Last Tuesday, California resident James Collins filed a lawsuit against GameStop, alleging that the major video game retailer has engaged in "deceptive and misleading practices" pertaining to its used video game sales.
According to Collins' complaint used titles sold at GameStop and GameStop.com, such as Dragon Age, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, Mass Effect 2 and Gears of War 2: Game of the Year Edition, have packaging that says free downloadable content is included.
The aforementioned DLC is meant to be redeemed by using a one-time download code. After the original game's owner uses the code, subsequent game owners will have to pay for the DLC.
Collin alleges that GameStop deceives customers by not making it clear that the DLC isn't free for used games. "In short, as a result of GameStop's deceptive and misleading practices, consumers who purchase used games from GameStop unknowingly find that they must pay an additional fee to access the full game they thought they purchased," the complaint reads.
Collins explained in the filing that he had purchased a used copy of Dragon Age in January for $55, and released after 2 weeks that the DLC code has already been used and that he should pay another $15 if he wanted the additional content. Collins' realization came about a week after the seven-day return policy expired. "As a result of GameStop's concealment, plaintiff ultimately paid $10 more to purchase a used game than he would have had he purchased a brand new copy of the exact same game," the filing said.
Chris Olivera, VP of corporate communications and public affairs at GameStop acknowledged the lawsuit, but refused to comment on impending legal actions.
