Oliver Mitchell

EU Introduces Stricter In-Game Currency Pricing Standards

This article examines recent regulatory updates designed to clarify the cost of virtual currencies within gaming environments. The changes aim to enhance transparency for consumers and ensure that pricing is straightforward and accessible.

The EU Consumer Protection Network has finalized new rules regarding the display of virtual currency prices in video games. Game developers offering in-game currency for purchase with real cash are now required to show the exact monetary cost in the consumer’s local denomination, whether that be pounds, euros, krona, or another currency.

This move immediately follows a… detailed review of one particular game where it was discovered that minors were being encouraged to use real money for transactions. The review focused on a game that had raised concerns about its practices and prompted action from regulators.

Several organizations, including consumer advocacy groups from Sweden, have pointed out that many well-known titles like Roblox, Fortnite, and FIFA might not currently comply with these stricter guidelines. As a result, these game companies may need to rethink and potentially adjust their pricing strategies.

With the aim of smoothing the transition, the European Commission is… organizing workshops with various gaming companies so they can discuss the effective implementation of these measures.

Ideally, these measures will ultimately put a definitive stop to… the issues surrounding deceptive digital currency pricing practices, marking a significant improvement in consumer protection in the gaming industry.