Italy’s antitrust authority has opened an investigation into Activision Blizzard over in-game purchases in Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal. The inquiry will examine whether the games’ monetisation practices may breach European Union consumer protection rules, particularly those designed to protect children and other vulnerable users.
The case is at an investigative stage, meaning no final finding of wrongdoing has been made. Authorities will now assess how players are encouraged to buy digital items, how pricing information is presented and whether safeguards for younger users are adequate.
What the Italian investigation concerns
The investigation focuses on two mobile games operated by Activision Blizzard: Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal. Both titles use in-game monetisation, allowing players to purchase virtual items, upgrades or other digital content.
Italy’s antitrust authority, formally known as the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato, is examining whether these practices could represent a broad infringement of EU consumer protection requirements. The authority’s concerns are particularly relevant where children may be exposed to commercial prompts or encouraged to spend money without fully understanding the transaction.
The investigation may consider issues such as:
- How clearly the cost of virtual items is disclosed;
- Whether game design encourages repeated or impulsive purchases;
- How parental controls and age protections operate;
- Whether children can be influenced to seek purchases from parents;
- Whether important information about digital goods is easy for consumers to find.
The available information does not establish that Activision Blizzard has breached the law. Any final conclusion would depend on the authority’s assessment of evidence and the company’s response.
Why the case matters for EU consumer protection
In-game purchases have become a significant part of the digital entertainment market. Unlike a one-off purchase, mobile games can generate repeated transactions through virtual currencies, limited-time offers, reward systems and personalised prompts.
That model has increased scrutiny from regulators across Europe. Consumer protection law can apply to digital services when businesses provide unclear pricing, omit important information or use commercial practices that may materially distort a consumer’s decision.
Children are a particular focus because they may have less experience with advertising, digital payments and the difference between virtual items and real-world value. They may also have limited control over the payment method connected to a family account.
The inquiry therefore forms part of wider European technology regulation and EU consumer rights enforcement. It also reflects a growing debate about whether existing rules are sufficient for games that combine entertainment, social features and continuous spending opportunities.
Is this an EU decision or an Italian case?
This is an Italian national investigation rather than a decision adopted directly by the European Commission or the European Parliament. However, the authority is assessing conduct against consumer protection principles that operate within the EU legal framework.
National competition and consumer authorities play an important role in enforcing EU rules. Their decisions can affect companies operating across the single market, especially when similar digital products are offered to consumers in several member states.
The case does not mean that new EU laws have already been adopted or that the games have been found unlawful. It is an investigation, and the legal position may change as evidence is gathered.
What happens next?
Activision Blizzard will have an opportunity to respond to the authority’s concerns and provide information about its business practices. Investigators may examine the games, purchasing pathways, terms and conditions, parental tools and marketing material.
Possible outcomes could include:
- The investigation being closed without a finding of infringement;
- Commitments by the company to change certain practices;
- A formal finding that consumer protection rules were breached;
- Enforcement action or penalties, subject to the applicable legal process.
The precise timetable has not been established in the information available. Any eventual decision could also be subject to legal challenge under the relevant Italian procedures.
What it could mean for players and parents
For players, the investigation may increase attention on the transparency of virtual currencies and digital purchases. Parents may wish to review payment settings, account permissions and parental controls on devices used by children.
Practical steps include:
- Disabling purchases without approval;
- Using device-level age and spending restrictions;
- Checking whether virtual currency obscures the real price of an item;
- Reviewing transaction alerts and account statements;
- Discussing with children that digital rewards can involve real-money spending.
These steps do not depend on the outcome of the investigation and can help families manage spending across mobile games and other digital services.
Relevance for Ireland and the wider single market
The investigation is being conducted in Italy, so it does not automatically impose a new requirement on Irish consumers or businesses. Nevertheless, its subject has wider relevance because major mobile games are distributed throughout the European single market.
If the company changes its practices following regulatory action, those changes could potentially affect users in other EU countries where the same games and purchasing systems are available. Irish consumers are already protected by EU consumer law, but enforcement and complaints may involve national authorities, depending on the circumstances.
The case also adds to European technology regulation discussions involving online platforms, games, advertising and child safety. It may encourage other authorities to examine how digital products present spending opportunities to younger users.
What the investigation does not establish
The opening of a case is not a ruling that the games are unsafe or that the company has committed an offence. It is a procedural step allowing regulators to test whether the business practices comply with applicable rules.
Until the Italian authority publishes further findings, claims about liability, penalties or required changes would be premature. The central issue is whether the design and presentation of in-game spending may undermine informed consumer choice, particularly among children.
Conclusion
The Italian investigation into Activision Blizzard places in-game spending and child protection at the centre of a significant EU consumer rights debate. No infringement has been established, but the inquiry could clarify how European regulators interpret consumer protection rules in mobile gaming. The next important step will be the authority’s assessment of evidence and any response or commitments from the company.
