Teen Spends $25K on Monopoly GO Game

Summary

• A teenager reportedly spent $25,000 on Monopoly GO in-app purchases, showcasing the potential financial dangers of microtransactions.
• In-app purchases have sparked controversy before, with the industry heavily relying on microtransactions for profit.
• Users often face difficulty getting refunds on accidental purchases, highlighting the risks of spending in games like Monopoly GO.

A 17-year-old reportedly spent a staggering $25,000 on in-app purchases in Monopoly GO. Despite the game being free to download, players often find themselves shelling out significant amounts of money to unlock rewards and accelerate their progress. This case underscores the rapid accumulation of costs associated with microtransactions, as painfully discovered by the parents of this Monopoly GO player.

This incident is not isolated. Another user disclosed spending $1,000 on Monopoly GO before deciding to uninstall the game. While this amount is substantial, it pales in comparison to the $25,000 spent by the aforementioned teenager's family.

In a now-deleted Reddit post, a stepparent shared the distressing news that their 17-year-old step-daughter made 368 purchases totaling $25,000 on Monopoly GO through the App Store. Seeking advice on how to address the situation, the stepparent found little hope in the comments, where users pointed out that Monopoly GO's terms of service typically hold users responsible for all purchases, even if they are accidental. This issue is not unique to Monopoly GO; other games like Pokemon TCG Pocket have also generated significant revenue through similar microtransaction models, earning $208 million in their first month.

In-Game Microtransactions Are an Ongoing Controversy

The case of a teenager spending tens of thousands on Monopoly GO is just one example of the broader controversy surrounding in-game purchases. In 2023, a player of NBA 2K initiated a class-action lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive over its microtransaction practices, following a similar lawsuit settled by the company the previous year. Although the Monopoly GO case might not proceed to court, it adds to the growing discontent over 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 incremental nature of these purchases can make them seem less significant than a one-time large payment, which is why many gamers view them skeptically. These models can be deceptive, leading players to spend far more than they initially intended.

Unfortunately, the Reddit user in question may find it challenging to secure a refund. For others, this serves as a cautionary tale about the ease with which substantial sums can be spent in games like Monopoly GO and similar titles.