Nine companies, including Ubisoft, Mojang, King and Riot Games, are being investigated.

Consumer protection watchdogs in Europe have launched an investigation into the companies behind popular online games – including the creators of Candy Crush, Minecraft and Clash of Clans – over how they price and operate in-game transactions.

The probe was launched after talks between the European Commission’s Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network and groups representing the interests of video game makers failed to bring better transparency around the use of in-game currencies.

After the failed talks, the CPC Network carried out a large-scale market check and identified several games requiring further action, Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said.

The probe will look into nine online gaming companies, including Far Cry maker Crytek; smartphone game creator behind the popular Forge of Empires InnoGames; and Plarium Europe, the company behind Raid Shadow Legends.

Candy Crush owner King and the creator behind Minecraft, Mojang, will also be investigated. The two brands, owned by Microsoft, were each pulled under the Xbox wing earlier this year.

Other companies being probed include PLR Worldwide Sales, Riot Games, Supercell Oy and Ubisoft.

The investigation is looking into in-game purchases, in-game virtual currencies, consumer rights when making purchases, transparency around costs, and the fairness of terms and conditions.

Specifically, the watchdog network is probing whether companies can better inform consumers about the real-world cost of in-game purchases. As part of this, it is looking into how hidden costs and opaque structures play a role in confusing consumers, and whether players feel forced to purchase “excessive” in-game virtual money to progress.

The probe will also work towards bringing consumers more transparency over in-game purchases, the right to cancel or withdraw from contracts within 14 days – including for unused virtual currency – and better safeguards for children.

“Consumers should be able to enjoy these games without being misled about costs, pressured into making purchases, or left unclear about their rights,” said Geoffrey Gray, the Commission member at the CCPC.

“This investigation is focused on ensuring consumers are given clear information, treated fairly and properly protected when spending money in games.”

Separately, the CPC Network is also engaging with Activision Bizzard UK, also owned by Microsoft, over two games – Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty.

This probe is looking into virtual money sales, personal data collection, potentially addictive designs, parental controls, direct marketing to children, the availability of pre-contractual information and the blocking of gaming accounts.

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