Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[38 Studios lays off entire staff, sells Big Huge Games [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Studios / Big Huge Games
The 38 Studios disaster continues to unfold today, as the troubled studio laid off its entire staff and may be selling off its Big Huge Games division in Boston. Boston's Fox 25 News speculates that the studio may close by this weekend.

38 Studios CM Charles Dane confirmed being laid off on Twitter: "Now on the market. I had an awesome run with 38 Studios, but this dream is now ending."

Word is that the company is also selling its subsidiary, Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games is the maker of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, 38 Studios' single-player prequel to its Copernicus MMO. This would not be the first time that Big Huge Games was sold by its parent company, as the studio experienced the same event back in 2009.

Oh his Facebook page, Curt Schilling stressed that Reckoning did quite well in sales. "I wanted to clear up some misinformation around 38 Studios' first product, Reckoning. Sales of Reckoning outperformed EA's expectations and sold more than 1.2 million units in the game's first 90 days in the market."

[Update]: Developer Ryan Shwayder has also confirmed the layoffs via his personal blog.

Massively38 Studios lays off entire staff, sells Big Huge Games [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesblack-thursdaycharles-danecloseclosurecopernicuscurt-schillingeafinancialkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglayoffslegalproject-copernicusreckoningsoldThu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios appears to be getting no new help]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Curt Schilling
The bad news continues to accumulate for Rhode Island developer 38 Studios. According to Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee, the company has received a grand total of no outside investment. It also has not received any of the tax credits that it requested, leaving the studio still deep in the hole. Chafee has stated that he is doing everything in his power to prevent the studio's closure.

Staff members are also leaving the company at an alarming rate, with CEO Jen MacLean and senior VP of product development John Blakely both confirming their departures from the company. The hiring of both individuals was trumpeted as a mark of success as recently as March of this year, and Blakely was still employed by 38 Studios as recently as Monday evening. There's even talk of the company's health insurance running out. None of this news suggests that Curt Schilling's company will make a quick turnaround -- if indeed it makes a turnaround at all.

Massively38 Studios appears to be getting no new help originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingfinancefinancesindustryindustry-turnoverjen-macleanjohn-blakelylayoffslegalmmo-industrynewspotential-shutdownproject-copernicusupdatesWed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie's Destiny coming in 2013, features microtransactions and subscriptions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/bungies-destiny-coming-in-2013-features-microtransactions-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/bungies-destiny-coming-in-2013-features-microtransactions-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/bungies-destiny-coming-in-2013-features-microtransactions-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bungie logo
Bungie's long-rumored MMO project has been outed by the Los Angeles Times in its coverage of a games industry lawsuit. According to the article, the company is developing a new IP called Destiny consisting primarily of sci-fi first-person shooter titles, the first of which will launch in 2013 on the Xbox 360.

The title will be sold at retail but will also feature DLC, microtransactions, and subscriptions. But is it an MMO? That's still to be determined; the company hasn't released details. Eurogamer has put together a piece summarizing various Bungie comments on the Destiny series, including hints at persistence and a long-term commitment from both fans and developers.

"I can't get into specifics, but we're definitely looking at building a universe that people want to spend time in," community director Brian Jarrard said in April of 2010. Bungie's Joseph Staten also commented on the IP at GDC 2010. "Wouldn't it be great if we could make a world that was always there for you," he said.

MassivelyBungie's Destiny coming in 2013, features microtransactions and subscriptions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-jarrardbungiebungie-destinydestinyjoseph-statenlegalmmo-industrymmo-shooteronline-shootersci-fishooterTue, 22 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FTC to investigate Nexon's alleged hostile takeover of Gamania]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ftc-to-investigate-nexons-alleged-hostile-takeover-of-gamania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ftc-to-investigate-nexons-alleged-hostile-takeover-of-gamania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ftc-to-investigate-nexons-alleged-hostile-takeover-of-gamania/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nexon, Gamania logos
Nexon's recent acquisition of Taiwanese publisher Gamania will be scrutinized by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), according to a report in the Taipei Times. A hostile takeover is alleged, and FTC chairman Wu Shiow-ming said the commission will "ask Nexon to comment on its definition of Gamania's market share, the particular field it defines Gamania as being in, and its current relations with Gamania."

