Supercell, King and Sybo bosses hit out at “scary” EU proposals
Three major mobile gaming executives—Ilkka Paananen of Supercell, Todd Green of King, and Mathias Gredal Nørvig of Sybo—have strongly criticized incoming EU proposals to regulate virtual currency in free-to-play games, warning the measures could make titles “unplayable in Europe” and destroy the region’s mobile gaming industry.
The proposed EU regulations aim to protect children and vulnerable players from predatory spending mechanics. The framework would require pop-up notifications whenever players purchase or spend virtual currency—similar to cookie consent requirements—and would impose restrictions on how digital currencies function within games.
The industry leaders argue the regulations pose an existential threat. Paananen previously warned in October 2025 that the proposals could “kill” European games companies. They contend that such restrictions would place European developers at a significant competitive disadvantage against studios outside the EU, potentially undermining the business models that have made Europe a global leader in mobile game development.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between consumer protection and industry innovation. While EU regulators argue safeguards are necessary to prevent exploitation, developers maintain that overly restrictive frameworks could cripple a thriving sector and drive investment and talent away from the region.