Europe’s Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network has launched EU-level coordinated actions in relation to nine video games companies, aiming to strengthen the protection of gamers’ rights.
With these actions, the CPC Network says it is following up on the Key Principles on in-game virtual currencies, a set of guidelines on EU consumer law that promote transparency and fairness in the use of in-game virtual currencies.
The CPC Network is composed of national authorities responsible for the enforcement of EU consumer protection laws. Working together and coordinated by the European Commission, they act against consumer law breaches that affect many people and involve more than one Member State.
The coordinated actions aim to ensure the following principles are applied:
- Clear and transparent pricing: show the real-world price of in-game items and currencies that consumers need to buy to play the game.
- Not to obscure costs: avoid multiple currencies or currency exchanges that make the real price unclear.
- Not to force unwanted currency purchases: gamers should not feel obliged to buy an excessive amount of virtual currencies to progress or enjoy the game.
- Provide clear information before the purchase: gamers must have access to information that is easy to understand before purchasing in-game virtual currencies or in-game items.
- Respect the right to withdraw: gamers should be informed about their right to withdraw from contracts within 14 days, including for unused virtual currency.
- Use fair and understandable terms: the games’ terms and conditions should be fair and clear for the players.
- Protect vulnerable consumers: companies should ensure that games offer appropriate safeguards to all consumers, including vulnerable users such as children.
The CPC Network has also adopted a Joint Statement, setting out a common approach to protect gamers’ consumer rights across the EU market.
CPC Network’s Joint Statement on Stronger Consumer Protection in Video Games
Key Principles on in-game virtual currencies
Consumer Protection Cooperation Network
CPC Network coordinated actions on social media, online games and search engines
