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Italian Authority Probes Monetization Practices in Popular Mobile Games

By  |  January 18, 2026

Italian competition regulators have launched a formal inquiry into the business practices behind two widely played mobile games tied to Activision Blizzard, the video game publisher now under Microsoft’s ownership. The probe centers on Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile, both promoted as free-to-play titles but heavily reliant on in-app purchases, according to a statement from the country’s antitrust watchdog.

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    The investigation is being led by the Italian Competition and Market Authority, known as the AGCM, which is examining whether certain design choices amount to misleading or overly aggressive commercial conduct. Per a statement from the authority, regulators believe the games may employ systems that push players toward repeated spending by fostering long play sessions and encouraging spur-of-the-moment purchases. These systems reportedly include persistent prompts, time-limited deals, and other mechanics that create a sense of urgency and fear of missing out.

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    A significant part of the inquiry focuses on the way virtual currencies are marketed within the games. According to a statement from the AGCM, the watchdog is concerned that players are not given a clear understanding of the real-world cost of these digital credits. Because the currencies are often sold in fixed bundles rather than exact amounts, users may end up spending more than they initially intended, per a statement outlining the authority’s concerns.

    Regulators have also flagged potential risks for younger audiences. Per a statement from the AGCM, minors may be particularly vulnerable to these monetization systems, as they might not fully grasp the financial consequences of digital purchases made within games. The outcome of the investigation could have broader implications for how free-to-play games operate in Italy and potentially across the European market.

    Source: Bitget