This will help determine whether Nexon has violated the Fair Trade Act, which mandates that any merger involving a company with more than 25% market share in a particular field must be reported to authorities.

Gamania contacted the FTC, ostensibly out of concern for Nexon's impact on the Taiwanese gaming industry. "It would be absolutely detrimental to the development of Taiwan's online gaming industry if a large-scale foreign corporation was allowed to take control of the local industry's operating channels and resources, whether the integration is horizontal or vertical," the company said.

MassivelyFTC to investigate Nexon's alleged hostile takeover of Gamania originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fair-trade-comissionfinancialsftcgamaniagamania-takeoverhostile-takeoverlegalmmo-industrynexonnexon-takeoverTue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios' Project Copernicus to release in June 2013, says RI governor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

38 Studios' Curt Schilling
It is not every day that a U.S. governor is the one to announce the launch window for an MMO, so savor the weirdness while you can: Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee announced at a press conference that 38 Studios will be releasing code-name Project Copernicus next summer. "What I understand is Copernicus is June of '13," Chafee said. He also stated that he thought the financial deal was a "risky enterprise" from the start.

38 Studios Founder and Chairman Curt Schilling said on Facebook that rumors of his using the state funds to repay his personal investment in the company was "not true." In a separate post, Schilling attempted to set an optimistic tone: "We will find a way, and the strength, to endure."

We have been following the financial turmoil that 38 Studios is in following its default on paying back Rhode Island for its $75 million loan. The studio and state are looking for options, but in the meanwhile, 38 Studios has been struggling to make payments by holding back employee paychecks and seeking additional capital from private investors.

Massively38 Studios' Project Copernicus to release in June 2013, says RI governor originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfacebookfinanceindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglaunchlaunch-windowlegalLincoln-Chafeeloanmmo-industrypress-conferenceproject-copernicusreleaserelease-windowrepaymentrhode-islandrumorrumorsFri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios paying state back by not paying employees]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Schilling getting a tattoo
If you're familiar with the phrase "robbing Peter to pay Paul," you'll understand the latest episode in the ongoing 38 Studios financial crisis. Except replace "Paul" with "the state of Rhode Island" and "Peter" with "the company's employees." Yes, in order to make the most recent payment to the state that sparked this whole crisis, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has been informed that Curt Schilling's company is paying the state but not paying any of the company's employees. According to anonymous sources, all temporary employees and contractors have also been terminated.

While this measure might help forestall immediate action, the company is still on the hook for a $75 million loan, and Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee has made it clear that the company is looking for more assistance from the state in order to remain viable. 38 Studios continues to make no public statements at this time. We'll no doubt have more on this story in the coming days as it continues to develop.

Massively38 Studios paying state back by not paying employees originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfinanceindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglegalloanmmo-industryproject-copernicusrepaymentrhode-islandThu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gov Lincoln
Generally, when your company defaults on a major loan, you might expect an emergency meeting about the loan and the company's future would produce some results. But apparently today's meeting between 38 Studios owner Curt Schilling and Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee resulted in... absolutely nothing. Specifically, Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation will take no immediate action to prevent the studio from going under, with Chafee on record as asking, "How do we avoid throwing good money after bad?"

It's a loaded question if you consider that the failure of 38 Studios would put the state's taxpayers on the hook for more than $112 million. Schilling has declined to elaborate on the company's state in interviews, and he has not made public how much more funding the company is seeking. It's bad news for the studio, bad news for the state, and bad news for any fans still looking forward to the possibility of Project Copernicus in the future.

[Update: Joystiq reports that "it appears 38 Studios put up all present and future IP by the company as collateral," meaning that if the studio defaults, the state of Rhode Island will own all of its game assets. We've tucked some of the ensuing news coverage in the video behind the break.]

Continue reading No relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated]

MassivelyNo relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinessbusiness-updatescurt-schillingfinancefinancesindustrylegalloansmmo-industrymoneyproject-copernicusWed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stargate Worlds is not resting in peace as new lawsuit emerges]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/stargate-worlds-is-not-resting-in-peace-as-new-lawsuit-emerges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/stargate-worlds-is-not-resting-in-peace-as-new-lawsuit-emerges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/stargate-worlds-is-not-resting-in-peace-as-new-lawsuit-emerges/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Stargate World image
Travel back two years to when Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment was filing for bankruptcy and (unsuccessfully) attempting to sever ties with Gary Whiting, Chairman and CEO of the company. Stargate fans watched as their hopes for an MMO were dashed.

