Category Archives: Legalities

Microsoft has denied any involvement in the police raid on the premises of Xbox 720 leaker ‘SuperDaE. The official police warrant suggests otherwise.

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EA and Zynga have settled over claims that the Zynga’s “The Ville” infringed on EA’s “The Sims Social,” reports Bloomberg. The report states the actual contents of the settlement were not reveled, only that both parties had reached a settlement. Back in August 2012, EA filed a copyright infringement suit over the social game maker’s Facebook game The Ville, claiming it “copied the original and distinctive expressive elements,” of The Sims Social. The following month, Zynga filed a countersuit stating the copyright infringement claim had “no merit” and was “anticompetitive” among other things. Zynga’s game was eventually shuttered last fall anyway, but not due to the lawsuit: it was because no one played the thing.

Having agree to implement legislation in a parliament meeting yesterday, Queensland has announced its support for Australia’s R18+ ratings category for video games.

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Having twice been refused classification, the latest Mortal Kombat game may finally be on its way to retail release in Australia.

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Pending approval from a federal court, Take-Two has assumed publishing duties for THQ’s Yuke’s-developed WWE titles.

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The exclusive publishing rights to arena shooter Nexuiz are among a number of unsold assets stuck in Limbo since THQ’s bankruptcy and piecemeal sale, and licensee Ilfonic is still waiting to find out what happens next.

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Three more indie developers have raised their voices in complaints about Lace Mamba Global, with one ready to take legal action against the multi-national publisher.

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Microsoft and Apple, along with Adobe, have been summoned to appear at a public hearing as part of the ongoing parliamentary IT Pricing Inquiry. Kotaku reports all three companies failed to voluntarily answer questions about international price discrepancies, and are now legally required to do so on March 22. The IT Pricing Inquiry is designed to dismantle the “Australia Tax”, which has Australians paying up to 60% more than US consumers for technology and software, despite near-equal currency values, encouraging a flourishing parallel or “grey” import scene.

A fan-built 2D fighter based on the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic cartoon series has been shut down. Hasbro served up a cease and desist over the project, and in an update to the tribute’s blog, the Mane6 team said it will comply while attempting to negotiate. The Fighting is Magic project has lost a couple of high profile members recently, too. Gameloft currently holds the license for My Little Pony games.

Thanks, GameInformer.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charles Palmer has dismissed Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose’s suit against Activision over his appearance in Guitar Hero 3, the San Marino Tribune reports. The decision comes as no surprise as Palmer indicated last week that he found the evidence supported Activision’s account.

Thanks, Blue’s News.

God of War Ascension is the latest game to earn Australia’s still-fledgling R18+ rating, and is being quietly banished from stores in Queensland, according to an alleged retailer email.

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The drawn-out legal battle between Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose and Activision over the former’s appearance in Guitar Hero games seems to be nearing a resolution. Billboard reports the trial is now underway, and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charles Palmer is considering dismissing Rose’s claims, saying all extrinsic evidence supports Activision’s case. A final decision is expected within a few weeks.

Atari has sourced $5 million in debtor-in-possession financing from Perella Weinberg Partners, which would allow it to operate through bankruptcy, Polygon reports. Perella plans to assist Atari in selling off its assets, but this role and its offer of finance must be approved by a court. Atari is apparently already in possession of $2 million and would receive the remaining $3 million if approved. Atari filed for bankruptcy late last month.

Valve has not yet received formal notification of a complaint raised by German consumer group VZBV, and doesn’t seem worried.

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Developer CBE Software has accused UK published Lace Mamba Global of breach of contract, citing unpaid royalties for its work over ten months on J.U.L.I.A. and J.U.L.I.A. Untold. Lace Mamba told GamesIndustry that it wasn’t aware CBE had any complaints and had not been able to contact the developer to seek a resolution once it did become aware of the allegations. The publisher has since declined to give further comment while it negotiates with CBE Software. CBE has declared its publishing contract void, and J.U.L.I.A. has now been submitted for Steam Greenlight.

Glee, the all singing and dancing comedy series by FOX has used one of Jonathan Coulton’s music covers without permissions, prompting the composer to consider legal action against the broadcaster. Coulton, who is known among gamers as the composer of Portal’s eponymous track ‘Still Alive’ is understandably none too pleased.

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Filmmaker Frank Darabont has claimed he had to change the title of a new noir series set in Los Angeles after LA Noire publisher Rockstar threatened legal action. However, Take-Two has responded to the allegation, stating there’s no truth to it.

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THQ president Jason Rubin has said the firm’s remaining assets, which include its back catalog of titles, are to be sold off “in the coming weeks” as part of the Chapter 11 process. Meanwhile, the firm’s former president, Danny Bilson has commented on the sale of THQ’s IP and studios.

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SCEE has been fined £250,000 by the UK Information Commissioners Office over the infamous 2011 PSN date breach that sparked a panic among the press and gamers for fear that credit card data and other sensitive information was at risk. A video statement has been issued by the ICO on the matter this morning.

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THQ properties were sold today at auction. SEGA picked up Relic; Koch purchased Volition and the Metro franchise; Crytek bought Homefront; Take-Two bought Evolve; and Ubisoft bought THQ Montreal and The South Park game.

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