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 for Monopoly GO. This free-to-play game has attracted many players who find themselves spending substantial sums to unlock rewards and advance more quickly. The allure of microtransactions can lead to significant financial outlays, as one family discovered after their teenager's spending spree.

The teenager is not alone in falling prey to the game's spending temptations. Another user revealed they spent $1,000 on Monopoly GO before deciding to delete the app. While $1,000 is already a considerable amount for a free game, it pales in comparison to the $25,000 spent by the 17-year-old.

In a now-deleted Reddit post, a stepparent shared their frustration after discovering 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 received discouraging responses. Many commenters pointed out that Monopoly GO's terms of service make users responsible for all purchases, even accidental ones. This practice is common in freemium games, where microtransactions are a significant revenue source, as demonstrated by Pokemon TCG Pocket, which generated $208 million in its first month.

In-Game Microtransactions Are an Ongoing Controversy

The case of the teenager's excessive spending on Monopoly GO is just one example of the broader controversy surrounding in-game purchases. In 2023, an NBA 2K player initiated a class-action lawsuit against Take-Two Interactive over its microtransaction model, following a similar lawsuit settled the previous year. While the Monopoly GO situation may not result in legal action, it underscores the ongoing tension between players and game developers regarding in-app spending.

The gaming industry's reliance on microtransactions is driven by their profitability. Diablo 4 players, for instance, spent over $150 million on microtransactions. These small, frequent purchases are easier for players to make than large, one-time payments, which is why they are so lucrative for developers. However, this model often leaves players feeling misled, as they may end up spending far more than intended.

Unfortunately, the Reddit user who shared their story may struggle to obtain a refund. For others, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the ease with which one can spend large amounts of money on games like Monopoly GO.