17 Year Old Spends $25,000 on Monopoly GO

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 within the popular mobile game Monopoly GO. Although the game is free to download and play, many users find themselves tempted to spend significant amounts of money to unlock rewards and accelerate their progress. This case highlights the potential financial pitfalls of microtransactions, as the teenager's parents discovered to their dismay.

This incident is not isolated. Another user reported spending $1,000 on Monopoly GO before deciding to delete the app, a sum that, while substantial, pales in comparison to the $25,000 spent by the 17-year-old. The sheer scale of these expenditures underscores the addictive nature of in-app purchases in free-to-play games.

In a now-deleted Reddit post, a stepparent shared their distressing experience: 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 disheartening feedback from the community. Many pointed out that Monopoly GO's terms of service hold users accountable for all purchases, even those made unintentionally. This is a common practice in the freemium gaming industry, where microtransactions are a key revenue driver, as evidenced by Pokemon TCG Pocket generating $208 million in its first month.

In-Game Microtransactions Are an Ongoing Controversy

The case of the teenager spending tens of thousands 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 by the company the previous year. While the Monopoly GO incident may not lead to legal action, it adds to the growing list of grievances against 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 model encourages small, frequent purchases, which can be more appealing than a single large payment. However, this approach often leads to players spending far more than they initially intended, fueling criticism and dissatisfaction among gamers.

Unfortunately, the Reddit user in question may struggle to secure a refund. This situation serves as a cautionary tale for others about the ease with which significant sums can be spent in Monopoly GO and similar games.