Fast forward to present day, when Stargate Worlds appears back in the news. Unfortunately for fans, it has nothing to do with offering a sliver of hope that the game itself might also revive; instead, more lawsuits are being filed against Whiting and other Cheyenne employees.

The newest lawsuit filed in Arizona includes 17 plaintiffs who accuse Whiting of misleading investors in various ways to obtain their cash. Some of the allegations leveled at Whiting include "negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, common-law fraud and securities fraud"; he's also accused of issuing loans to himself from the company's funds -- money that may still be in Whiting's possession, according to Cheyenne Mountain's court-appointed receiver, Keith Bierman of Phoenix-based MCA Financial Group.

MassivelyStargate Worlds is not resting in peace as new lawsuit emerges originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheyenne-mountain-entertainmentcmegary-whitinglawsuitlawsuitslegallegal-issuesstargatestargate-worldsTue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard renames Blizzard DotA to Blizzard All-Stars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-renames-blizzard-dota-to-blizzard-all-stars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-renames-blizzard-dota-to-blizzard-all-stars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/blizzard-renames-blizzard-dota-to-blizzard-all-stars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's better than the original plan to name it Blizzard Dot-A.
What's in a name? Quite a lot, as it turns out. A name alone was enough to send Blizzard and Valve to man the lawyer cannons over two upcoming games, DOTA 2 from Valve and Blizzard DOTA from Blizzard. The companies have reached an agreement, however, which includes Blizzard renaming its game to Blizzard All-Stars while retaining use of the "dota" name for noncommercial use in the fan community. Valve retains the commercial use of the name.

It sounds like a little matter until you remember that Warcraft III was the source of the map that spawned this game type, leading to both companies developing competing versions of a sequel. Blizzard All-Stars currently has no release date, while DOTA 2 is due out sometime next year and is currently in beta testing. Luckily, the terminology is only being changed on the corporate side, meaning players are free to continue discussing the games as they would have anyway.

MassivelyBlizzard renames Blizzard DotA to Blizzard All-Stars originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardagreementblizzardblizzard-all-starsblizzard-dotablizzard-entertainmentcorporate-agreementdefense-of-the-ancientsdotadota-2legallegal-battlenamessteamvalveFri, 11 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Korean court confirms guilty verdict in TERA criminal trial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/korean-court-confirms-guilty-verdict-in-tera-criminal-trial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/korean-court-confirms-guilty-verdict-in-tera-criminal-trial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/korean-court-confirms-guilty-verdict-in-tera-criminal-trial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TERA - Castanic concept art
Multiple news sites are reporting a verdict in the long-running NCsoft vs. Bluehole Studio litigation regarding stolen Lineage III assets. According to the sites, the Korean Supreme Court has confirmed the guilty verdict in the criminal trial originally reached in 2009. The body also doled out "tougher punishment" in the form of prison time and probation for a former Lineage III department head and a team manager.

ThisIsGame.com points out that there could be more bad news coming for the team that turned Lineage III assets into TERA, as the outcome of a $5.7 million civil suit is still pending.

MMO Culture has published a timeline of the TERA legal proceedings, though neither website cites a source for its information. We'll update the story with more details as they become available.

MassivelyKorean court confirms guilty verdict in TERA criminal trial originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-lawsuitbluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylegalncsoft-vs-blueholeteratera-civil-trialtera-criminal-trialtera-lawsuittera-trialTue, 17 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape: Seventh anniversary retrospective]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/runescape-seventh-anniversary-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/runescape-seventh-anniversary-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/runescape-seventh-anniversary-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape title image
Although RuneScape officially launched in 2001, today marks the seventh anniversary of the end of the RuneScape 2 beta. This was a complete gameplay and graphics overhaul that signaled the rebirth of the game, and it's a date well worth celebrating. The past year has been filled with massive content updates that added clan support, upgradeable clan citadels, a new website, and countless new quests. Player-made battlefields put game design in the hands of players, who have used the system to produce ton of content.

