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Take Two: Difference between revisions

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Added a note that Risk of Rain 2 has had the same EULA update as Borderlands Series. Found on Steam when looking into Take Two Interactive titles.
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{{CompanyCargo
{{InfoboxCompany
|Description=
| Name = Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
|Founded=1993
| Type = Holding Company
|Industry=Video games
| Founded = 1993
|Logo=Take-Two_Interactive_logo.png
| Industry = Video games
|ParentCompany=
| Official Website = https://www.take2games.com/
|Type=Holding Company
| Logo = Take-Two_Interactive_logo.png
|Website=https://www.take2games.com/
}}
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Take-Two_Interactive|Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.]]''' is a New York City based video game holding company founded by Ryan Brant on September 30, 1993. The company owns three major publishing labels, [[Rockstar Games]], Zynga and 2K, which operate internal game development studios.


'''[[wikipedia:Take-Two_Interactive|Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.]]''' is an NYC-based video game holding company founded by Ryan Brant in September 1993. The company owns three major publishing labels, [[Rockstar Games]], Zynga and 2K, which operate internal game development studios.
==Incidents==
==Relevant incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:Take-Two Interactive|Take-Two Interactive category]].


Incidents not mentioned here can be found on the [[:Category:Take-Two Interactive|Take-Two Interactive]] category page.
===2K - Faulty game launcher (''September 2022'')===
In September 2022, 2K released "quality of life" updates for the remastered versions of ''BioShock'', ''BioShock 2'', and ''BioShock Infinite'' on Steam, which [[Forced account|required account]] linking and forced launching the games through the 2K launcher. This change rendered the games unplayable for Linux users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolens |first=Joshua |date=7 Sep 2022 |title=2K's 'quality of life' change for BioShock is that Linux users can't play it anymore |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/2ks-quality-of-life-change-for-bioshock-is-that-linux-users-cant-play-it-anymore/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907012552/https://www.pcgamer.com/2ks-quality-of-life-change-for-bioshock-is-that-linux-users-cant-play-it-anymore/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2022 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=PC Gamer}}</ref>


2K Games - exclusivity contracts (stub)
===2K - Personal data breaches (''September 2022'')===
In September 2022, 2K experienced a data breach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wheeler |first=CJ |date=21 Sep 2022 |title=Rockstar owner Take-Two's hacking woes continue as 2K confirm attack on their support service |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/rockstar-owner-take-twos-hacking-woes-continue-as-2k-confirm-attack-on-their-support-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921151800/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/rockstar-owner-take-twos-hacking-woes-continue-as-2k-confirm-attack-on-their-support-service |archive-date=21 Sep 2022 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref> The stolen data was put up for sale including names, email addresses, and gamertags.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Graham |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=2K confirms user data stolen and placed on sale after recent security breach |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2k-confirms-user-data-stolen-and-placed-on-sale-after-recent-security-breach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011204008/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2k-confirms-user-data-stolen-and-placed-on-sale-after-recent-security-breach |archive-date=11 Oct 2022 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref>


Much like with EA, 2K has also purchased exclusivity contracts with sports [https://www.operationsports.com/the-nba-and-2k-have-agreed-to-a-huge-new-license-deal-what-does-it-mean/ leagues], thus also restricting options for consumers. (Maybe mention pga or wwe?)
===Shuttered studios===
{{Incomplete section}}
-Private Division shutdown - Main project [[Kerbal Space Program 2]] made abandonware in early access, players not refunded
[[wikipedia:2K_(company)|Wikipedia page ref]](note: use as springboard, find dedicated sources for history of buyouts and shuttering)


2k - personal data breaches (stub)
===''Spec Ops: The Line'' delisting (''January 2024'')===
On January 29, 2024, 2K removed ''Spec Ops: The Line'' from [[Steam]] without prior notice, due to expiring partnership licenses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=30 Jan 2024 |title=2K confirms Spec Ops: The Line has been removed from sale because of expiring 'partnership licenses' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/spec-ops-the-lines-sudden-removal-from-steam-baffles-its-director-why-has-this-happened/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130191822/https://www.pcgamer.com/spec-ops-the-lines-sudden-removal-from-steam-baffles-its-director-why-has-this-happened/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2024 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=PC Gamer}}</ref> Players who already owned the game can still download and play it.


