Take-Two Interactive and 2K Games are facing a class action lawsuit regarding their use of digital currency. The lawsuit, filed on November 17 in the Northern District of California, accuses both companies of theft and deceptive business practices. It emphasizes that virtual currency purchased for big annual games like NBA 2K expires with the game's online servers and cannot be refunded or transferred to a newer title. The suit was filed by a parent on behalf of their child and seeks relief for themselves and other consumers who have experienced virtual currency expiration from November 17, 2019 to the present. Additionally, the lawsuit highlights the significant revenue generated by the video game industry through the sale of virtual currency, which is often marketed to children through product tie-ins.
The lawsuit alleges that the decision to wipe out virtual currency is uncommon in the industry, as evidenced by games like Call of Duty which allow players to transfer their currencies into future titles. It also asserts that there are no technological barriers preventing currency transfer, and 2K Games has not provided any justification for their policy. Additionally, 2K does not inform players at the time of purchase that their currency may be eliminated.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Take-Two recently stated an intention to monetize "100% of the audience" for mobile games. In unrelated news, a trailer for GTA 6 is scheduled to premiere in December.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of video games, I am deeply concerned about the class action lawsuit against Take-Two and 2K over the expiration of virtual currency in games like NBA 2K. The practice of selling virtual currency that can later be rendered worthless is not only unfair to consumers, but it also undermines the trust between players and game developers.
I have personally experienced the frustration of losing virtual currency when a game's servers are shut down. In the past, I have spent money on in-game items and currency in games like NBA 2K and other popular titles, only to see them disappear when the games were no longer supported. This has left me feeling cheated and discouraged from spending money on virtual goods in the future.
I believe that Take-Two and 2K should be held accountable for their deceptive business practices. Players should be informed at the time of purchase that their virtual currency may expire, and they should be given the option to transfer their currency to a newer title or receive a refund.
I hope that this lawsuit will bring about a change in the industry and that other game developers will learn from Take-Two and 2K's mistakes. Players deserve to be treated fairly and to have their rights respected.
