Microsoft's (MSFT) Activision Blizzard is being probed by the Italian Competition Authority over its video games 'Diablo Immortal' and 'Call of Duty Mobile' for alleged misleading and aggressive consumer practices, the regulator said on Friday.

The regulator said it is examining whether the games, marketed as free-to-play but offering in-game purchases, breach consumers' contractual rights, particularly in light of concerns around gaming addiction.

The probes focus on the use of potentially deceptive interface designs, including repeated prompts, push notifications, and time-limited offers that may encourage prolonged gameplay and increased spending, including by minors, the Italian regulator said.

The regulator said that it is also reviewing whether in-game currency systems make it difficult for users to understand real costs, and whether default parental control settings provide insufficient protection for minors.

Additional concerns include how consent for personal data processing is obtained, whether players are adequately informed of their contractual rights, and whether the company can suspend accounts without sufficient justification, potentially causing users to lose purchased digital content, it added.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.