Gaming groups challenge proposed EU limits on in-game spending
The Digital Fairness Act would restrict paid progression for minors and require virtual currencies to be switched off by default for under-18s.
Gaming industry associations have criticised consumer protection proposals unveiled by the European Commission on 11 November 2026, arguing that restrictions on in-game purchases would damage competitiveness. The proposed Digital Fairness Act still requires negotiations with other EU institutions.
The proposal would prevent games from generating revenue through micro-transactions that let minors pay to advance, often described as pay-to-win or pay-to-progress. It would also restrict loot boxes, which offer surprise virtual items for real money, and require in-app virtual currencies to be disabled by default for under-18s.
The Commission argues that these practices encourage excessive spending, with children among the consumers particularly at risk. Breaches affecting more than two-thirds of the EU population could attract fines reaching 6 per cent of global revenue.
In a joint response, the European Game Developer Federation and Video Games Europe said the proposed pay-to-win definition was unclear and potentially broad enough to encompass any purchase. They argued that the proposal overlooks existing parental controls and the PEGI content rating system, while shifting decisions away from families towards the Commission.
Consumer protection commissioner Michael McGrath said the industry should compete through creativity, innovation and quality rather than exploitative practices. Beyond gaming, the proposal targets online commerce practices including addictive design, dynamic pricing and obstacles to cancelling digital subscriptions.
