Fight Breaks Out Over EU’s New In-Game Currency Rules

A significant conflict has emerged between the European Union’s Consumer Protection Co-operation Network (CPC) and the video game industry following the release of new, non-binding guidelines regarding in-game currencies. Published in March 2025, these principles aim to regulate virtual economies by treating in-game currencies as representations of real-world monetary value. This shift challenges the long-standing industry consensus that such currencies exist within a "closed loop" and possess no external value, potentially subjecting developers to stringent new consumer protection, anti-money laundering, and gambling regulations.

The industry, represented by trade associations such as Video Games Europe and the European Game Developer Federation, has expressed strong opposition, citing a lack of consultation and procedural transparency. Critics argue that the CPC bypassed established legislative processes, including the ongoing development of the Digital Fairness Act, to impose these requirements. Industry experts warn that the guidelines are overly prescriptive, potentially forcing developers to abandon common monetization tactics—such as currency bundles or dynamic pricing—and necessitating costly, large-scale game redesigns to maintain compliance within the European market.

The scope of this dispute encompasses the broader European consumer games market, which is valued at approximately €28 billion and employs over 114,000 people. While the CPC maintains that the principles are necessary to protect vulnerable consumers and ensure pricing transparency, the industry’s resistance suggests a looming legal battle. Because the guidelines are technically non-binding recommendations, the ultimate enforcement will likely fall to national courts, creating a period of significant regulatory uncertainty for developers operating within the European Union.