2K solves the problem with LeBron James’ tattoos in NBA 2K, taking the bad taste out of the mouth with Randy Orton’s case

The world of sports video games has always aimed to be as realistic as possible. That means including all the elements we see in a game, regardless of the sport, and representing them accurately. From stadiums and uniforms to the players who give their all in each match. The way athletes are represented has gone beyond just showing their faces. Now, you can see their whole bodies, including tattoos. This has led to Take-Two getting into legal trouble in the past.

Take-Two Wins LeBron James Tattoo Lawsuit

Take-Two Interactive recently won a lawsuit against Jimmy Hayden, the artist behind NBA star LeBron James’ tattoos. According to Hayden, the use of James’ tattoos in the NBA 2K series violated his rights and he was not compensated for the appearance of his art in the game. However, according to Reuters, a federal judge in Ohio rejected his claims. The judge ruled that the agreement to use James’ likeness included showing the basketball player’s tattoos on his skin.

In response to the ruling, Dale Kendall, Take-Two’s attorney, told the media outlet that this decision is of great importance to the industry and that “anyone who has ever gotten a tattoo and might otherwise have worried about their freedom to share their body with their tattoos”.

The lawsuits over tattoos in video games

This is not the first time Take-Two has been sued in this type of lawsuit. In 2020, the studio won a lawsuit in New York federal court for the use of tattoos belonging to NBA players such as the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, among others.

Another recent case that ended in defeat was in 2022, where the company had to pay $3,750 in damages after it was found that the version of Randy Orton’s tattoos in the “WWE 2K” series violated the artist’s rights.