The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has initiated an investigation into Activision Blizzard, scrutinizing the monetization practices of its popular mobile titles, Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. This probe, announced on January 16, 2026, focuses on allegations of misleading in-app purchases and aggressive tactics that may breach consumer protection rules and contractual rights, particularly impacting vulnerable players including minors.
According to a report by GamesIndustry.biz, the AGCM asserts that Activision Blizzard may be employing “misleading and aggressive practices” in how it presents in-app purchases. The authority views this as a potential breach of professional diligence, especially within a sector highly susceptible to gaming-related addiction risks. The investigation highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on the monetization models prevalent in the mobile gaming industry.
The core of the AGCM’s concerns revolves around user interface design elements and sales strategies designed to influence player behavior. These methods, the authority suggests, might lead consumers, including minors, to spend significant amounts without fully grasping the expenditure involved or the real value of virtual currencies.
Allegations of deceptive design and consumer overspending
The Italian Competition Authority is specifically examining the “possible use of deceptive” UI design within Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. This includes prompts about potential rewards, both inside and outside gameplay, delivered through messages and notifications, alongside calls to purchase time-limited items. Such practices are believed to draw players back more often and extend their playtime.
Furthermore, the AGCM is scrutinizing strategies that complicate users’ understanding of the true value of in-game virtual currency, particularly the sale of currency in bundles. These tactics, the authority argues, can influence players to spend excessively, sometimes beyond what is necessary for game progression, and without full awareness of the financial commitment. The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato emphasizes the need for transparency in digital transactions.
Parental controls and data privacy under review
Beyond monetization, the AGCM’s investigation extends to the effectiveness of parental controls within these Activision Blizzard titles. A significant concern is that these controls often default to a “lower level of protection,” which permits in-game purchases and places no limits on play time or interactions with other players. This default setting raises questions about the protection afforded to younger players.
The probe also delves into how consent for personal data is obtained from players and whether consumers receive adequate information regarding their rights within these games. This aspect underscores a broader regulatory trend focusing on data governance and consumer consent in the digital entertainment space. The outcome of this Activision Blizzard monetization probe could set precedents for how mobile game developers approach player engagement and in-app purchases across Europe.
The investigation by the Italian Competition Authority signals an intensifying global focus on the ethical implications of mobile game monetization. For Activision Blizzard, this probe could necessitate significant adjustments to its in-game purchasing systems and consumer communication. The broader gaming industry will be watching closely, as regulatory bodies continue to push for greater transparency and stronger consumer protections in an ever-evolving digital marketplace.
