Activision Blizzard Faces Probe by Italian Regulatory Body Over Aggressive Monetization Practices in Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile

The Italian Competition Authority, Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), has initiated an investigation into Activision Blizzard's monetization strategies for Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. According to the authority's website, the game developer has been accused of employing "misleading and aggressive practices" in its in-app purchase offerings, thereby infringing upon consumers' contractual rights. The AGCM believes that Activision Blizzard may be violating consumer protection laws, particularly in regards to the duty of professional diligence required in a sector prone to gaming addiction risks. The investigation will focus on the potential use of deceptive user interface design to lure customers back to the games more frequently and induce longer play sessions. This includes prompts about potential rewards, in-game messages and notifications, as well as calls to purchase limited-time items. The authority is concerned that these tactics, combined with the bundling of in-game currency sales and the lack of transparency regarding the currency's true value, may lead players - including minors - to spend significant amounts without being fully aware of their expenditures. Additionally, the AGCM is examining the games' parental controls, which default to a lower protection level allowing in-game purchases and failing to limit playtime or interactions with other players. The authority is also investigating how consent for personal data is obtained and whether consumers are adequately informed of their rights in these games. Activision Blizzard has been contacted for comment.