If you have children around that play video games, you will sooner or later hear terms like Robux, V-Bucks or Minecoins. By using these forms of in-game currency, players can obtain virtual items, upgrades or extras in certain games. Here’s how it works.

What is in-game currency?

In-game currency are game coins used within a video game that don’t have any real-world monetary value. Players can exchange them for virtual items or in-game content such as character outfits, extra levels, new items or a season pass.

In-game currency is a form of in-game content. Players can earn in-game coins for free while playing, but they can also buy them with real money through a game, console or app store. Once purchased, these coins cannot be converted back into real money.

What are these coins called?

The names vary depending on the game or platform.
Some popular examples include:

  • Robux in Roblox
  • V-Bucks in Fortnite
  • EA FC Points in EA SPORTS FC
  • Call of Duty Points in Call of Duty
  • Overwatch Coins in Overwatch 2
  • Minecoins in Minecraft
  • Apex Coins in Apex Legends

Each game gives its in-game currency a unique name, but the idea is always the same: players exchange coins for virtual items, upgrades or extras.

What do these coins cost and how do you buy them?

Players can earn in-game currency while playing and they can purchase it with real money. Prices vary depending on the game and available bundles. Typically, players buy packages such as 500, 1,000 or 2,500 coins. Promotions or discounts may also be available.

In general, the process works like this: a player selects a bundle of game coins in the game, console or app store, pays using a linked payment method or gift card and the coins are added to their account. From then on, the player can use the in-game coins in exchange for items or features.

The purchase itself happens outside the video game. When players later use their in-game coins, we talk of an in-game exchange. Once bought, these coins cannot be converted back into real money.

How do players use in-game currency?

Once the in-game currency is added to an account, players can choose items or benefits within the game, such as outfits, emotes, weapons, pets, extra lives, temporary boosts or access to premium content. For example, in Fortnite, players use V-Bucks for cosmetic items or a Battle Pass; in Roblox, players use Robux for access, upgrades or virtual objects.

In some game genres, such as simulation, strategy or building games, players expect to obtain items quickly and easily using in-game currency. If every exchange required a real money transaction, gameplay would constantly be interrupted, for legally required consent. In-game coins help keep the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Can you convert in-game currency back into real money?

No. In-game currency works in a closed system: players may buy it with real money and use it within the game, but they cannot convert it back into real money. This is an important difference compared to, for example, cryptocurrencies. Game companies clearly state in their terms that in-game currency has no real world monetary value. Converting it back into money is thus not possible, nor can it be transferred to another game, even if the game is from the same studio or publisher.

Do you always need in-game currency?

No. Some virtual items can also be obtained in other ways, such as subscriptions or direct purchases with real money, without using in-game coins. In other words, players can also purchase virtual items, upgrades or extras (in-game content) directly without first purchasing in-game currency.

What should (grand)parents pay attention to?

Start by checking the PEGI labels. For example, PEGI uses an official notice for in-game purchases, so that someone can already see before buying or downloading the game whether it includes paid in-game extras.

Parental controls are also key. On consoles, smartphones and platforms, you can:

  • set passwords for purchases
  • block or limit spending
  • require approval for each purchase

This is often more effective than dealing with unexpected spending afterwards.

It is also helpful to consult game guides and official information websites such as our consumer websites speelhetslim.be (in dutch) or jouezmalin.be (in french). Platforms like Roblox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, Apple App Store and Google Play provide clear explanations of how in-game currency systems and parental settings work.

Is there consumer protection?

Yes. Even though it concerns digital items and in-game currency, standard consumer protection rules still apply at the moment of purchase. According to the European Commission, the sale of in-game currency falls under existing EU consumer law, including the Consumer Rights Directive. The video games sector supports the EU rule of law and is fully compliant with existing consumer protection laws.

Policy Perspective: European Digital Fairness Landscape

In-game currency is high on the European agenda. In March 2025, the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) announced increased attention to in-game coins. This is part of the broader discussion around the upcoming Digital Fairness Act (DFA), expected in a first draft by the end of 2026. This future legislation aims to ensure that digital platforms and services – including the video games, transport and hospitality sector – remain transparent, fair and safe for consumers, with additional protection for children.

In practice, this means:

  • real prices must be clearly displayed
  • key information must be available upfront
  • children may not be directly encouraged to make purchases
  • withdrawal rights must be respected where applicable

The video games sector already provides safeguards for the topics the DFA is looking to cover, and is actively engaging with policymakers. It does, however, not agree with the CPC’s legal interpretation that in-game currency would constitute a “digital representation of value”. This interpretation is not supported by national legislation and is based on a new reading of a provision in the Digital Content Directive. In-game coins have no monetary value, cannot be redeemed or paid out and exist solely within the video game itself.

Giving accurate information to consumers

It is important that we provide accurate information about all aspects of the game sector, and that we inform our consumers about how to keep video games fun and fair. It makes playing video games more enjoyable for everyone. Our sector provides a lot of information on how consumers can make sure everyone can play video games in a safe environment. That is why we also provide information about in-game currency via our consumer websites speelhetslim.be (in dutch) and jouezmalin.be (in french).