According to Decrypt, the European Union has launched a regulatory review affecting 11 online games, including Minecraft and Candy Crush, over their use of virtual currencies purchased with real money. The action centers on compliance with new guidelines that govern in‑game monetary systems. The guidelines do not cover cryptocurrencies themselves; they apply only to tokens obtained through real‑money transactions within games.
The review aims to ensure that players understand the economic nature of these virtual tokens and that appropriate consumer protections are in place. Games listed in the crackdown employ virtual currencies that can be bought using euros, pounds, or other national currencies, triggering the regulatory scope. The exclusion of pure cryptocurrencies means that blockchain‑based assets used solely within games remain outside the current rule set.
Industry representatives have been notified of the review, and affected developers are expected to adjust their offerings or provide clearer disclosure if required. No penalties or enforcement dates have been announced at this stage.
