Take Two: Difference between revisions
Abuses related to Data Collection and Ownership |
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'''[[wikipedia:Take-Two_Interactive|Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.]]''' is | '''[[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. | ||
==Relevant incidents== | ==Relevant incidents== | ||
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=Take-Two Interactive Software Privacy Policy Update= | =Take-Two Interactive Software Privacy Policy Update= | ||
== Take-Two Interactive — Abuses Related to Data Collection and Game Ownership == | ==Take-Two Interactive — Abuses Related to Data Collection and Game Ownership== | ||
=== Data Collection Practices === | ===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. | *'''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. | *'''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. | ||
* '''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. | *'''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. | *'''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 === | ===No Ownership Over Games or Content=== | ||
* '''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. | *'''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. | *'''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. | *'''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. | *'''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. | ||
=== Sample Terms Extract === | ===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…"</blockquote> | <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…"</blockquote> | ||
=== Summary === | ===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: | 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: | ||
* Treats all products as ''temporary, licensed experiences''. | *Treats all products as ''temporary, licensed experiences''. | ||
* Reserves the right to '''revoke access without refund'''. | *Reserves the right to '''revoke access without refund'''. | ||
* Enforces '''extensive data collection''' with no opt-out. | *Enforces '''extensive data collection''' with no opt-out. | ||
* Allows '''removal of games from users’ libraries''', even post-purchase. | *Allows '''removal of games from users’ libraries''', even post-purchase. | ||
These practices undermine consumer rights by '''removing ownership''', eroding '''user privacy''', and ensuring '''legal asymmetry''' in disputes. | These practices undermine consumer rights by '''removing ownership''', eroding '''user privacy''', and ensuring '''legal asymmetry''' in disputes. | ||