NBA 2K Lawsuit

Take-Two Interactive Software, the parent company of 2K Sports, faces mounting legal scrutiny over NBA 2K’s monetization practices.

Lawsuits allege the NBA 2K video game employs deceptive practices and gambling-like mechanics, particularly targeting younger players through loot boxes that are structurally and psychologically akin to gambling.

These legal challenges question whether Take-Two prioritizes profits over player well-being, raising concerns about how the game’s virtual currency systems (fictions created by game publishers) and randomized reward mechanics may exploit vulnerable populations.

What the NBA 2K Lawsuits Claim

Legal actions against Take-Two Interactive center on allegations that the company employs loot boxes and deceptive monetization practices that violate consumer protection laws and constitute illegal gambling.

Plaintiffs argue these systems were deliberately engineered to optimize revenue from vulnerable players.

Plaintiffs have brought forward multiple allegations against Take-Two Interactive:

• Plaintiffs allege NBA 2K uses “unfair, deceptive, greedy, and unlawful practices, including illegal gambling practices” that mislead consumers through exploitative game design mimicking casino-style gambling mechanics
• A 2022 lawsuit filed in Illinois on behalf of a minor sought $5 million in damages plus litigation costs, claiming loot boxes “psychologically distance” players from real-life financial consequences while encouraging continued spending
• Claims focus on how Take-Two allegedly prioritizes profits over player well-being, particularly regarding minors who lack the fully developed impulse control to recognize manipulative design patterns employed throughout the game

The original complaint was submitted to Winnebago County Circuit Court on January 11, 2022, before being transferred to Illinois Northern District Court on February 25, 2022.

The lawsuit emphasizes particular harm to young players who cannot fully grasp how these monetization systems exploit their psychology.

Please be advised that any projected or estimated settlement amounts mentioned on this page are general estimations and are not guaranteed.

These figures are based on opinions of legal experts based on the nature of the injuries and estimated costs of damages.

They are meant to provide a general idea of what settlement ranges could look like and should not be taken as definitive expectations for your case.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation.

Current Status of NBA 2K Legal Claims

The legal landscape surrounding NBA 2K continues developing as courts examine whether loot box mechanics constitute illegal gambling.

The following developments define the current state of legal proceedings:

• As of 2025, there is not a certified class action lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive for NBA 2K; claims are being pursued individually
• Legal actions against Take-Two mirror similar lawsuits against other game publishers over loot box mechanics
• The British Columbia Supreme Court certified a class action against Electronic Arts over similar loot box practices on December 5, 2024, signaling growing judicial recognition

International precedents shape how courts evaluate loot box litigation.

Law firms have filed comparable suits against publishers including Activision Blizzard and Epic Games.

These parallel cases may influence Take-Two’s NBA 2K litigation.

If you or your child has experienced harm from NBA 2K’s game design, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a video game addiction lawsuit today.

The two primary game modes at the center of legal concerns are MyTeam, a card-collecting mode, and MyCareer, a player progression mode.

Both integrate Virtual Currency (VC), which can be purchased with real money.

Critics argue these modes create gambling-like experiences through loot box mechanics that 93% of UK children encounter, with 40% having opened loot boxes, fostering addictive behaviors.

Virtual Currency and Microtransaction Systems

NBA 2K’s Virtual Currency (VC) monetization system creates continuous economic pressure encouraging repeated real-money purchases.

NBA 2K’s Virtual Currency system functions through interconnected monetization methods:

• NBA 2K’s Virtual Currency serves as the primary monetization mechanism, creating a continuous cycle that encourages repeated purchases
• Players can spend VC on attribute upgrades, cosmetic items, card packs, and in-game advantages – or purchase VC directly with real money
• The game allegedly creates time-gated progression pressuring players to buy virtual currency to improve their gaming experience, with reports noting players could spend up to £95 to reach competitive levels from day one

The £700 million UK loot box market in 2019 demonstrates the scale of these monetization practices.

Research indicates approximately 5% of loot box users spend over £70 monthly and generate roughly half of industry revenues, suggesting these systems disproportionately extract funds from vulnerable players.

If you or a loved one has suffered financial harm from NBA 2K’s virtual currency system, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit today.

Randomized Rewards and Casino-Style Mechanics

MyTeam mode employs casino-style mechanics through randomized card packs that critics compare to slot machines and gambling.

