Take-Two Sues PlayerAuctions Over GTA Online Item Sales

Take-Two Interactive has filed a lawsuit against PlayerAuctions, accusing the third-party marketplace of running a “lawless enterprise” by selling modded GTA Online accounts, in-game currency, and other unauthorized content.

The lawsuit, filed in California, alleges that PlayerAuctions profits from transactions involving hacked and exploited digital goods. Take-Two claims these unauthorized services disrupt GTA Online’s balance and violate Rockstar Games’ terms of service.

As reported by Polygon, Take-Two Interactive states that PlayerAuctions facilitates the sale of accounts with artificially inflated ranks, currency drops, and boosting services, all achieved through illicit means.

"Through these offerings, PlayerAuctions markets to Take-Two’s customers an otherwise impossible experience: new players can begin GTA V with billions in VC and with a massive arsenal of in-game content—such as vehicles, clothing, and weapons – configurations only possible by hacking and modifying the GTA V game in breach of the Rockstar TOS. In some cases, these listings advertise 'unlock all' accounts preloaded with maxed-out character levels and virtually all in-game assets available to acquire in GTA Online. Moreover, users buying Account Boosting Services give control of their GTA V account temporarily to an unknown third party – in violation of the Rockstar TOS – and disclose their GTA V account information, including passwords."

Take-Two argues that PlayerAuctions knowingly encourages these illicit sales, taking a cut of at least 12.99% from transactions. The company estimates PlayerAuctions’ revenue from GTA-related sales to be in the tens of millions, possibly exceeding $100 million.

This lawsuit follows a similar legal battle between Roblox and PlayerAuctions, with Take-Two also aiming to shut down the marketplace. Neither Take-Two nor PlayerAuctions have commented on the case yet.