https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/16/italy-investigates-activision-blizzard-for-pushing-in-game-purchases/ [tc-lockup] TechCrunch Desktop Logo [tc-lo] TechCrunch Mobile Logo * Latest * Startups * Venture * Apple * Security * AI * Apps * Events * Podcasts * Newsletters Search [ ]Submit * Site Search Toggle Mega Menu Toggle Topics Latest AI Amazon Apps Biotech & Health Climate Cloud Computing Commerce Crypto Enterprise EVs Fintech Fundraising Gadgets Gaming Google Government & Policy Hardware Instagram Layoffs Media & Entertainment Meta Microsoft Privacy Robotics Security Social Space Startups TikTok Transportation Venture More from TechCrunch Staff Events Startup Battlefield StrictlyVC Newsletters Podcasts Videos Partner Content TechCrunch Brand Studio Crunchboard Contact Us logo of ''Activision Blizzard'' is displayed on a mobile phone screen in front of a computerImage Credits:Anadolu / Getty Images Gaming Italy investigates Activision Blizzard for pushing in-game purchases Ram Iyer 7:02 AM PST * January 16, 2026 Italy has launched two investigations into Microsoft's Activision Blizzard, alleging the company has engaged in "misleading and aggressive" sales practices for its popular smartphone games Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. The country's competition regulator, Autorita Garante della Concorrenza E Del Mercato (AGCM), said the investigations focus on the use of design elements to induce users, particularly children, into playing for long periods, and make in-game purchases by urging them to not miss out on rewards. "These practices, together with strategies that make it difficult for users to understand the real value of the virtual currency used in the game and the sale of in-game currency in bundles, may influence players as consumers -- including minors -- leading them to spend significant amounts, sometimes exceeding what is necessary to progress in the game and without being fully aware of the expenditure involved," the AGCM wrote in a statement. The AGCM said the games are advertised as free-to-play but offer in-game purchases. That isn't particularly surprising, however, as, unlike full-priced games, free-to-play games have long relied on loot boxes and sales of in-game cosmetics for monetization. Diablo Immortal, for example, offers in-game cosmetics, as well as currency that allows players to accelerate their progression and gain items for crafting, for as much as $200. Given the nature of the game, it's not unusual for many users to repeatedly spend on such items in the course of play. Both Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile have player bases in the hundreds of thousands. The authority is also looking into the games' parental control features, as the default settings lets minors make in-game purchases, play for long periods without restraints, and allow them to chat with others in-game. The AGCM also highlighted privacy concerns, as the games appear to lead users to select all consent options when signing up, and said it would look into the company's consent process for harvesting and using personal data. "In the Authority's view, the company may be acting in breach of consumer protection rules and, in particular, the duty of professional diligence required in a sector that is particularly sensitive to the risks of gaming-related addiction," the regulator said. Activision Blizzard did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Techcrunch event Join the Disrupt 2026 Waitlist Add yourself to the Disrupt 2026 waitlist to be first in line when Early Bird tickets drop. Past Disrupts have brought Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, Box, Phia, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla to the stages -- part of 250+ industry leaders driving 200+ sessions built to fuel your growth and sharpen your edge. Plus, meet the hundreds of startups innovating across every sector. Join the Disrupt 2026 Waitlist Add yourself to the Disrupt 2026 waitlist to be first in line when Early Bird tickets drop. Past Disrupts have brought Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, Box, Phia, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla to the stages -- part of 250+ industry leaders driving 200+ sessions built to fuel your growth and sharpen your edge. Plus, meet the hundreds of startups innovating across every sector. San Francisco | October 13-15, 2026 WAITLIST NOW Topics Activision Blizzard, antitrust investigation, call of duty mobile, diablo immortal, Gaming, Government & Policy, Italy, Microsoft Ram Iyer Ram Iyer Editor Ram is a financial and tech reporter and editor. He covered North American and European M&A, equity, regulatory news and debt markets at Reuters and Acuris Global, and has also written about travel, tourism, entertainment and books. You can contact or verify outreach from Ram by emailing ram.iyer@techcrunch.com. View Bio Event Logo Dates TBD Locations TBA Plan ahead for the 2026 StrictlyVC events. 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