Italy launches EU-backed probe into Microsoft-owned gaming companies
MSFT•Italy’s antitrust authority launched an EU-coordinated probe into Microsoft-owned game makers, including Activision Blizzard, over virtual-currency practices. Regulators will examine whether the companies may have infringed EU consumer-protection rules affecting consumers in at least three member states.
1. Probe targets virtual currencies
Italy’s antitrust authority said it had launched a probe into several Microsoft-owned video-game makers, including Activision Blizzard, over the transparency and fairness of in-game virtual currencies. The currencies are used to buy items such as cosmetic upgrades and weapon enhancements, and purchases may involve multiple conversions that make spending harder to understand.
2. EU consumer action
The probe is part of a coordinated initiative by the EU’s Consumer Protection Cooperation Network. Italy will lead the work with authorities in Norway and Denmark to determine whether the companies may have committed a widespread infringement of EU consumer-protection rules affecting consumers in at least three member states.
3. Earlier national investigations
The coordinated action complements Italian investigations opened in December into Microsoft group companies over “Diablo Immortal” and “Call of Duty Mobile.”
