# Rockstar Owner Take-Two Sues PlayerAuctions for Allegedly Selling Hacked GTA Online Accounts and Currency
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of renowned game developer Rockstar Games, has filed a lawsuit against online marketplace PlayerAuctions, alleging that it contains thousands of listings for unauthorized, infringing content from its popular Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise. The lawsuit, filed last week in the U.S. Central District Court of California, targets Paiao Network Technology, the Chinese company behind PlayerAuctions.
According to the complaint, Take-Two Interactive claims that PlayerAuctions operates with full knowledge that its sellers are engaging in rampant infringement and other unauthorized conduct, while reaping millions in revenue by taking a cut of every transaction on its marketplace. The lawsuit highlights several specific instances of alleged wrongdoing, including listings for modded accounts that have been manipulated to give high game levels and in-game currency, as well as money drop services that use hacking software to grant purchasing players large amounts of in-game money.
In addition, Take-Two alleges that PlayerAuctions sells account boosting services where sellers use hacking software or glitches to inflate a purchasing player's in-game level or currency total. The company also claims that PlayerAuctions goes out of its way to "lull its users into buying illegitimate GTA V content from its sellers" by offering refunds if the hacked accounts purchased are caught and banned post-purchase.
Despite Take-Two's repeated attempts to confront PlayerAuctions with evidence of infringement, the Chinese company has refused to shut down these listings. As a result, the GTA publisher is seeking relief for multiple different types and levels of copyright infringement, as well as intentional interference with contract.
Take-Two Interactive is also seeking a permanent injunction on PlayerAuctions from continuing to directly or indirectly sell accounts, currency, or items in any Take-Two game, or participating in or assisting hacking efforts. The company is requesting damages for trademark infringement, costs and attorney fees, damages, and restitution.
This lawsuit comes ahead of the highly anticipated launch of GTA 6, which Rockstar Games has recently reaffirmed will take place in fall 2025. While the exact nature of GTA Online's future is still unknown, this lawsuit may help to ensure that any new version of the game is free from cheaters and illicit activity.
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