Italy Probes Activision Blizzard Over Aggressive Game Sales
Italian regulators have opened a pair of formal investigations into Activision Blizzard, targeting the Microsoft-owned developer over allegations of predatory sales tactics. The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) is scrutinizing the company’s approach to monetization within the mobile titles Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile.
Regulatory Concerns Over In-Game Spending
The AGCM’s inquiry focuses on how these games utilize specific design elements to encourage prolonged engagement and impulsive financial decisions. Officials expressed concern that the monetization strategies—which include bundling virtual currencies and obscuring the real-world value of purchases—may exploit consumers, specifically minors.
According to the regulator’s official statement, these practices could lead players to spend significant sums without a clear understanding of their total expenditure. The authority noted that such spending often exceeds what is actually required to progress within the game.
Focus on Minors and Data Privacy
Beyond sales tactics, the investigation covers several critical areas regarding player safety and digital rights:
- Parental Controls: Regulators are examining default settings that allow minors to make purchases, engage in extended play sessions without restriction, and communicate via in-game chat.
- Data Harvesting: The AGCM is looking into the company’s consent mechanisms, alleging that the sign-up process may push users to opt into all data collection categories.
- Professional Diligence: The watchdog stated that Activision Blizzard may be failing to meet the professional standards required in a sector where the risk of gaming addiction is high.
Monetization in Free-to-Play Titles
While Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile are marketed as free-to-play, they rely heavily on loot boxes and cosmetic items for revenue. In Diablo Immortal, for example, players can spend up to $200 on specific currency bundles to accelerate character progression or craft items. These games maintain massive user bases, with hundreds of thousands of active players.
Activision Blizzard has not yet provided a response regarding the ongoing investigations. The AGCM’s move signals a growing European trend toward stricter oversight of mobile gaming economies and their impact on younger demographics.