[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/rockstar-owner-take-twos-hacking-woes-continue-as-2k-confirm-attack-on-their-support-service ref a] [https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2k-confirms-user-data-stolen-and-placed-on-sale-after-recent-security-breach ref b]
===Microtransactions (MTX) and lootboxes===
{{Incomplete section}}
Ref should cover all 3 major companies owned by T2, ref covers 2k. Zynga's pioneering of predatory mtx needs to be covered (see cityville and Farmville games.) Rockstar, shark cards in GTAO? No clue how we could shoehorn this one.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Nick |date=8 Mar 2022 |title=NBA 2K Faces Lawsuit Over Controversial Microtransactions, Loot Boxes |url=https://screenrant.com/nba-2k-take-two-microtransactions-lawsuit-sports/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308194622/https://screenrant.com/nba-2k-take-two-microtransactions-lawsuit-sports/ |archive-date=8 Mar 2022 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Screen Rant}}</ref>


2k - faulty game launcher (stub)
===Borderlands Series - Terms of Service changes and alleged [[spyware]] (April 2025)===
{{Incomplete section}}
https://medium.com/@DarkRa/why-gamers-are-furious-over-take-two-and-2ks-new-terms-of-service-051e7a6a5594
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMKMhqKzHxs&pp=ygUMdGFrZSB0d28gdG9z


[https://www.pcgamer.com/2ks-quality-of-life-change-for-bioshock-is-that-linux-users-cant-play-it-anymore/ Ref]
Risk of Rain video game series - EULA update, which is the same as the Borderlands Series. (Risk of Rain was published by Gearbox, which all their games were affected by this EULA update.)


2k - shuttered studios (stub)
Grand Theft Auto also has the same EULA update from Take Two Interactive as the Borderlands Series and Risk of Rain.


[[wikipedia:2K_(company)|Wikipedia page ref]](note: use as springboard, find dedicated sources for history of buyouts and shuttering)
==Take-Two Interactive — Abuses Related to Data Collection and Game Ownership==
 
===Data Collection Practices===
 
*'''Always-on tracking''': Take-Two collects gameplay data continuously, even in single-player modes. This includes hardware identifiers, crash logs, user behavior, and telemetry.
*'''Cross-service aggregation''': Data is collected across all Take-Two titles (e.g. ''GTA'', ''Red Dead'', ''NBA 2K''), websites, customer support interactions, and third-party services. This enables behavioral profiling without user transparency.
*'''[[Web cookie|Cookies]] and marketing surveillance''': Persistent cookies and tracking pixels are used for analytics and targeted advertising. User data may be shared with external partners, with no meaningful opt-out mechanism.
*'''Mandatory acceptance''': Users must accept all data collection terms to access the games or services. Refusal may lead to denied access or reduced functionality.
 
===No Ownership Over Games or Content===


General - Microtransactions (MTX) and lootboxes (stub)
*'''License, not purchase''': All Take-Two products, including physical and digital copies, are legally considered ''revocable licenses'', not owned goods. The company retains all property rights.
*'''Game access can be revoked''': Take-Two’s Terms of Service allow them to ''terminate the license'' at any time, for any reason. Once terminated, users ''lose access'' to the game—even if they paid full price.
*'''No refunds or compensation''': Upon license termination or account ban, Take-Two has no obligation to offer a refund or reinstate access. Games, accounts, and virtual items can disappear permanently.
*'''Virtual goods not guaranteed''': In-game currency, cosmetics, or stats (e.g. ''GTA Shark Cards'', ''NBA VC'') can be removed, altered, or rendered inaccessible at any time. Ownership claims are explicitly denied.


[https://screenrant.com/nba-2k-take-two-microtransactions-lawsuit-sports/ Ref] | should cover all 3 major companies owned by T2, ref covers 2k. Zynga's pioneering of predatory mtx needs to be covered (see cityville and Farmville games.) Rockstar, shark cards in GTAO? No clue how we could shoehorn this one.
===Sample Terms Extract===
<blockquote>"You agree that your rights to access and use the Services are limited by this Agreement and that your license is revocable, non-exclusive, and non-transferable. Take-Two may suspend, terminate, or modify your access at its sole discretion…" {{Citation needed}}</blockquote>


===Summary===
Take-Two uses its Terms of Service to maintain '''total control''' over user data, gameplay behavior, and access rights. Despite charging full retail prices, the company:


Borderlands Series - Terms of Service changes and alleged spyware 2025-Apr
*Treats all products as ''temporary, licensed experiences''.
https://medium.com/@DarkRa/why-gamers-are-furious-over-take-two-and-2ks-new-terms-of-service-051e7a6a5594
*Reserves the right to '''revoke access without refund'''.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMKMhqKzHxs&pp=ygUMdGFrZSB0d28gdG9z
*Enforces '''extensive data collection''' with no opt-out.
*Allows '''removal of games from users’ libraries''', even post-purchase.


