An investigation has been launched in Italy against Microsoft, which is accused of using aggressive monetization tactics in games like Call of Duty Mobile and Diablo Immortal. Italian regulators claim that the use of in-game notifications and virtual currency to encourage purchases violates consumer rights and leads to unauthorized spending, particularly among underage players. At FinancialMediaGuide, we believe this investigation raises important questions about the regulation of the gaming industry and the need to review existing monetization models.
Regulators have focused on mechanisms that encourage players to spend money on in-game items, often without realizing the real costs. The virtual currency used in these games allows for purchases that can significantly exceed the minimum expenses required to progress in the game. At FinancialMediaGuide, we note that such approaches violate the principles of transparency and fairness in the gaming business, posing a threat to the financial well-being of users.
Another serious issue is the ineffective parental control systems. Despite the availability of such features in the games, parents find it difficult to track their children’s spending, allowing underage players to make unintended purchases. FinancialMediaGuide emphasizes that companies must improve these systems by providing parents with more flexible and user-friendly tools to control their children’s spending.
Moreover, the investigation also touches on the issue of account blocking. Players whose accounts have been banned lose not only access to the games but also to all virtual items purchased with real money. At FinancialMediaGuide, we believe the refund and account recovery systems need significant improvement to avoid negative consequences for users and ensure greater security for their investments.
This case highlights the growing trend of tightening control over monetization methods in mobile and video games. According to analysts at FinancialMediaGuide, regulation of microtransactions and in-game purchases will be a key topic in the coming years. We forecast that there will be an increase in investigations and legislative initiatives aimed at protecting consumer rights and improving transparency in the gaming industry.
For companies like Microsoft, it’s crucial to adapt their monetization methods to new regulatory requirements. At FinancialMediaGuide, we emphasize that those who implement fairer and more transparent models will gain a competitive advantage in the market and build user trust.
Finally, we expect stricter regulation in the gaming industry, forcing companies to rethink their monetization strategies. We at Financial Media Guide predict that in the future, games with fair and transparent monetization will be the most successful in the market, ensuring long-term player trust and minimizing legal risks for developers.
