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Supercell CEO Leads EU Games Industry Pushback Against Digital Fairness Rules

The dispute turns on CPC guidance that developers say would recast in‑game currency use as individual transactions.

Overview

  • On October 8, Supercell chief Ilkka Paananen published an open letter warning proposed EU measures could severely damage European free‑to‑play businesses.
  • He argues CPC Network guidelines would force companies to treat each token spend as a separate financial transaction, alongside transparency steps such as showing euro prices and enabling refunds.
  • Paananen contends such requirements would degrade player experience without improving protections, and he urges evidence‑based, proportionate regulation.
  • The European Games Developer Federation backed his stance, calling in‑game currencies foundational to mobile free‑to‑play and warning that major changes would weaken the sector.
  • The Digital Fairness Act remains in consultation following a 2024 Fitness Check on dark patterns, with final proposals expected in Autumn 2026.