Italy’s antitrust authority has opened an investigation into Activision Blizzard’s monetisation practices in Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal, focusing on whether children may be exposed to consumer-protection risks.
The case places in-game purchases, digital advertising and child protection at the centre of a wider European debate about how online games should be marketed and sold. It is an investigation, not a final finding that the company has breached EU law.
What the Italian investigation concerns
Italy’s competition and consumer authority is examining whether practices used in the mobile versions of Call of Duty and Diablo could amount to a widespread infringement of EU consumer-protection rules. The source material identifies children as a particular focus of the inquiry.
Mobile games commonly generate revenue through optional purchases made inside an app. These may include virtual currency, cosmetic items, additional features or other digital content. The investigation will consider whether the way such purchases are presented could affect consumers’ ability to make informed decisions, especially when younger players are involved.
The available information does not establish that Activision Blizzard has been found liable. Authorities must complete the investigation and assess the evidence before deciding whether any enforcement action is justified.
The games named in the case
- Call of Duty Mobile: a mobile title built around the Call of Duty franchise.
- Diablo Immortal: a mobile game based on Blizzard’s Diablo series.
Both games use digital monetisation, making them relevant to questions about transparency, spending controls and the protection of younger users.
Why the case matters for EU consumer protection
The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of digital platforms and games across the European Union. Regulators are examining whether online commercial practices are sufficiently clear, whether consumers are encouraged to spend through potentially misleading design and whether children receive additional protection.
In-game purchases can create particular challenges because virtual currency may make the real-world price of an item less obvious. Games may also use timed offers, rewards, personalised prompts or progression systems that encourage repeated spending. Whether any particular practice breaches the law depends on the evidence and the applicable legal framework.
The case is therefore part of a broader area of EU policy involving:
- consumer information and fair commercial practices;
- the protection of children in digital environments;
- online platform design and advertising;
- parental controls and spending limits; and
- the transparency of virtual goods and digital currencies.
Is this an EU decision?
No. The investigation is being conducted by an Italian national authority, rather than by the European Commission or the European Parliament. However, it concerns EU consumer-protection rules and could contribute to wider regulatory discussion about gaming practices across the single market.
National authorities in EU member states can investigate conduct affecting consumers in their jurisdictions. Depending on the facts, authorities may coordinate through European enforcement networks or take account of common EU guidance and case law.
That means the case should not be described as a new EU law or a final European Union decision. At this stage, it is an Italian investigation into possible non-compliance.
What happens next?
The authority will gather information and assess the companies’ practices. This may involve examining how purchases are advertised, how prices are displayed, what warnings or controls are provided and whether children are particularly likely to be targeted or influenced.
Possible outcomes could include closure of the investigation, commitments by the company, corrective measures or penalties if a breach is ultimately established. The source material does not confirm which outcome will follow.
Activision Blizzard would normally have opportunities to respond during the proceedings. Any final decision could also be subject to legal challenge under the relevant procedures.
What it could mean for players and parents
The investigation does not automatically change how the games operate. Players and parents should therefore not assume that purchases have been suspended or that new restrictions are already in force.
Families can nevertheless reduce risks associated with accidental or unwanted spending by:
- reviewing account and device payment settings;
- using parental controls where available;
- checking whether purchases use virtual currency;
- discussing spending limits with children; and
- keeping records of disputed or unauthorised transactions.
These practical steps apply regardless of the eventual outcome of the Italian proceedings.
The wider European technology debate
Gaming is increasingly included in discussions about EU technology regulation because it combines entertainment, advertising, data use and digital commerce. Regulators are also paying closer attention to how online services affect minors and whether interface design can steer users towards commercial decisions.
For the industry, the case highlights the importance of clear pricing, age-appropriate design and transparent communication. For consumers, it underlines that the legal status of a digital purchase may depend on national enforcement as well as shared EU rules.
Conclusion
The Italian investigation into Activision Blizzard is an important development in European consumer-protection oversight, but it is not yet a finding of wrongdoing or a new EU rule. The next significant step will be the authority’s assessment of the evidence and any decision on whether the monetisation practices in Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal comply with EU consumer law.
