Italy’s AGCM Investigates Microsoft’s Gaming Monetization Tactics in Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile
Italian antitrust regulator AGCM has launched a probe into Microsoft's aggressive in-game sales tactics for Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. The investigation focuses on practices that may coerce players—including minors—into spending more time and money through limited-time offers, unclear virtual currency valuations, and bundled purchases.
Regulators highlight concerns about parental control defaults that facilitate unauthorized purchases by children. This scrutiny comes as Microsoft's $69.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard continues to face regulatory oversight, despite previous concessions to European authorities.
The case echoes past controversies around Activision's monetization strategies, which previously led to ad removals in Call of Duty titles following player backlash. Neither Microsoft nor Activision Blizzard has commented on the ongoing investigation.
