Italy’s antitrust watchdog has opened two probes into Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, accusing the gaming giant of using misleading and aggressive tactics in Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile to push children and other players into expensive in-app purchases.
At a Glance
- Regulator says design tricks nudge kids to play longer and spend more
- Games sell virtual currency in opaque bundles topping $200
- Default settings let minors buy items and chat without limits
- Why it matters: Parents could face surprise bills as minors rack up charges
The Autorita Garante della Concorrenza E Del Mercato (AGCM) argues that visual cues, countdown timers, and “don’t miss out” messages pressure users into continuous spending. Because the titles are marketed as free, players may not grasp the real cost of advancing.
Regulator Highlights ‘Aggressive’ Design
According to News Of Philadelphia‘s investigation, the authority zeroed in on:
- Urgency mechanics that warn gamers of expiring rewards
- Currency bundles that obscure true value
- Default parental controls allowing unrestricted purchases
- Consent flows steering users to share all personal data
“These practices… may influence players as consumers – including minors – leading them to spend significant amounts, sometimes exceeding what is necessary to progress in the game and without being fully aware of the expenditure involved,” the AGCM wrote.
Monetization Model Under Scrutiny
Free-to-play mobile hits commonly sell cosmetic items and loot boxes, but the regulator claims Diablo Immortal pushes the envelope by:
- Pricing premium currency packs up to $200
- Tying gear upgrades to randomised loot, encouraging repeat buys
- Promoting limited-time events that reset progress if players don’t pay
Both titles boast hundreds of thousands of Italian users, meaning potential exposure is large.
Child Protection Gaps Flagged
The probe also questions safeguards for minors. Out of the box, the games:
- Authorise in-app purchases without extra verification
- Impose no play-time caps
- Allow open chat with strangers
James O Connor Fields reported that the AGCM views such defaults as failing the “professional diligence” required under consumer-protection law, especially in a sector vulnerable to addictive behaviour.
Privacy Consent Tactics Examined
Investigators noted that signup screens pre-tick every data-sharing option and make rejecting consent less prominent. The authority will review whether this meets Europe’s transparency standards.
Possible Consequences
If the watchdog finds wrongdoing, Activision Blizzard could face:
- Heavy fines
- Mandatory redesign of payment flows
- Stricter age-gating rules
Activision Blizzard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Key Takeaways
- Italy is cracking down on monetisation tactics aimed at children in mobile games
- Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile sit at the centre of the probe
- Outcomes could reshape in-app purchase rules across the EU