Risk of Rain 2 - EULA update, which is the same as the Borderlands Series.
These practices undermine consumer rights by '''removing ownership''', eroding '''user privacy''', and ensuring '''legal asymmetry''' in disputes.


==References==
<references />


=Take-Two Interactive Software Privacy Policy Update=
Last Update: June 2025
Last Update: February 2025


==Categories of Information Collected==
==Categories of Information Collected==
The type of information we collect depends on how you use the Services. Generally, we collect the following information:
The following describes the types of information collected by Take-Two, according to their privacy policy:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-01 |title=Take-Two Interactive Software Privacy Policy |url=https://www.take2games.com/privacy/en-US/#1-categories-of-information-collected |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Take2Games |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217145416/https://www.take2games.com/privacy/en-US/ |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref><blockquote>The type of information we collect depends on how you use the Services. Generally, we collect the following information:


*'''Identifiers / Contact Information''': Name, user name, gamertag, postal and email address, phone number, unique IDs, mobile device ID, platform ID, gaming service ID, advertising ID (IDFA, Android ID) and IP address
*'''Identifiers / Contact Information''': Name, user name, gamertag, postal and email address, phone number, unique IDs, mobile device ID, platform ID, gaming service ID, advertising ID (IDFA, Android ID) and IP address
Line 60: Line 85:
*'''Audio / Visual Information''': Account photos, images, and avatars, audio information via chat features and functionality, and gameplay recordings and video footage (such as when you participate in playtesting)
*'''Audio / Visual Information''': Account photos, images, and avatars, audio information via chat features and functionality, and gameplay recordings and video footage (such as when you participate in playtesting)
*'''Sensitive Information''': Precise location information (if you allow the Services to collect your location), account credentials (user name and password), and contents of communications via chat features and functionality.
*'''Sensitive Information''': Precise location information (if you allow the Services to collect your location), account credentials (user name and password), and contents of communications via chat features and functionality.
</blockquote>


What  makes them different from a virus?
==References==
Here's a comparison between the '''data collected by a RAT (Remote Access Trojan), a Trojan''', and what is described in the '''privacy policy''':
{{reflist}}
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Data Type'''
!'''Keylogger'''
!'''Spyware'''
!'''RAT'''
!'''Info-Stealer'''
!'''Trojan'''
!'''Adware (Tracking)'''
!'''Network Sniffer'''
!'''Rootkit'''
!'''Browser Hijacker'''
!'''Privacy Policy'''
|-
|'''Identifiers / Contact Info'''
|❌
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅ (via packet capture)
|✅ (indirectly)
|✅
|✅
|-
|'''Protected Characteristics'''
|❌
|⚠️ (inferred)
|❌
|❌
|❌
|✅ (from browsing)
|❌
|❌
|✅ (e.g., age from browsing)
|✅
|-
|'''Commercial Info (Purchases)'''
|✅ (if typed)
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|-
|'''Billing Info'''
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|❌
|✅
|✅
|❌
|✅
|-
|'''Internet / Electronic Activity'''
|❌
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|-
|'''Device & Usage Data'''
|❌
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|⚠️ (indirect)
|✅
|✅
|✅
|-
|'''Profile Inferences'''
|❌
|
{| class="wikitable"
|⚠️ (inference)
|}
|✅
|❌
|✅ (less common)
|✅
|❌
|❌
|✅
|✅
|-
|'''Audio / Visual Info'''
|❌
|✅ (screenshots)
|✅ (cam/mic access)
|❌
|Possibly
|❌
|❌
|✅ (via control)
|❌
|✅
|-
|'''Sensitive Info (Location, Credentials)'''
|✅ (typed)
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅
|Possibly
|✅
|✅
|✅
|✅ (with consent)
|}
Sources:
 
https://www.take2games.com/legal/en-US/#10-availability


https://www.take2games.com/privacy/en-US/
[[Category:Take-Two Interactive]]
[[Category:Take-Two Interactive]]
Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Take_Two"