Take-Two Interactive, known for publishing games like Grand Theft Auto and Borderlands, has initiated legal action against PlayerAuctions, an online marketplace previously scrutinized in a lawsuit by Roblox. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Central District Court of California, accuses PlayerAuctions of facilitating the sale of “heavily modified” player accounts, in-game items, and virtual currency that have been obtained through hacking and cheating.
In its legal filing, which was first reported by Polygon, Take-Two targets the Chinese owner of PlayerAuctions, Paiao Network Technology. The lawsuit describes the platform as operating a “lawless enterprise” and alleges that the company is fully aware of the widespread copyright infringement and other unauthorized activities taking place on its site.
The document states that PlayerAuctions is not just a typical online marketplace. Instead, it operates as a sophisticated platform that actively seeks out and encourages sellers skilled in using hacking tools and exploits to create and sell digital goods illegally. Take-Two’s filing specifically highlights that the website features numerous unauthorized listings for GTA 5 content, including modified player accounts, in-game assets, and virtual currency, all acquired through hacking and cheats.
Take-Two argues that the selling of hacked accounts allows players to achieve unusually high rankings and obtain vast amounts of in-game currency that would typically require significant effort or legal purchases. The lawsuit claims that such activities threaten the overall gaming experience of GTA 5 and disrupt the fairness and balance that players expect.
Take-Two has stated that it has previously provided PlayerAuctions with clear evidence of these infringements and had issued cease-and-desist orders, which the company claims have been ignored. Despite this, Paiao Network Technology continues to profit immensely from these illegal activities, reportedly raking in millions of dollars.
In its legal action, Take-Two seeks to shut down the infringing marketplace to protect the integrity of GTA 5 for its players. The company is pursuing relief for both copyright and trademark infringement, requesting that the court issues both temporary and permanent restrictions on PlayerAuctions. This includes a ban on selling player accounts or virtual goods related to GTA 5, as well as prohibiting any actions that would aid or contribute to the hacking of its software or infringe upon its trademarks.
This lawsuit from Take-Two follows a similar legal action by Roblox against PlayerAuctions in the previous month. In that case, Roblox is also seeking damages and requesting the court to stop PlayerAuctions from dealing in Roblox-related products.
Both lawsuits underscore the ongoing battle that game developers face against online marketplaces that facilitate the sale of hacked accounts and virtual goods. Such actions not only harm the gaming experience but also undermine the business models of the developers who rely on fair play and legitimate sales. The outcomes of these cases could set significant legal precedents in the gaming industry involving copyright, trademarks, and the control over virtual economies.