Diablo Immortal has long been criticized for its monetization. Now, there has at least been some reproach from a regulatory authority regarding part of it. However, players see not even a symbolic value in it, as the fine is far too low.
What was the problem? Diablo Immortal is a free-to-play game for PC and mobile, featuring loot boxes and a shop. Due to the random mechanics, the game received no release in two EU countries.
Before the release, however, the game had to undergo an evaluation by the Pan European Game Information (“PEGI”), which assigns age ratings across Europe. Since 2020, there has been a specific symbol for loot boxes and random systems in games.
According to PEGI, Blizzard concealed these random systems during the review of Diablo Immortal. A ruling has now been made for this.
This is the decision: In the PEGI overview, both Activision Blizzard and Plaion are presented as guilty. Blizzard is associated with Diablo Immortal, while Plaion is linked to the limited edition of Hunt: Showdown Bounty Hunter.
Both companies are to pay €5,000 for failing to disclose their systems during the review. Blizzard and Plaion have reportedly taken immediate measures to update their marketing materials.
The main criticism of Diablo Immortal is the Legendary Gems:
“There were players who spent more”
The decision has led to mockery in the gaming community. In the gaming subreddit, the corresponding thread with over 4,600 upvotes is currently one of the most popular. Players express their outrage over the amount of the fine.
It is said, for instance: For a multi-billion corporation, €5,000 is nothing. That is at most “operating costs.” There are surely even players in Diablo Immortal who alone have spent more money than that.
Even several million would be “nothing” for such companies, as the creator adds:
How did we let it get to the point where such a fine is merely the cost of doing business? 5K is nothing more than a whistle. Not even that, it’s a shoulder shrug. I can’t help but laugh at how little it is.
Nightsahde238 on reddit
Alongside the frustration, there is also discontent with the legal system in general and dissatisfaction with society today. The tone is crystal clear: hardly anyone finds the fine appropriate.
Furthermore, the shadow of the upcoming Diablo 4 looms over the discussion. Here, too, no one really knows all the content of the shop yet, which creates uncertainty among fans:
