Pakistan, Sept. 30 -- European consumer authorities have launched investigations into nine video game companies over their use of virtual currencies. The European Union said the probe will examine whether these practices violate consumer rights. France-based Ubisoft is among the companies under investigation.

The Consumer Protection Cooperation Network is coordinating the investigations across the EU's 27 member states. The network had previously opened discussions with the companies last year. However, the European Commission said those talks failed to produce satisfactory results.

Authorities later identified several popular games for further examination. These include Candy Crush Saga, Minecraft and Clash of Clans. The companies invo...