How Italy’s Probe Into Activision Blizzard Could Change Microtransaction Design Forever

As the gaming world hurtles into 2026, Italy’s ongoing probe into Activision Blizzard could spark a seismic shift in how microtransactions are designed. The Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM), Italy’s competition authority, has taken direct aim at Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile, accusing the gaming giant of employing misleading and aggressive in-game practices. These issues revolve around deceptive virtual currencies and psychological tactics, or dark patterns, designed to hook players—especially minors—into excessive spending.

The Case: A Spotlight on Microtransactions

At the core of Italy’s investigation are elements that intertwine poor transparency and harmful behavioral engineering. The AGCM has outlined practices such as:

• Deceptive virtual currency pricing: Bundles of in-game currency often mask their true monetary value.
• Time-limited rewards: Players are pushed to make purchases quickly or risk losing advantages.
• Targeting minors: The utilization of psychologically manipulative design aimed at children.

Games like Diablo Immortal have become emblematic of these strategies, offering cosmetics, performance boosts, and crafting materials priced as high as $200. While touted as ‘free-to-play,’ the reality reveals a monetization model that thrives on frequent player spending.

The AGCM’s findings address whether current microtransaction practices cross ethical lines, potentially violating EU consumer protection regulations.

Why This Matters in 2026

The timing of this investigation is critical. 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for EU gaming regulation. Following widespread scrutiny of gambling-like mechanics such as loot boxes and pay-to-win systems, several European nations, including the Netherlands and Belgium, have already enforced bans or restrictions on these practices.

Italy’s AGCM probe introduces a much-needed evaluation of microtransaction transparency and UX manipulation. As parental advocacy groups and lawmakers demand clearer delineation between gaming entertainment and covert monetization techniques, major publishers—Activision Blizzard included—face mounting pressure to rethink their designs.

Future Predictions: Redesigning Monetization Models

If the AGCM’s investigation leads to tighter regulation, the ripple effect may compel publishers globally to reshuffle their monetization schemes. A few key changes may emerge:

1. Greater transparency in virtual currency pricing, potentially showing exact dollar amounts instead of abstract bundles.
2. Stripping out predatory time-limited mechanics that exploit fear-of-missing-out (FOMO).
3. Stronger oversight on child protection practices within games, such as gated microtransactions requiring adult consent.
4. A pivot to ethical monetization through subscription models or fair-value DLCs as alternatives.

Already, developers like Supercell have announced measures to improve consumer protections within their mobile games. But for giants like Blizzard, deeper redesigns may be unavoidable as this wave of governmental intervention gains momentum.

Microtransactions Under the Microscope

The AGCM investigation isn’t just about Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty Mobile. It’s part of a broader reexamination of how the industry has normalized dark UX patterns. These tactics often exploit cognitive biases, such as urgency and sunk cost fallacy, leading players to spend money impulsively.

Identifying Dark Patterns in Gaming

Here’s a closer look at common dark patterns that could become regulatory targets:

• Monetization loops: Players are kept in ecosystems where purchasing more items feels essential.
• Sneaky choice architecture: Default settings often lean toward spending.
• Gamification of purchases: Reward tiers and achievement systems intertwined with spending.

How Gamers Can Protect Themselves

Although regulation may take time, players can proactively defend against manipulative practices. Here’s how:

1. Understand virtual currency: Convert in-game purchases to real-world value before committing.
2. Set spending limits: Use platform tools to cap monthly game-related expenses.
3. Educate younger players: Open conversations about digital purchases with children.

A Call to Action for Publishers

The AGCM’s ongoing investigation sends a clear message to publishers worldwide: it’s time to reject exploitative designs. Those who take early steps to prioritize consumer trust—offering genuine transparency and ethical gameplay loops—will likely gain competitive traction in a market increasingly demanding change.

For Activision Blizzard especially, the pressure is on. While lucrative, microtransactions have become a contentious battleground. Publishers must innovate, not only to comply with regulations but to earn back the trust of their players. Will we see a surge of ethical game design in 2026? Time will tell.

Related Reading

• Regulation & Compliance for Specialty Platforms: Data Rules, Proxies, and Local Archives (2026)
• Design Systems and Studio-Grade UI in React Native: Lighting, Motion, and Accessibility (2026)
• From Scroll to Subscription: Advanced Micro-Experience Strategies for Viral Creators in 2026
• Studio Ops in 2026: How Nebula IDE, Lightweight Monitoring and Retreats Are Reshaping Indie Game Pipelines
• Quick Studio Warm-Ups Using Rechargeable Hot-Water Alternatives
• Caring for Board Game Components: Token, Dice Tower and Card Preservation for Collectors
• UGREEN MagFlow vs Apple MagSafe: Which 3-in-1 Charger Is the Better Bargain?
• AI Ethics in Proctoring: Balancing Fairness, Privacy, and Effectiveness
• Playlist Therapy: 10 Albums to Move You Through Tough Times (and How to Use Them)