Microsoft’s Activision Under Fire: Italy Leads EU Investigation Into Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal
Microsoft’s gaming division is facing fresh regulatory heat in Europe. Italy has stepped up as the lead authority in a coordinated EU consumer-protection investigation targeting Activision Blizzard, the gaming giant acquired by Microsoft.
What Is the Investigation About?
The probe centers on spending systems inside two major mobile titles: Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal. European regulators are taking a closer look at how these games handle virtual currencies, parental controls, and game design elements that may be considered manipulative toward players.
This is not a casual review. It is a structured, cross-border effort involving multiple EU consumer protection bodies working together under a coordinated framework.
Why Virtual Currencies Are in the Spotlight
Virtual currencies in mobile games have long been a gray area for regulators. Players exchange real money for in-game tokens, which then obscure the true cost of purchases. Critics argue this design makes it harder for players — especially younger ones — to understand how much they are actually spending.
Regulators in Europe appear to share these concerns. The investigation suggests that the EU is growing increasingly uncomfortable with how these systems are built and marketed to consumers.
Parental Controls Also Under Review
Beyond spending mechanics, the investigation also examines parental control systems within these games. The concern is whether parents are given enough tools and clear information to manage or limit their children’s in-game spending.
This aspect of the probe reflects a broader push across Europe to better protect younger players from potentially harmful monetization practices in video games.
Microsoft Caught in the Crossfire
For Microsoft, this comes at a difficult time. The company completed its massive acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023 and has since been working to integrate the gaming giant into its operations. Regulatory scrutiny in Europe, however, has not slowed down.
This latest investigation adds to the list of challenges Microsoft faces as it manages one of the largest gaming portfolios in the world. With titles like Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal pulling in millions of players globally, the financial stakes tied to their monetization systems are enormous.
A Broader Trend Across Europe
Italy leading this investigation signals a wider shift in how European authorities are approaching gaming companies. The EU has been steadily tightening its grip on digital markets, and the games industry is clearly not exempt.
If the investigation leads to formal penalties or required changes, it could set a precedent that forces other major publishers to rethink how they design and present in-game spending systems across the continent.
Source: TalkEsport
