Europe Consumer Group Wants to Ban In-Game Purchases in Fortnite, Minecraft and More

Europe Consumer Group Wants to Ban In-Game Purchases in Fortnite, Minecraft and More

A powerful consumer group in Europe, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), is calling for a ban on in-game purchases in popular video games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Clash of Clans. The BEUC argues that these purchases are “purposefully tricking consumers,” particularly children, into spending money. They claim that gamers are unable to see the real costs clearly enough, leading to “overspending,” especially among under-18s who spend an average of €39 per month on in-game purchases.

BEUC’s Recommendations for Regulators

The BEUC has filed a complaint against these practices, citing “unfair practices” and breach of consumer protection. They have made several recommendations to European regulators, including:

• An outright ban on the use of in-game and in-app paid currencies.
• Factoring in-app purchases into game age ratings, restricting access for under-18s.
• More transparency in how games charge for different services.
• Better guardrails to clarify when players are paying for something extra.

The BEUC emphasizes that the online world should not be a place where companies exploit consumers for profit, and argues that regulators must act to ensure that even virtual worlds must abide by real-world rules.

Industry Response

Video Games Europe, a group representing major video game companies in the region, has pushed back on the BEUC’s claims. They argue that in-game purchases are a well-established practice, understood by players, and that their members comply with European consumer laws. They also point out that players can experience entire games without spending any money, giving them the opportunity to try games without any upfront cost or commitment.

A Growing Concern

The BEUC’s complaint is not the first time they have targeted in-app currencies, but this is their first focus on video games. In 2021, they filed a complaint against TikTok over virtual currency, and while the app has made changes, the BEUC remains unhappy with the results. The BEUC’s wider target of all video games could bring more attention to