Italy’s Investigation Into Activision Blizzard: What It Means for Mobile Gacha and Kids’ Safety

UUnknown

2026-02-15

5 min read

Italy investigates Activision Blizzard for predatory in-game purchases. What it means for kids' safety and mobile gaming regulation in 2026.

In recent months, Italy’s Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM) launched an investigation into the gaming titan’s practices surrounding its top mobile titles: Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. This probe focuses on alleged “misleading and aggressive” sales practices aimed particularly at younger audiences and their interactions with in-game purchases and loot boxes. As gamers move deeper into 2026, the stakes for consumer protection in gaming are higher than ever, especially as regulators worldwide crack down on predatory monetization tactics.

What is the AGCM Investigating?

The AGCM's investigation isn’t your usual corporate slap-on-the-wrist—it digs into two key areas: the psychological design targeting children and the lack of transparency behind virtual currencies and bundles sold within mobile games. Specifically, the regulator alleges that these design systems exploit players’ behavioral tendencies by presenting rewards as limited-time offers or making progression seem unattainable without spending real money.

Breaking Down the Concerns

Manipulative Gameplay Design: Features like timed rewards and limited promotional offers encourage long hours of play, creating psychological pressure, particularly for younger gamers.
Lack of Transparency: Virtual currency, often presented in varying bundles or tiers, disguises its real-world value, complicating decision-making and leading to overspending.
Targeting Minors: The games are free-to-play, but their monetization strategies put children—who may not fully grasp financial consequences—at risk of overspending.

Why Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile Are Under the Spotlight

Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile represent the epitome of modern mobile monetization strategies. Diablo Immortal, for example, offers stunning visuals and thrilling gameplay but monetizes through expensive in-game purchases, including cosmetic upgrades, crafting materials, and advancement accelerators—some costing upwards of $200. Similarly, Call of Duty Mobile features seasonal passes and loot box mechanics that incentivize high spending during limited-time events.

These games provide examples of a broader industry-wide trend: game mechanics specifically designed to maximize revenue with minimal regard for ethical implications. In 2026, these methods are clashing with evolving proposals for regulatory oversight to protect vulnerable players.

Regulators vs. Gaming Giants: The Bigger Picture

Italy is not alone in its scrutiny. Governments across the globe are growing increasingly concerned about the unchecked growth of digital monetization in gaming. Recent legislative pushes in the EU, the UK, and even the United States indicate heightened awareness surrounding loot boxes, addictive gameplay designs, and predatory in-game purchase systems.

"The year 2026 marks a turning point for gaming regulation, as governments are increasingly holding developers accountable for practices that exploit consumer psychology, especially among minors."

Global Trends Driving Regulation

Mandatory Disclosure: Regulators in the EU are pushing for full transparency regarding virtual currency exchange rates.
Loot Box Bans: Certain countries are now classifying loot boxes as gambling, requiring strict limits or outright bans.
Parental Controls: Enhanced parental locks in games to prevent unauthorized purchases.

How This Impacts Gamers—and Parents

For gamers, especially younger players and their families, these investigations highlight significant risks: overspending, potential addiction, and unclear understanding of in-game economics. Parents may need to remain vigilant, ensuring they use parental locks and actively monitor game activity.

Actionable Tips for Players and Parents

Educate Yourself: Players should familiarize themselves with the monetization mechanics of their favorite games.
Enable Parental Controls: Parents can set spending limits or block purchases altogether using built-in tools.
Monitor Playtime: Avoid letting children play excessively, particularly games with timed rewards or seasonal grind mechanics.
Think Before You Buy: Consider whether in-game purchases genuinely add value before spending real money.

Potential Outcomes of the AGCM Probe

While the AGCM’s decision is far from final, potential ramifications for Activision Blizzard—and the industry at large—are significant. If found guilty, sanctions might include:

Remediation measures, such as clearer price transparency for virtual bundles.
Fines for misleading marketing or monetization schemes.
Mandatory redesign of mechanics targeting minors.
Future influence on standard practices for mobile game monetization globally.

For consumers, these changes could level the playing field, ensuring mobile games deliver value without exploiting their audiences. For developers, it could mean radically rethinking monetization strategies pioneered over the last decade.

What’s Next for Activision Blizzard?

Given its high-profile status, Activision Blizzard faces pressure from the gaming community, regulators, and even investors to adapt. While its mobile successes are undeniable, this investigation may signal a need to innovate responsibly. Transparency, ethical game design, and consumer-friendly practices could become key differentiators in how the company rebuilds trust.

As industry standards evolve in 2026, competitors will also be watching closely, with many likely adopting new safety measures to stay ahead of regulatory tides.

Your Voice Matters

The gaming community plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobile gaming. Stay informed, participate in discussions, and hold game publishers accountable. Share your experiences and insights with others—and help usher in a safer, fairer world for gaming.

What are your thoughts on the AGCM’s investigation? Do you believe mobile gaming needs stricter regulations? Join the discussion in our community forums or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on gaming news and consumer rights.

Unknown

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.