“Game Publisher Takes Legal Action Against Alleged ‘Lawless Enterprise’ Selling Hacked Accounts and Currency in GTA”

Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind popular gaming franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Borderlands, has filed a lawsuit against PlayerAuctions, an online marketplace accused of selling “heavily modified” player accounts, items, and virtual currency obtained through hacks and cheats. The lawsuit, recently lodged in the US Central District Court of California and reported by Polygon, targets PlayerAuctions’ Chinese owner, Paiao Network Technology.

In the lawsuit, Take-Two alleges that PlayerAuctions is operating a “lawless enterprise” with full knowledge of the widespread infringement and unauthorized activities taking place on its platform. The company claims that PlayerAuctions actively recruits sellers proficient in using hacking software to create infringing digital goods and provide illegal services related to GTA 5.

According to the legal filing, PlayerAuctions hosts numerous listings for unauthorized GTA 5 content, including modified player accounts, in-game assets, and virtual currency, all acquired through hacking software, cheats, and technical exploits. Take-Two asserts that PlayerAuctions sells manipulated accounts with inflated game levels and currency amounts, as well as content that would typically require gameplay or purchases to access.

Take-Two contends that PlayerAuctions’ actions threaten the integrity and fairness of the GTA 5 gaming experience, and despite repeated warnings and cease and desist orders, the marketplace has allegedly continued to profit from infringement. Take-Two aims to shut down PlayerAuctions’ infringing activities to protect the integrity of GTA 5 for its players.

The lawsuit seeks relief for copyright and trademark infringement and requests the court to prohibit PlayerAuctions from selling GTA 5 accounts, virtual goods, and currency, as well as from supporting hacking activities or infringing trademarks. Take-Two’s legal action follows a similar complaint filed against PlayerAuctions by Roblox Corporation last month, indicating a broader crackdown on such practices within the gaming industry.