Critics have identified several casino-style elements within the game:

• MyTeam mode features randomized card packs critics compare to slot machines, complete with spinning wheels, roulette-style animations, and jackpot-style prize reveals
• The NBA 2K20 MyTeam trailer featuring players like LeBron James drew widespread criticism for prominently displaying pachinko machines, slot machine interfaces, ball-drop games, and other casino imagery
• The “Ante-Up” feature within MyCareer allows players to wager VC against other players – effectively gambling real money in a game rated for ages 10 and up

Despite these mechanics, NBA 2K received an “E for Everyone” rating from ESRB and PEGI 3 (ages 3+).

PEGI acknowledged the “controversial imagery” but stated mechanics didn’t meet gambling descriptor criteria.

This rating disconnect raises concerns about children’s exposure to gambling-style systems.

If you believe you or your child developed addictive behaviors due to NBA 2K’s casino-style mechanics, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a lawsuit for video game addiction today.

Gaming addiction can have documented effects on players, particularly younger individuals.

Lawsuits and published medical research have identified specific harms allegedly linked to prolonged engagement with games featuring gambling-like mechanics.

Gaming disorder is defined by the WHO as a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming, and continuation despite negative consequences.

These impacts form the foundation of legal claims against Take-Two Interactive.

Psychological and Neurological Effects

Research indicates loot boxes trigger gambling-like psychological responses in players, particularly affecting younger individuals who lack fully developed impulse control.

Research has documented the following effects on players’ mental health and brain function:

• Research indicates loot boxes are “structurally and psychologically akin to gambling”, with studies showing players experience marked increases in arousal anticipating loot box openings – similar to slot machine responses
• Gaming addiction linked to NBA 2K can happen gradually, leading to impaired impulse control, psychological dependence, and mental health challenges including feelings of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents
• Variable reward systems (randomized outcomes) exploit psychological triggers that compel players to continue playing and spending

Research commissioned by GambleAware found robust evidence that loot boxes function psychologically like gambling.

Approximately one-third of high-spending loot box purchasers fall into the “problem gambler” category based on standardized assessments.

The WHO formally classified Gaming Disorder in the ICD-11 in 2019, recognizing these behavioral patterns as legitimate medical concerns requiring intervention.

Financial Consequences for Players and Families

Financial harms to minors and families from in-game purchases represent a growing concern, with vulnerable populations bearing disproportionate costs.

Financial harm manifests in several documented ways:

• Minors using parents’ credit cards face no friction in making repeated purchases until remaining funds are depleted, with approximately 5% of loot box purchasers spending over £70 monthly
• The lawsuit alleges loot boxes “psychologically distance” players, especially minors, from the real-life financial implications of their purchases
• Social pressure in online multiplayer modes creates additional spending pressure as players feel compelled to keep pace with friends and opponents

Cumulative financial damage can reach thousands of dollars before families recognize the problem and struggle to maintain their financial stability.

Research indicates 93% of UK children play video games and up to 40% have opened loot boxes, with the top 5% of spenders accounting for approximately half of all loot box revenue.

If you or a loved one has experienced financial loss or psychological harm linked to NBA 2K’s game design practices, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit today.

The central legal question is whether loot boxes constitute illegal gambling under existing laws.

This remains unsettled in the United States, with courts and regulators reaching different conclusions.

Loot boxes present a unique regulatory challenge because traditional gambling definitions require risking something of value for a chance at winning something of value.

The UK Parliament has called for immediate action to bring loot boxes within gambling legislation.

How Courts Have Ruled on Loot Boxes

Court rulings on loot boxes vary substantially across jurisdictions, creating an inconsistent legal landscape.

Courts across different jurisdictions have issued varied rulings on loot boxes:

• In California cases against Apple and Google, courts ruled that loot box prizes are not “things of value” under state gambling laws because items can only be used in-game
• However, courts did not definitively rule on whether loot boxes constitute gambling, leaving the legal status unclear
• In news that shook the industry, an Austrian court ruled FIFA packs (similar to NBA 2K card packs) constitute “illegal gambling” in February 2023, calling it a “wake-up call for the entire video game industry”

International Regulations and Future Outlook

International approaches to loot box regulation vary widely, with some countries implementing strict prohibitions while others adopt warning labels or age restrictions.

