gray zone.
Regulation & Gov ·
European consumer authorities have initiated eleven coordinated enforcement actions against ten video game publishers over their in-game virtual currency practices, according to a statement from the European Commission. The targeted companies include Activision Blizzard UK, King.com, Mojang, Riot Games, Ubisoft EMEA and others, with action taken against titles such as Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, Valorant and Clash of Clans. These games were selected based on their widespread availability across multiple devices and appeal to audiences spanning different age groups.
The enforcement framework, built on principles published in March 2025, mandates that real-world pricing for in-game purchases be displayed clearly and prohibits design patterns that obscure actual costs through bundling or forced currency conversions. Players retain a 14-day withdrawal right even for unspent virtual currency, and the guidelines identify high-spending players and children as vulnerable groups warranting additional protections. Regulators are also scrutinizing loot boxes, misleading countdown timers, and design features that encourage impulse purchases. However, the framework explicitly excludes cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based digital assets, creating a potential regulatory gap for games that integrate token-based systems outside traditional closed economies.
The actions come after industry dialogue in 2025 yielded minimal substantive changes from most publishers despite published guidance. It remains unclear whether the enforcement actions will prompt broader compliance across the gaming sector or whether crypto-integrated gaming platforms will face separate regulatory scrutiny.