Italy's antitrust authority has launched an investigation into Microsoft-owned video game companies, including Activision Blizzard, concerning their use of virtual currencies. The probe, part of a broader EU initiative, aims to ensure transparency and fairness for consumers, particularly minors, in the gaming sector.
The investigation into Microsoft-owned game makers highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny over the digital economy and consumer protection in the gaming industry, potentially impacting how virtual currencies are priced and marketed across the EU.
Italy's antitrust authority announced on Thursday that it has initiated an investigation into several video game makers owned by Microsoft, focusing on their practices related to in-game virtual currencies. The probe specifically targets Activision Blizzard, though other Microsoft group companies are also under scrutiny, according to a statement from the authority.
This investigation is part of a broader, coordinated effort by the European Union's Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network. The network previously took action against nine video game companies, including Riot Games, Ubisoft, and Supercell, and had already initiated a separate action against Activision Blizzard. The overarching goal of these coordinated actions is to enhance transparency and fairness within the gaming sector, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding the rights of minors.
The focus of the probes is on the clarity and fairness of virtual currencies used for purchasing digital items such as cosmetic upgrades and weapon enhancements. The Italian regulator highlighted that these purchases are often priced in virtual currencies rather than euros, involving multiple conversion steps that can make it difficult for consumers to track their spending.
The Italian Competition Authority will lead this initiative, collaborating with its counterparts in Norway and Denmark. The regulatory bodies aim to ascertain whether these companies have engaged in a 'widespread infringement' of EU consumer protection regulations, impacting consumers in at least three EU member states. This coordinated action complements separate national investigations launched by the Italian regulator in December into Microsoft group companies concerning the popular games 'Diablo Immortal' and 'Call of Duty Mobile'.
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