EU regulators probe video game spending practices as Cyprus gaming sector reaches €3.2 billion

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has developed a gaming sector worth an estimated €3.2 billion, while European regulators are examining how leading publishers encourage players to keep spending. New research has also raised concerns about teenagers on the island.

From a single purchase to continuous spending

Buying a video game used to be simple: a customer paid once, played until the end and, if satisfied, purchased another title. Today the initial price can be only the first expense. Subscriptions, season passes, virtual currencies and downloadable extras are common, along with many prompts to spend a few more euros.

Related: Cyprus Government Revenue Reaches €7.51 Billion in January–September 2026

RelatedCyprus Government Revenue Reaches €7.51 Billion in January–September 2026

For publishers, the appeal is clear. A customer who buys a game one time has value, but a player who stays engaged and keeps paying over several years is worth considerably more.

Coordinated European action

This business model has drawn the interest of European consumer authorities, especially where children are involved. On September 30, 2026, the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network announced joint action covering nine video game companies. They include the publishers of Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans and Valorant.

Regulators are assessing whether the handling of virtual currencies and in-game purchases complies with EU consumer law. Their focus is on cases where the true price of digital items may be hard for users to understand. The proceedings concern suspected breaches and not established wrongdoing.

The sector in Cyprus

An industry report released in August by the Cyprus Game Makers Association (CYGMA) found that 415 gaming companies were operating from the island in 2025. Together they generated estimated revenues of €3.2bn.