Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has filed a lawsuit against PlayerAuctions, a third-party marketplace facilitating the sale of unauthorized assets, currency, and account access for Grand Theft Auto Online (GTA Online). The lawsuit alleges that these practices disrupt Take-Two's business and inflict irreparable harm on the game's online environment.

In GTA Online, players build their criminal empires through time and effort, unlocking businesses, heists, vehicles, and in-game currency. However, some players circumvent this progression by utilizing third-party services like PlayerAuctions, offering illicit shortcuts to wealth and power.

According to a complaint uncovered by Polygon, PlayerAuctions provides a platform for gamers to acquire advantages not obtainable through legitimate gameplay. Take-Two contends that the assets sold are not earned through gameplay but are instead generated through hacks and cheats, disrupting the game's balance and fairness.

The lawsuit also highlights the potential compromise of player accounts. Users seeking these illicit services may share or relinquish their account credentials, violating GTA Online's terms of service and jeopardizing their account security.

Take-Two asserts that these unauthorized transactions undermine their own in-game currency system, which includes Shark Cards and GTA+. These official channels are the only legitimate means of acquiring in-game currency, and the use of third-party services deprives Take-Two of revenue needed to maintain and support GTA Online's infrastructure.

The practice of combating gold sellers, bots, and cheats is a persistent challenge for online game developers.  PlayerAuctions has faced previous legal action, yet continues to operate.  This case mirrors similar actions taken by publishers of other online titles like Valorant and Destiny 2, who have pursued legal recourse against cheat creators.