European consumer authorities have launched a coordinated investigation into nine online gaming companies over potential breaches of consumer protection law.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is participating in the action, which examines in-game purchases, virtual currencies, pricing information and contract terms.
Games under scrutiny include Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans, Valorant, Gardenscapes and Forge of Empires.
Authorities are examining whether players can understand the real-world cost of purchases, whether virtual currencies obscure prices and whether consumers face pressure to buy excessive amounts.
The investigation also considers cancellation rights, the fairness of terms and safeguards for children and vulnerable consumers.
Separately, the European network is engaging with Activision Blizzard over practices associated with Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty, including virtual currencies, parental controls and marketing to children.
CCPC Commission Member Geoffrey Gray said players should be able to enjoy games without being misled about costs or pressured into purchases.
The actions concern potential breaches. No finding of wrongdoing was announced.
