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The EU appeal calls for action to destabilize in-game currencies

A European consumer watchdog has filed a complaint against Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Roblox and other game publishers for deceptive in-game currency practices, Reuters report. The European Consumer Organization (BEUC) said it had “identified many cases where players are being cheated out of spending money” and called on the authorities “to provide consumers with a safe place to play.”

BEUC pointed out that consumers cannot see the true cost of digital goods using in-game currency, saying that in-game purchases should always be shown in real money. It added that the companies’ claims that gamers prefer premium in-game currencies are incorrect; consumers are often denied their rights when using such funds; and that children are especially vulnerable to these “tricks.”

“Regulators must do something, make it clear that even though the world of sports is real, it still needs to comply with the rules of the real world,” BEUC director general Augustin Reyna said in a statement. “Premium in-game currencies are purposefully deceiving consumers and seriously harm children. Companies are well aware of the dangers of children and use tactics to entice younger consumers to spend more.”

Also named in the complaint are Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Tencent-owned Supercell and Ubisoft.

In a separate statement, Video Games Europe, whose members include Epic Games, Roblox, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Supercell and Ubisoft, said that consumers already know a lot about in-game currencies. “The PEGI (Pan-European Game) Code of Conduct requires developers to ensure that real-world costs are clear and unambiguous when purchasing in-game currency,” it said. Reuters. “Our members always respect European consumer laws in the way they offer these purchases.”

The use of premium funds purchased with real money has been controversial, especially with smaller players. In 2022, Epic was hit with a record FTC fine, in part for making it possible for children to buy. FortniteV-Bucks in-game currency without parental consent until 2018. The regulator said Epic ignored more than a million user complaints and employee concerns about unfair charges.


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