17 Year Old Spends $25,000 on Monopoly GO

Monopoly GO's Microtransactions: A $25,000 Cautionary Tale

A recent incident highlights the potential financial pitfalls of in-app purchases, as a 17-year-old reportedly spent a staggering $25,000 on the mobile game Monopoly GO. This case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding microtransactions and their impact on players.

The free-to-play Monopoly GO relies heavily on microtransactions to unlock rewards and accelerate gameplay. While some players may spend modestly, others, like this teenager, can quickly accumulate significant expenses. This isn't an isolated incident; another user confessed to spending $1,000 before deleting the app.

A Reddit post (since removed) detailed the $25,000 expenditure, comprising 368 in-app purchases made through the App Store. The step-parent seeking advice found little recourse, with many commenters pointing to the game's terms of service, which typically hold users responsible for all purchases, regardless of intent. This practice is common in the freemium gaming model, exemplified by Pokemon TCG Pocket's impressive $208 million in first-month revenue.

The Controversy of In-Game Spending

This Monopoly GO situation is far from unique. In-game microtransactions have faced considerable criticism. Take-Two Interactive, the publisher of NBA 2K, has faced multiple lawsuits regarding its microtransaction model, settling one in 2022 and another in 2023. While this Monopoly GO case may not reach the courts, it adds to the growing concerns surrounding the practice.

The industry's reliance on microtransactions is clear: they are highly profitable, as evidenced by Diablo 4's over $150 million in microtransaction revenue. The strategy of encouraging small, incremental purchases is far more effective than asking for a large upfront payment. However, this very feature is often criticized for its potential to mislead players into spending far more than they intended.

The Reddit user's chances of a refund appear slim. However, their story serves as a stark reminder of the ease with which significant sums can be spent on games like Monopoly GO, highlighting the importance of parental controls and mindful spending habits.