Clash of Clans Maker Refuses to Refund Minors for In-Game Purchases, Class Action Alleges

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges Supercell, Inc. has unlawfully failed to provide refunds for in-game purchases made by minors who play the Clash of Clans, Clash Royale and Brawl Stars video games.

The 19-page case contends that although California law provides minors with the right to disaffirm contracts, Supercell has maintained a no-refund policy for in-game items purchased by minors with real-world currency.

Per the case, the defendant’s no-refund strategy has been “immensely successful” and allowed the video game maker to rake in “massive profits” at the expense of minor players.

The lawsuit explains that Clash of Clans, Clash Royale and Brawl Stars are free to play but afford players the option to make in-game purchases using virtual currency referred to as “gems.” According to the case, the most desirable in-game items and avatars can be purchased only with gems, and the suit notes that although gems can be obtained through gameplay, players are generally required to purchase the virtual currency using real money given how long it takes to earn gems organically.

The lawsuit contends that this system of using virtual currency to purchase in-game items was designed to “capitalize on and encourage addictive behaviors,” especially in impressionable minors.

“The experience of acquiring in-game items holds a strong appeal for minors and reinforces their desire to keep playing and continue making purchases,” the complaint states.

The suit argues that although Supercell purportedly requires its terms of service to be accepted by an adult who is over 18 years old, the video game maker “still targets minors” and is well aware that “a large portion of its player base” is made up of consumers who are under 18 years of age.

According to the case, although California and most other states allow minors to disaffirm contracts and obtain refunds for certain purchases made under those contracts, the defendant’s terms of service nevertheless maintain that all purchases of virtual items are “final and non-refundable.”

The plaintiff, a minor California resident who made several in-game purchases in Clash Royale, says he “regrets these purchases and wishes to obtain a full refund” yet has been unable to do so due to Supercell’s no-refund policy.

The lawsuit further alleges that had Supercell maintained proper parental controls, the plaintiff would have been unable to make any of the in-game purchases at issue.

The plaintiff seeks to represent anyone in the U.S. who, at any time while under the age of 18, exchanged in-game virtual currency for any in-game benefit in Supercell’s games or made a purchase of virtual currency or other in-game benefit for use within the defendant’s games.

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