Understandably, most people will likely remember this year for one thing: This was the year that RuneScape beat the bots. Following the momentous Bot Nuking Day, players logged in to find a distinctly emptier world but one filled with real people. RuneFest 2011 was a success, with presentations from the game's developers and a special focus on breaking the bots. This year also saw the interesting story that the Dutch Supreme Court ruling that stealing RuneScape items is the same as theft of real life goods.

In this anniversary retrospective, I look back at some of RuneScape's top news stories and game additions of the year.

Continue reading RuneScape: Seventh anniversary retrospective

MassivelyRuneScape: Seventh anniversary retrospective originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaybotsbottingbreaking-the-botsbrowserbrowser-basedclanclan-citadelsclansclassic-mmocourtdutchf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiolegalrmtrsrscrunescaperunescape-2runescape-classicseven-yearseven-year-anniversaryseven-yearstheftvideoWed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE opens up about multi-year European partnership]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/soe-opens-up-about-multi-year-european-partnership/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

ProSiebenSat.1
While we heard about Sony Online Entertainment's partnership with ProSiebenSat.1 Games Group to publish MMOs in Europe last month, the specific details of this deal were lurking under a cloud cover of mystery and speculation -- until now. SOE has posted a quite lengthy FAQ about this partnership and what it entails for the future of the studio in the Old World.

According to the deal, ProSiebenSat.1 has the license to officially publish eight of SOE's titles in 40 countries. These MMOs include DC Universe Online, EverQuest II, Free Realms, PlanetSide 2, and EverQuest Next (although not, oddly enough, EverQuest itself). SOE hopes that ProSiebenSat.1's location and expertise will result in in a greater audience for its games as well as more support and better localization for those under ProSiebenSat.1's umbrella. SOE even hopes that the partnership will result in "special content" for European players.

Previously, SOE had distribution agreements for Europe but nothing on the scale of what it now has with ProSiebenSat.1. It looks like EU players will need to transfer their accounts and characters over to ProSiebenSat.1's domain, although SOE promises that this will be an easy process. It's also important to note that these games and their servers will not interact with their North American counterparts, effectively separating the communities.

MassivelySOE opens up about multi-year European partnership originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuodealeq2eqiieueu-playerseuropeeuropeaneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfree-realmslegalpartnershipplanetside-2prosiebensat.1ProSiebenSat.1-Games-Groupps2soeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Subscriber numbers lead to a new hope for Electronic Arts stock]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/subscriber-numbers-lead-to-a-new-hope-for-electronic-arts-stock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/subscriber-numbers-lead-to-a-new-hope-for-electronic-arts-stock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/subscriber-numbers-lead-to-a-new-hope-for-electronic-arts-stock/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Okay, it's more of a continuation of an existing hope. You can live with the play on words, Justin does them all the time.
It's official: As of yesterday, Star Wars: The Old Republic has 1.7 million active subscribers and has sold 2 million copies. That's good news for fans of the game, but it's also good news for both BioWare and Electronic Arts. Apparently, it's seen as very good news for Electronic Arts, as the company's stock has gone up by 6.1% in the announcement's wake. The stock closed on Wednesday at $18.44 a share and closed today at $19.56, an appreciable gain for the company and a sign of good health.

This is sharp contrast to some of the early analyst responses before subscriber numbers were released, as well as some suspicions that the game was falling after a few first-patch fumbles. Whether the game will rise further or stabilize where it is remains to be seen, but it's certainly making a strong showing out of the gate, and the financial sector is taking note.

[Thanks to Robert for the tip!]

MassivelySubscriber numbers lead to a new hope for Electronic Arts stock originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-mythiceaea-biowareelectronic-artsfinanciallegalmmo-industrystar-wars-the-old-republicstock-marketstockssubscriber-numberssubscribersswtorThu, 02 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dutch Supreme Court declares RuneScape theft a real-world crime]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dutch-supreme-court-declares-runescape-theft-a-real-world-crime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dutch-supreme-court-declares-runescape-theft-a-real-world-crime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/dutch-supreme-court-declares-runescape-theft-a-real-world-crime/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dutch Supreme Court
Is stealing a virtual good deserving of a real-world criminal sentence? According to a recent ruling by the Dutch Supreme Court, the answer is "yes."

