Legal Niches

Consumer Class-Action Suit Targets Final Fantasy XI

By gamepolitics

A class action lawsuit has been brought against Square Enix of America alleging unfair business practices, false advertising and unjust enrichment with regard to their long running MMORPG Final Fantasy XI.

In the suit, lead plaintiff Esther Leong of San Francisco claims that Square Enix deceived more than 100,000 customers about the game's monthly fees, penalties and restrictions. The suit seeks damages of $5 million. The nasty business which Leong charges that Square Enix engaged in includes:

• Licensing of online game software disguised as a sale
• Monthly fees to play the game
• Penalties for late payment of fees
• Interest charges for late payment of fees
• Charges while the user's acccount is suspended
• Termination of right to play for late payment of fees
• User restrictions and conditions related to the game
• Termination of game data for late payment of fees

Unfortunately, specific details of how Square Enix allegedly screwed its customers are not specified in the complaint. 1UP points out that the FFXI website lists a $12.95 monthly fee to play

DOCUMENT DUMP: Grab a copy of the lawsuit here.

-Doug Buffone, Entertainment Consumers Association intern

Via: Courthouse News Service

Full post as published by GamePolitics.com on June 26, 2009 (boomark / email).