EU Investigated Ten Game Developers Over Currency Sales
Regulators have scrutinized microtransaction practices across ten major gaming companies to improve transparency.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in eSports
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The European Commission has launched an investigation into ten game developers regarding their use of pre-set in-game currency bundles. The regulatory body aims to mandate policies that allow players to purchase exact amounts of currency for specific digital items.
Why it matters
The investigation seeks to increase financial transparency and strengthen parental controls for digital microtransactions within the gaming industry. By targeting pre-set bundles, regulators hope to prevent practices that may obscure the true cost of in-game content.
Ten companies, including Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, and Mojang, are currently under investigation by the European Commission. This probe targets the standard industry practice of selling in-game currency only in pre-set bundles.
The players
European Commission
This is the executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation and enforcing regulatory standards across member states.
Ubisoft
This French video game publisher is known for developing major franchises such as Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.
Activision Blizzard
This American video game holding company owns major intellectual properties including Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.
Mojang
This Swedish video game developer is the creator and studio behind the best-selling title Minecraft.
Epic Games
This developer and publisher is the creator of Fortnite and the operator of the Unreal Engine platform.
The details
Regulators are pressuring studios to move away from rigid pricing models that often force players to buy more currency than is required for an item. While Rockstar Games has indicated that Grand Theft Auto 6 will avoid microtransactions, other firms have already begun adjusting policies to align with potential future mandates.
Timeline
October 2025: Epic Games updated V-Bucks purchase policies for Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys.
2025: The European Parliament Vice President supported the Stop Killing Games initiative.
Season Trajectory
This investigation signals a shift in the gaming industry toward stricter regulatory oversight of digital storefronts. It follows the momentum of the Stop Killing Games initiative and reflects a growing push to standardize monetization practices across the European Union.
Players can expect a move toward more flexible currency purchasing options that allow for exact balance matching. This shift may eventually eliminate the need to purchase excess digital currency just to complete a single item transaction.
The takeaway
Gamers should monitor their digital wallet balances as developers may continue to update purchase policies to meet regulatory standards. Purchasing only the required amount of currency for an item helps maintain better control over long-term digital spending.
Further reading
For more information on the current trends in gaming regulation, visit eSports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Game Rant.
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Should regulators mandate that video games allow players to buy exact amounts of in-game currency?
