Game Publisher Square Enix Slapped With Class Action Suit For False Advertising, 'Product Enrichment'

One day, gamers will get together to sue Square Enix for always lying to them about how infinitely sequelized “Final” Fantasy games are never really final. But until then we’ll just have to sit back and see how this false advertising federal class action lawsuit against the game publisher plays out.

The suit is based on the massively multiplayer online game (the same genre as World of Warcraft) Final Fantasy XI, which charges monthly fees. The suit seems to allege that since none of the previous Final Fantasies followed the ongoing pay-for-play model, players were duped into buying a game they didn’t realize they’d have to keep buying for as long as they cared to play.

Courthouse News Service on the suit:

Named plaintiff Esther Leong of San Francisco says that Washington-based Square Enix lied about or concealed its monthly fees, penalties for late payments, interest, restrictions, and other things that should have been fully disclosed at points of purchase.

The class seeks damages of more than $5 million, alleging unfair business practices, false advertising, and unjust enrichment.

And by the way, the photo accompanying this story is in no way pervy because photographer Plankton 4:20 says the E3 booth babe pictured has the posterior of a Final Fantasy XI character. Also, the shot is totally symbolic of the publisher’s tricky, seductive marketing. And stuff.

Class Sues Online Gamer Square Enix [Courthouse News Service, via Destructoid]
(Photo: Plankton 4:20)

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