"NBA 2K" loot boxes and microtransactions are the subjects of a brand-new lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive, as per a recent report.
While the lawsuit doesn't explicitly mention the latest game in the series, "NBA 2K22," it does mention how other games in the entire franchise have encouraged players to spend more on in-game content after already paying full price for the game, writes PCGamer.
These microtransactions come in the form of buying VC (virtual currency), which is used to upgrade players and teams. Coupled with the game's so-called "fixed price model," the in-game purchases allow the game to deceive players into thinking they're going to have a "comprehensive playing experience" after buying it, only to learn that microtransactions will prove necessary to be competitive in the game.
The plaintiff who filed the class-action suit is seeking around $5 million in damages, as per NME. It was reportedly filed on behalf of a minor and their guardian, who consider Take-Two Interactive's business model with "NBA 2K" as "unfair, deceptive, and unlawful."
As for the "NBA 2K" loot boxes, the lawsuit claims they "psychologically distance" players from financial implications in the real world. This is especially true for minors who might want to buy in-game items, but could only use their guardian's (in this case, their parents) credit card information to do so.
An Old Story
This kind of lawsuit, while serious, is not exactly new in the world of video games. And Take-Two Interactive isn't even the first game company to get sued for allegedly "predatory" business practices.
EA is perhaps the most notorious out of these said companies. Two years ago, they were once again caught forcing loot boxes and microtransactions down players' throats regarding "FIFA Ultimate Team," whose implementation of loot boxes was classified as a form of gambling:
How Bad Are 'NBA 2K' Loot Boxes And Microtransactions?
The short answer: pretty bad.
Despite numerous major changes in gameplay, almost all modern "NBA 2K" titles have featured microtransactions in the form of VC, which players can top up with real-world money. VC is used to upgrade player skills and attributes, buy in-game gear, and do a lot of other things.
Even the newest entry in the series, "NBA 2K22," isn't safe from this scummy business practice. In a review by Kotaku, they called the game "a shakedown disguised as a basketball game," calling it out for reportedly having more microtransactions and loot boxes than basketball.
If you've ever played any of the newer "NBA 2K' games, you'll know. There's almost always a prodding for the player to spend more money to get VC at every turn-whether it's to upgrade their MyPlayer or buy new gear for their avatars. It's just absolutely trashy, but something companies like Take-Two Interactive still believe is essential at this day and age.
As such, it is easy to understand why parents would be appalled at just how easy it is for these games to squeeze every single cent out of people's pockets-especially those who are impressionable, like minors.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by RJ Pierce
