Slashdot Mirror
Square Enix Facing Class Action Suit Over FFXI "Hidden Fees"
A class action lawsuit has been initiated against Square Enix over the fees they charge for subscription-based MMO Final Fantasy XI. The court filing alleges "deceptive advertising, unfair practices, and fraudulent concealment" of information about the game's pricing model, essentially saying Square Enix doesn't clearly advertise that there is a monthly fee, and that failure to pay can result in late fees and account termination. The plaintiff is seeking a settlement in excess of $5,000,000 and including "all persons who purchased or played the online games four years prior to the filing of this lawsuit."
it's not reasonable for the industry. When you sign up for any other MMORG it's pretty much pay-as-you-go... if you stop paying them , you stop going. Nice and simple. They're adding late fees and paying for the time you missed (if they disconnect you for a month you STILL pay for it!) in order to KEEP playing your account and not have your account deleted.. that's not something anybody signing up for an MMORG would expect.
I paid for Wow with cards for a long time and had 3 month gaps because I had other things to do with my money that month and they never charged a "fee" to turn the game back on, or to pay for the months I didn't play. I paid money and played my days... if they want me back they'll keep the tiny amount of space my character takes online to be ready for my bucks when I pay.