Niantic is once again under fire after several Pokemon Go Fest attendees launched a class-action lawsuit.
Jonathan Norton, a California resident, initiated the lawsuit in order to recoup traveling expenses. Chicago attorney Thomas Zimmerman is spearheading the effort, telling Polygon that “’20 or 30′ others have joined the class-action suit.”
According to a Chicago Sun-Times article, “The suit claims Niantic violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act by misleading attendees, as well as several California consumer protection laws.” Additionally, the suit also claims that Niantic should have prepared for the increased strain on local cell towers. Norton’s suit is ultimately hoping that attendees at other Pokemon Go events will not have to suffer the same fate as Chicago.
Prior to the lawsuit, Niantic has since refunded players the cost of their entry ticket, as well as giving all registered attendees a free Lugia, and $100 worth of PokeCoins. The company has also extended in-game bonuses for global players, which consisted of double stardusts, double candies, increased spawn rates, and decreased steps for egg hatching.
