‘Loot Boxes Create Addictive Behaviors,’ Complaint Reads
A class-action lawsuit has been undertaken targeting the loot boxes in Brawl Stars and Clash Royale; this Supercell loot box lawsuit claims that the microtransaction model in both games violates California’s gambling laws.
Supercell is a game developer that primarily focuses on free-to-play mobile games. Two of its biggest titles are Brawl Stars and Clash Royale, both of which have loot box-style microtransactions in them.
Now, the developer is being brought to court by a man named Peter Mai who spent “in excess of $150” on microtransactions in Clash Royale, seeking relief for himself and any and all gamers who have purchased these microtransactions.
“Supercell’s Loot Boxes have all the hallmarks of a Las Vegas-style slot machine, including the psychological aspects to encourage and create addiction and winnings based on algorithmic probabilities completely outside the player’s control,” read the class action complaint listed on Justia. “Moreover, under California law they constitute illegal ‘slot machines or devices’ when played on a mobile phone, tablet, computer, or other similar device.”
Although Supercell is based in Finland, it nonetheless does business in California and also has offices in San Francisco; that makes it possible for them to be sued in a California court. Moreover, the proposed class action notes that it would include “more than 100 members” in what is a massive understatement of either game’s popularity.
Can You Join the Supercell Loot Box Lawsuit?
If you’re unfamiliar with the legal ins and outs of a class-action lawsuit, that essentially means that a bunch of people with the same complaint come together to make their case at the same time. The Supercell loot box lawsuit is looking to do just that — but can you join in if you’ve bought microtransactions in either game?
Unfortunately, this legal document was just filed in California earlier this week. As Justia notes, a class action lawsuit has to get approval from the courts to move forward with that framework before people can actually join the class.
The Supercell loot box lawsuit seeks a jury trial and restitution of the revenues it claims was “wrongfully retained as a result of [Supercell’s] wrongful conduct,” injunctive relief, awards of attorney’s fees and costs, and any other relief that the court may deem appropriate.
Should the case move forward, we’ll likely see more information coming out about the lawsuit including a solicitation for qualifying people to join the class. If that day arrives, Supercell may have a tough legal battle ahead.