Grand Theft Auto V Makers Face Class Action

Makers of the video game “Grand Theft Auto V” are facing a class action lawsuit in California after they allegedly advertised that the game’s online features would be available the same day as the game’s release. Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. – better known as Rockstar Games – advertised the game as having an interactive online world where users could assemble teams and compete in things like “Gang Wars” and “Team Deathmatch,” according to the complaint. However, the plaintiffs allege Take-Two did not disclose that the online version would be unavailable at the time of purchase, and accuse the company of violating the state’s false advertising and unfair competition laws.

Features were finally launched on October 1, but numerous problems with the game were still reported.

Millions of gamers purchased “Grand Theft Auto V” on its release date of September 17; however, some were disappointed to find that the online portion of the game was not available that day. There were also complaints that the online game was only able to function in single-player mode, despite advertisements boasting that gamers could play with others and form teams online. If gamers had known that the online portion of “Grand Theft Auto V” would not be available on September 17, then they would not have purchased the game at a premium price of $59.99, according to the complaint.

Online features were finally launched on October 1, but numerous problems with the game were still reported. Take-Two has since acknowledged these issues in press releases, and has even offered users a pseudo-settlement: $500,000 of virtual money that can be used by characters in the online game. They have also reportedly been issuing multiple software updates during the last two weeks to resolve any glitches. The plaintiffs seek compensation for money spent on the “defective and inactive” portion of the game and demand that Take-Two fix the game’s technical problems.

“Grand Theft Auto V” now holds the title of fastest video game to gross $1 billion in the Guinness Book of World Records – within the first 24 hours the game grossed more than $800 million in sales.