Digital Fairness Act: EU targets loot boxes in games

The Digital Fairness Act takes aim at loot boxes and virtual currencies in games. The European Commission's official November 11 announcement presented the new consumer law, which bans dark patterns and gives players the right to switch off addictive design features.

The Commission tabled the proposal on November 11. It would be an EU regulation, so if adopted it would apply directly in every member state. Drop odds, which players already argue about a lot, are part of it. We saw a clear example in our Fortnite Pirate Shop 1 in 137,500 odds story.

What does the Digital Fairness Act change for games?

The Commission's published proposal text has several articles that hit games directly. Article 14 covers virtual currencies. Companies would have to show the real-money value of every item sold for virtual currency. In products aimed at minors, paid virtual currencies would be off by default and could only be switched on with a parent's approval.

Virtual currency systems have been changing a lot lately. One example is in our Fortnite Crew V-Bucks tiers overhaul report. The new rules would cover all systems like this.

Article 15 deals with loot boxes, which the text calls "paid-for variable reward systems". Companies would have to disclose the types of items inside and the odds of getting them. Players would also get a tool to switch these systems off entirely. Minors could not be offered them at all. That would cover systems like the ones in our Brawl Stars legendary Starr Drops guide.

The Digital Fairness Act for games at a glance

• Virtual currency: real-money value shown for every item
• Currency for minors: off by default, on only with parental approval
• Loot boxes: odds disclosed, not sold to minors
• Pay-to-win: pay-to-progress and pay-to-win banned for minors
• Addictive design: features like daily login pressure can be switched off
• Timing: applies 12 months after entry into force

What happens to pay-to-win and daily rewards?

Article 16 bans offering pay-to-progress and pay-to-win mechanics to minors. In its announcement, the Commission describes them as gambling-like features that encourage overspending.

Article 17 targets addictive design. Companies would have to offer tools to turn off certain features. These include notifications not linked to the player's own activity, and systems that penalise you for not logging in regularly. That could reach daily login rewards in games.

The Commission also wants subscriptions to be easier to cancel, and consumers would have the right to speak to a human in customer service. It says the changes could save EU consumers up to 13.7 billion euros a year.

What does the games industry say?

The first reaction was harsh. A statement from German games industry association game says the draft brings legal uncertainty and double regulation. It argues that if every game rated below 18 counts as aimed at children, PEGI and USK age ratings would lose their meaning. The association also notes that most of Europe's roughly 8,700 games companies are small studios.

GamesIndustry.biz's analysis of the Digital Fairness Act points out open questions too. For example, it is not yet clear whether the default block for minors covers only the purchase step or the in-game function itself.

What does it mean for players?

If the rules pass, EU players should see clearer prices and drop odds, plus more control over spending features. Nothing changes yet, though. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the Council, and the text can still change. If you want to know how chest systems work today, see our guide to earning LoL Hextech chests. You can follow the process on the Commission's Digital Fairness Act page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Digital Fairness Act?

The Digital Fairness Act is a consumer protection proposal the European Commission presented on November 11, 2026. It bans dark patterns and requires real-money prices for virtual currencies and transparency for loot boxes.

Are loot boxes being banned in the EU?

Not completely. Under the proposal, paid loot boxes cannot be offered to minors. For adults, companies must disclose the items and drop odds and give players a way to switch loot boxes off.

When will the Digital Fairness Act apply?

It is still a proposal and needs approval from the European Parliament and the Council. The draft says the rules would apply 12 months after the regulation enters into force.

Sources

• European Commission: Making your online experience fairer
• European Commission: Proposal for a Digital Fairness Act
• European Commission: Digital Fairness Act
• game (Gamespress): Digital Fairness Act: European Commission hits games with double regulation
• GamesIndustry.biz: What the Digital Fairness Act means for the games industry