GTA publisher Take-Two is suing PlayerAuctions, a third-party asset marketplace that allows people to buy and sell GTA Online accounts and items.
As reported by Polygon, Take-Two alleges: "PlayerAuctions offers a vast online marketplace containing thousands of listings for unauthorized, infringing GTA 5 content – including heavily modified player accounts, in-game assets, and virtual currency – all gained by using hacking software, cheats, and technical exploits."
I checked out the PlayerAuctions website myself and saw plenty of GTA Online accounts across all platforms that come with hundreds of millions of in-game dollars, businesses, cars, and other buffs such as maxed out character stats or a high level. Accounts sold on the platform range from $5 to $850.
Take-Two claims "PlayerAuctions reaps millions in revenue by taking a cut of every transaction on its marketplace." It also alleges the website "harms innocent GTA 5 players," because the site "risks upending the GTA 5 player experience and interferes with the balance and fairness of the game."
In GTA Online, you either buy in-game money via shark cards that cost real money, or you grind missions and criminal activities. So, while buying a hacked or boosted account can hurt other players, it also likely hurts Take-Two as it means fewer people are going to be buying the shark cards.
A big sticking point in the lawsuit is the use of hacks, glitches, mods, and exploits that Take-Two claims infringe on its intellectual property. It does also note that giving over control of your GTA Online account to a third-party is a violation of its code of conduct, which implies even if you simply paid someone to play the game for you a lot and grind out missions your account could be at risk if Take-Two found out.
I'll admit, the grind in GTA Online can be a long and arduous one, but if you pop on a podcast or play with friends it's a nice way to pass some hours. I don't see the point in paying for boosting. If you're not enjoying the grind, why are you playing?
While you're here, check out everything we know about GTA 6 – I wonder if it will revamp GTA Online?
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Former Xbox boss says GTA: San Andreas and its infamously NSFW Hot Coffee minigame "signified a maturing of the industry" and put games "on par with movies and music"
A GTA streamer is trying to beat every single 3D entry without dying, and in 33 hours he's made it as far as San Andreas but keeps getting caught in Vice City purgatory
