Italy Cracks Down on Gaming Giants: The $200 Virtual Cash Trap

Italy's antitrust watchdog is probing Microsoft's Activision Blizzard for allegedly weaponizing game design to turn free-to-play titles into cash cows—targeting children and vulnerable users. The Italian Competition and Markets Authority (AGCM) has launched an investigation into Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile, accusing the company of 'misleading and aggressive' sales practices that exploit psychological vulnerabilities.

AGCM officials argue that the games' design creates 'death loops'—mechanisms that pressure players to spend money on in-game purchases for cosmetics and progression acceleration, with a stated maximum cost of $200. However, the watchdog highlights that these practices 'lead them to spend significant amounts... without being fully aware of the expenditure involved.'

The investigation specifically calls out default parental controls that allow minors to make purchases, play extended sessions, and chat freely without explicit restrictions.

During sign-up, users are required to accept all privacy consent options, further limiting transparency about data collection and spending risks.

AGCM's legal framework emphasizes a 'duty of professional diligence' in a sector 'particularly sensitive to gaming-related addiction,' suggesting the regulator views these practices as a public health concern.