The organisation points out that consumers are unable to see the true cost of digital items when they are priced in in-game currency, and says purchases should always be offered in real money, with children particularly vulnerable to such scams
BEUC Director General Augustin Reyna said in-game currencies are intentionally deceiving consumers and children, and companies are allegedly well aware that they are using tricks to lure kids into spending more
The game makers named in the complaint include Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, Mojang Studios, Supercell, Ubisoft, Epic Game, and EA. Video Games Europe, which includes members like Epic Games and most of the other game makers that have been criticized, claims that consumers are already aware of in-game currencies. According to a statement by VideoGames Europe, the PEGI Code of Conduct already requires developers to ensure that the real-world cost is clear and unambiguous, even if you make a purchase with in-game currency
The use of currencies purchased with real money has also long been controversial, especially when it comes to younger gamers. In 2022, the Federal Trade Commission fined Epic Games for enabling children to purchase in-game currencies without parental consent, back in 2018.