Posted in: Games, Video Games | Tagged: grand theft auto, grand theft auto online, Grand Theft Auto V, GTAO, GTAV

Federal Judge Blocks Player from Cheating at Grand Theft Auto Online

Published Sat, 18 Aug 2018 12:20:07 -0500

You know what's worse than getting the banhammer from an admin in Grand Theft Auto Online? Getting a real one from a federal judge over the same ordeal. Take-Two Interactive filed a suit against a player named David Zipperer, accusing him of cheating by selling and using programs like Menyoo and Absolute for the sole purpose of griefing on other players. Apparently, banning him from their own servers wasn't enough, so they took him to court saying his use of the programs infringed on the original GTAV copyright the game is based on.

According to Reuters, the judge awarded an injunction against Zipperer from distributing the software and playing the game himself, citing that the company proved "his programs would cause irreparable harm to its sales and reputation by discouraging users from buying its video games." However, the judge also dismissed an unfair competition complaint. Take-Two claimed the disruptions to the game cost them at least $500k in revenue — while that probably feels like chump change to them, it's also nothing to sneeze at as far as income for the company.

The judgment is the latest in a string from companies suing hackers and program developers that create tools designed to break games like Grand Theft Auto Online. No word yet on whether or not Zipperer will appeal.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!