Governments worldwide have taken distinct approaches to regulating loot boxes:

• Belgium classified loot boxes as illegal gambling in 2018, requiring licenses that game companies cannot obtain, leading publishers to remove loot box features
• The Netherlands banned certain loot boxes with “market value” prizes, deeming them similar to slot machines, while allowing boxes whose items cannot be traded
• Australia updated classification guidelines in 2024, requiring games with loot boxes to receive higher age ratings, and the UK House of Lords recommended bringing loot boxes under the Gambling Act 2005
• Belgium’s Gaming Commission declared loot boxes illegal in April 2018, forcing 2K to remove MyTeam VC purchases there by August 2018.

Australia implemented new guidelines on September 22, 2024.

In the United States, the FTC has taken enforcement action against video game companies over loot box practices, including a $20 million settlement in January 2025 against Genshin Impact’s developer for deceiving children about loot box costs and odds.

While the legal landscape continues evolving, TruLaw helps affected individuals pursue compensation under existing consumer protection and deceptive practices laws.

Individuals may be eligible to pursue legal action related to NBA 2K’s allegedly harmful game mechanics.

Plaintiffs have claimed various types of harm including financial losses from excessive microtransaction spending, psychological harm from addictive game design, and mental health impacts from prolonged exposure to gambling-like systems.

Evidence supporting claims may include financial records and medical documentation, with attorneys typically evaluating cases on a contingency fee basis requiring no upfront payment.

Eligibility Criteria and Types of Claims

Individuals who have experienced documented harm directly linked to NBA 2K’s game design practices may qualify to seek compensation.

Those who may qualify to seek compensation and evidence that can strengthen their claims are outlined below:

• Individuals who have experienced documented addiction, psychological harm, or financial loss directly linked to NBA 2K’s game design practices may qualify to seek compensation
• Claims can include minors (through guardians) who spent money on microtransactions, adults who developed gaming addiction, or parents whose children accumulated charges
• Evidence supporting claims may include credit card statements showing in-game purchases, medical records documenting addiction or mental health treatment, and documentation of time spent playing

Documentation requirements typically include purchase receipts, bank statements showing transactions, medical records for addiction treatment, and gameplay time records.

Similar loot box lawsuits have used the legal argument that players deserve actual damages for money spent, compensatory damages for psychological harm, and injunctive relief.

If you or your child has experienced addiction, psychological harm, or financial loss from NBA 2K, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Video Game Addiction Lawsuit today.

How the Legal Process Works

Claims against Take-Two Interactive for NBA 2K are currently being pursued individually rather than through a certified class action.

Pursuing a claim against Take-Two Interactive typically proceeds as follows:

• Because no class action has been certified, claims against defendants are being pursued individually, allowing personalized attention to each case
• Product liability attorneys evaluate cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees are only collected if compensation is awarded
• Claims focus on allegations that Take-Two Interactive breached its duty of care by using psychologically engineered design strategies (including reward mechanics and microtransactions) to encourage addictive behavior

Contingency fees typically range from 20% to 50% of the recovery amount.

Unlike restrictive user agreements with game publishers, clients pay no upfront fees and owe nothing if unsuccessful.

Personal injury cases may take several months to years depending on settlement negotiations.

TruLaw gives immediate answers to individuals about their eligibility for this litigation based on the details they share.

TruLaw partners with NBA 2K litigation leaders to provide clients with the legal resources and support necessary for a successful outcome.

Our Video Game Addiction attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a Video Game Addiction lawsuit.

With extensive experience in product liability cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and mental health professionals to prove how video games with deliberately addictive features caused you harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for mental health treatment expenses, academic and career setbacks, family relationship damages, and other losses resulting from your video game addiction injuries.

We understand the psychological and social toll that Video Game Addiction issues have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead Video Game Addiction Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead Video Game Addiction attorney:

• Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring a Video Game Addiction lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis – with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one experienced addiction, depression, sleep disorders, social isolation, or other mental health problems from excessive video game use, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Video Game Addiction lawsuit today.

Video game addiction lawsuits are being filed by individuals and families across the country who suffered mental health injuries and addiction from video games designed with manipulative features.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the video game addiction lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your video game addiction lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The video game addiction lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have decades of experience handling consumer protection cases similar to the video game addiction lawsuit.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one suffered from video game addiction or related mental health problems, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the video game addiction lawsuit today.