Court filings reveal 2K's rationale for blocking virtual currency transfers between NBA 2K titles
Unsealed documents from a 2023 class-action lawsuit show Take Two Interactive's arguments against allowing players to transfer purchased virtual currency between annual NBA 2K releases. A 2K executive cited the lack of a technical solution and the desire for each new game to offer an equal starting point. The lawsuit alleges the company steals from players by shutting down servers without refunding unspent currency.
The unsealed deposition of Take Two vice president Michael O'Dwyer offers two justifications for blocking virtual currency transfers between NBA 2K titles: no technical solution exists, and each new release is designed as an equal starting point for all players. He also noted the games never distinguish between purchased and earned currency, making any split impractical.
The filings additionally reveal extensive player tracking—daily records of play times, modes, session lengths, and spending habits. The 2023 California lawsuit, filed by a minor and his mother, alleges server shutdowns roughly 2.5 years after release strand unspent purchased currency without refund or transfer options.
This case could reshape how players view ownership of digital goods in sports games and beyond. If the court finds Take Two's practices unlawful, publishers may face pressure to implement refund systems or cross-title currency transfers, potentially altering revenue models. Younger players who spend real money on virtual currency could gain stronger consumer protections. Conversely, a ruling favoring Take Two might reinforce the industry's position that virtual currency is a license rather than property, affecting future litigation and player expectations.