"Regulators say the games rely on a "deceptive user interface design" meant to encourage longer and more frequent play sessions while bombarding players with reminders and opportunities to spend real money in-game. Players might be reminded to buy a limited-time item before it's gone or urged not to miss out on rewards, with in-app messages and push notifications that reach players during and outside gameplay."
"The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has opened two investigations into Microsoft-owned game studio Activision Blizzard, centered around the mobile games Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty: Mobile. Parental control settings are also being scrutinized as the AGCM says the default settings are too permissive, such as allowing in-game purchases and unlimited play time. The watchdog will also investigate potential violations of consumer contractual rights and practices that may encourage players to unknowingly give up those rights, such as the EU's 14-day right of withdrawal."
The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) opened two investigations into Activision Blizzard over the mobile games Diablo Immortal and Call of Duty: Mobile, alleging misleading and aggressive practices to encourage in-game purchases. Regulators contend the games use a deceptive user interface design to prolong play and bombard players with reminders, limited-time offers, in-app messages, and push notifications during and outside gameplay. The AGCM raised concerns about virtual currency bundles obscuring real-world costs and about permissive default parental controls that allow purchases and unlimited play. The watchdog will probe potential violations of consumer contractual rights, including the EU's 14-day right of withdrawal. The inquiry follows concerns over loot boxes and high player spending.
Read at Engadget
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