EU consumer authorities probe nine gaming firms over in-game purchases

European consumer protection authorities, including Ireland's CCPC, have opened an investigation into nine online gaming companies—including makers of Candy Crush, Minecraft, and Clash of Clans—over potential breaches of consumer law related to in-game purchases. The probe targets monetization practices that may mislead players, particularly minors. This marks a coordinated regulatory escalation in the EU's scrutiny of digital gaming revenue models, with potential fines or mandated changes to business practices.