Italy is investigating Activision Blizzard for forcing in-game purchases

Italy has launched two investigations into Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard, alleging the company has engaged in “misleading and aggressive” sales practices for popular smartphone games Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile.

The country’s competition regulator, Autorita Garante della Concorrenza E Del Mercato (AGCM), said the investigation focused on the use of design elements to induce users, especially children, to play for long periods of time, and to make in-game purchases by asking them not to miss out on prizes.

“This practice, together with strategies that make it difficult for users to understand the real value of the virtual currency used in the game and the sale of in-game currency in bundles, can influence players as consumers – including minors – leading to spend significant amounts, sometimes beyond what is necessary to progress in the game and without knowing the full cost involved,” in AGCM write in the statement.

AGCM said the game was advertised as free-to-play but offered in-game purchases.

It’s not surprising, though, because unlike full-priced games, free-to-play games have long relied on loot boxes and in-game cosmetic sales for monetization. Diablo Immortal, for example, offers in-game cosmetics, as well as currency that allows players to speed up their progress and get items for crafting, up to $200.

Given the nature of the game, it is not unusual for many users to repeatedly spend on such items in the course of playing.

Both Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile have player bases in the hundreds of thousands.

Authorities are also looking into the game’s parental control features, as default settings allow minors to make in-game purchases, play for an unlimited amount of time, and allow them to chat with others in-game. AGCM also highlighted privacy concerns, as the game appears to lead users to select all consent options when logging in, and said it will appear in the company’s consent process to harvest and use personal data.

“In the view of the Authority, the company can act in violation of consumer protection rules and, in particular, the professional due diligence required in the sector that is particularly sensitive to the risk of game-related addiction,” the regulator said.

Activision Blizzard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.