Many sports video games like NBA 2K22 often encourage users to pay for microtransactions if they want to progress quickly in certain multiplayer modes of these games. Many gamers have frequently scrutinized this practice over the years, however, one gamer, in particular, was so fed up with the microtransactions in NBA 2K22 that they decided to go a step further.
The gaming industry has kept a close eye on the use of microtransactions and loot boxes in games ever since The Netherlands Gaming Authority declared some types of loot boxes unlawful back in 2018. This was owing to the types of microtransactions available to players in Star Wars: Battlefront 2 as many of the in-game purchases were deemed to be pay-to-win. The NGA likened the loot boxes in the game to slot machines as they offered prizes with real-world value.
One fan of NBA 2K22 decided they had had enough of these practices and filed a lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive with the help of their guardian owing to the plaintiff being a minor. The lawsuit takes aim at the NBA 2K series in general, as it notes that the games are offered for the normal purchase price of other games. However, the game then encourages players to spend more money on Virtual Currency in order to stay competitive on the multiplayer scene.
The lawsuit goes on to state that while 2K players can earn VC through normal gameplay, it is often difficult and the amount earned is often inconsistent and negligible. The packs that players can purchase were also mentioned as they allegedly lure players into spending more money on the off-chance that the next pack the player opens may contain the item that they want. The plaintiff is seeking relief in excess of $5 million as well as the cost of legal fees.
This isn't the first time that the series has seen controversy from its microtransactions. In fact, NBA 2K18 also came under fire for its microtransaction practices back in 2017. While this prompted Take-Two to make changes to the way microtransactions worked, players were still unhappy.
While microtransactions are frowned upon by most gamers, Activision was still able to make $5.1 billion from both microtransactions and DLC in 2021. This shows that backlash will hardly dissuade large companies owing to how lucrative microtransactions can be.
NBA 2K22 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: PCgamer