The court recently upheld a ruling of a criminal case in which teens attacked another youth and forced him at knifepoint to relinquish his possessions in RuneScape, including an in-game amulet and knife.

The incident happened in 2007, and a lower court convicted the two thieves in 2009. One of the defendants then appealed to the country's supreme court on the grounds that the stolen goods "were neither tangible nor material and, unlike for example electricity, had no economic value."

However, the judges declared that these virtual items had value because they represented "time and energy invested" to acquire. The thieves were sentenced to 144 hours of community service.

MassivelyDutch Supreme Court declares RuneScape theft a real-world crime originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criminal-casedutch-supreme-courtin-game-theftjagexlegallegal-rulingrsrulingrunescapesupreme-courtthefttheiveryvirtual-itemsTue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three hours and out: South Korea considers additional gaming ban for minors]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/three-hours-and-out-south-korea-considers-additional-gaming-ban/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/three-hours-and-out-south-korea-considers-additional-gaming-ban/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/three-hours-and-out-south-korea-considers-additional-gaming-ban/#commentsFiled under: , ,

South Korea bang
It looks like being a young gamer in South Korea is getting tougher and tougher. Last year the country put into effect a "Cinderella Law" that prohibited online gamers 18 and younger from logging in to popular games between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m.. Now the government is taking a close look at an additional law limiting the amount of time played each day for minors.

The proposed policy comes from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) and would yank account privileges for minors if they played either more than two hours in a row or more than three hours daily. The MEST is concerned about game addiction in minors, citing that it may come from the duration of play sessions.

The game industry is concerned about possible over-regulation by the government spurred by theories on addiction that haven't been proven. Some are calling for earlier shutdown policies to be overturned if this one is implemented.

MassivelyThree hours and out: South Korea considers additional gaming ban for minors originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinderella-lawgamers-under-18korealawlegalmestministry-of-education-science-and-technologyminor-gamingminorspolicyshutdown-policysouth-koreaFri, 27 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft files TERA-related lawsuit against Bluehole and En Masse]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/ncsoft-files-tera-related-lawsuit-against-bluehole-and-en-masse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/ncsoft-files-tera-related-lawsuit-against-bluehole-and-en-masse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/ncsoft-files-tera-related-lawsuit-against-bluehole-and-en-masse/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

TERA - Sorcerer vs. BAM
It's been a long road to completion for En Masse Entertainment and its upcoming TERA MMO. If NCsoft has its way in court, it might be even longer. MMO Culture reports that NCsoft filed a lawsuit earlier this month stating that a group of its employees quit the company and went on to found Bluehole Studio (TERA's original Korean developer). In doing so, the former employees allegedly stole "copious amounts of confidential and proprietary NCsoft information, computer software, hardware, and artwork relating to Lineage 3" and used it to produce TERA.

The employees were convicted of stealing trade secrets by a Korean court in 2009, and the convictions were "mostly upheld by an appellate court." NCsoft filed a Korean civil complaint against Bluehole in 2010 and won damages and an injunction, both of which were subsequently overturned by an appellate court.

Despite the fact that both criminal and civil litigation is still pending, Bluehole launched the Korean version of TERA in early 2011. En Masse (Bluehole's American subsidiary) is scheduled to launch the U.S. version in May of 2012.

MassivelyNCsoft files TERA-related lawsuit against Bluehole and En Masse originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasylawsuitlegallineage-3ncsoftteratera-lawsuitWed, 25 Jan 2012 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex wins court case against RuneScape botters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/jagex-wins-court-case-against-runescape-botters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/jagex-wins-court-case-against-runescape-botters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/jagex-wins-court-case-against-runescape-botters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RuneScape - dragon food
Jagex Games Studio is trumpeting its legal victory against Mark and Eric Snellman. The brothers formed a company called Impulse Software, which now owes Jagex unspecified damages following a two-year legal battle concerning macro and botting tools for the company's RuneScape MMO.

