Teen Spends $25K on Monopoly GO Game

Summary

• A teenager reportedly spent $25,000 on Monopoly GO in-app purchases, highlighting the potential financial risks associated with microtransactions.
• The gaming industry's reliance on microtransactions has been controversial, with significant profits but also numerous complaints from users.
• Refunds for accidental purchases can be challenging to obtain, emphasizing the dangers of in-game spending in titles like Monopoly GO.

A 17-year-old reportedly spent a staggering $25,000 on in-app purchases in Monopoly GO, a free-to-play game that encourages players to spend real money to unlock rewards and accelerate their progress. This incident underscores the potential for microtransactions to accumulate into significant expenses, as the parents of this young player have discovered.

This case is not isolated. Another user reported spending $1,000 on Monopoly GO before deciding to delete the app, a sum that, while substantial, pales in comparison to the $25,000 spent by the teenager. The issue came to light when a Reddit user, in a now-deleted post, revealed that their 17-year-old step-daughter had made 368 purchases totaling $25,000 through the App Store. Seeking advice on how to address the situation, the stepparent was met with discouraging news from the community. Many pointed out that Monopoly GO's terms of service typically hold users accountable for all purchases, even those made unintentionally. This practice is common in freemium games, as evidenced by Pokemon TCG Pocket, which generated $208 million in its first month largely through microtransactions.

In-Game Microtransactions Are an Ongoing Controversy

The controversy surrounding in-game purchases is not new. In 2023, an NBA 2K player initiated a class-action lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive over its microtransaction model, following a similar lawsuit settled by the company the previous year. While the Monopoly GO case may not reach the courtroom, it adds to the growing list of grievances against in-app spending.

The gaming industry's reliance on microtransactions is driven by their profitability. For instance, Diablo 4 players collectively spent over $150 million on microtransactions. The model encourages small, frequent purchases, which can lead players to spend more than they initially intended. This approach, while lucrative for developers, often leaves players feeling misled and frustrated.

Unfortunately, the Reddit user's chances of obtaining a refund appear slim. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for others about the ease with which significant sums can be spent in games like Monopoly GO.