Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen wrote a public letter criticizing the EU authorities. He is dissatisfied with the proposals to regulate the digital space, which also affect games.
Paananen criticized two initiatives:
▫️the Digital Fairness Act (DFA), which they prepare to adopt by the end of 2026;
▫️the guidelines developed by the European Commission and the CPC Network for game developers with microtransactions, released in March 2025.
In brief: both projects aim to protect European consumers from dark patterns and other manipulative practices in digital products. For instance, game developers are to be obliged to more transparently use microtransactions — beginning to list prices for in-game items not only in virtual currency but also in euros, and allowing gamers to process refunds for such purchases.
According to the Supercell head, European officials do not understand how the modern digital entertainment industry works. Their initiatives will not only fail to protect gamers from manipulations but also worsen the gaming experience and ultimately negatively impact the business of local studios.
“Mechanics like microtransactions have been an integral part of the gaming industry’s business model from the very beginning. They allow companies to offer games for free to millions of gamers, thus driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth across the continent. […] The new rules will inflict substantial damage on one of Europe’s most successful tech sectors,” stated Paananen.
Paananen pointed out that in recent years, the situation regarding protecting gamers' interests — especially children’s — has significantly improved. It is beneficial for companies to create a safe environment in games, as otherwise, they risk losing their audience.
In conclusion, the Supercell head urged EU authorities not to introduce new radical rules but to first discuss changes with representatives of the gaming industry and find a mutually beneficial solution.