The brothers have been muzzled as a result of an injunction, and they are forbidden from discussing Jagex, RuneScape, or the lawsuit. Additionally, the pair must relinquish "all websites, domains, source code and customer details to Jagex along with all the details of all those individuals who have developed scripts for iBOT and sold or re-sold those scripts," according to a company press release.

Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard vowed to protect RuneScape users from similar threats in the future. "We have spared no expense fighting this case, as demonstrated by the seven figure bill this action has cost, but the point of this and other cases of its kind is that we will continue bring to justice those who set out to harm the game or our beloved community. We are delighted to say that we have convincingly neutered them after a very long battle," he said.

Jagex also says that its "Bot Nuke" operation, which began in October and includes a suite of code obfuscation tools, has rendered 98% of RuneScape bots obsolete.

[Source: Jagex press release]

MassivelyJagex wins court case against RuneScape botters originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bot-nukebottersbottingbrowser-basederic-snellmanf2pfantasyfree-to-playibotimpulse-softwarejagexjagex-games-studiolegalmark-gerhardmark-snellmanrunescapesnellman-brothersMon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portions of Twinity virtual world taken offline]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/portions-of-twinity-virtual-world-taken-offline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/portions-of-twinity-virtual-world-taken-offline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/portions-of-twinity-virtual-world-taken-offline/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Twinity - Avatars partying
Twinity users are experiencing a bit of lawyerly inconvenience according to virtual world blogger Tateru Nino. Portions of the Metaversum GmbH sim have been taken offline for unspecified reasons, and Nino speculates that "someone's team of undead zombie lawyers woke up and started asserting intellectual property rights and licensing restrictions."

The Twinity project makes use of both Google Maps and 3-D data to recreate cities like Singapore, London, Miami, and New York, but patrons will need to put their online party plans on hold for the time being.

Twinity's dev team posted a cryptic explanation, along with its intent to "try to reactivate the cities in the future."

MassivelyPortions of Twinity virtual world taken offline originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>intellectual-propertyIntellectual-Property-Rightslawyerslegalmetaversummetaversum-gmbhmmo-industryTateru-Ninotwinityvirtual-worldsWed, 11 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The SOPAbox: Defeating online piracy by destroying the internet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-sopabox-defeating-online-piracy-by-destroying-the-internet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-sopabox-defeating-online-piracy-by-destroying-the-internet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-sopabox-defeating-online-piracy-by-destroying-the-internet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Soapbox title image
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

Unless you've been living under a rock, chances are you've heard of SOPA and PIPA. The Stop Online Piracy Act and PROTECT IP Act are two radical pieces of copyright legislation currently being pushed through the US government. Although the stated intent of the new legislation is to provide companies with additional tools with which to combat piracy, the bill's loose wording has raised some serious alarm bells. Opponents to the proposed law say it would give corporations the ability to shut down any almost any website under the guise of protecting copyright infringement.

Gamers will be affected worst of all, as the loose wording of the law makes any website with user-submitted content potentially vulnerable to a shut down order. That could include YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, any blog with a comment section, or even any online game with a chat system. Perhaps the scariest part is that you'll be affected even if you're not in the US, as one of the new law's enforcement mechanisms is to remove a site from the DNS records, a move that assumes the US has jurisdiction over the global Domain Name System. AOL is among many huge companies strongly opposing SOPA, and so naturally Massively opposes it too.

In this week's massive two-page Soapbox, I make the case for why you should be worried about SOPA, and I suggest what can be done to tackle piracy in the games industry. Comments can be left on page two.

Continue reading The SOPAbox: Defeating online piracy by destroying the internet

MassivelyThe SOPAbox: Defeating online piracy by destroying the internet originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brendan-draincopyrightcopyright-infringementdnsdnssecdomaindomain-namesfeaturedfirst-amendmentfree-speechfreedom-of-speechgovernmenti-dont-want-to-live-on-this-planet-any-moreillegalintellectual-propertyiplawlegalmiscMiscellaneousnyphurpiracypiratesprotect-ipsoapboxsoapbox-brendan-drainsopasopaboxthe-soapboxthe-sopaboxus-governmentvideoTue, 10 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda and Interplay settle Fallout MMO lawsuits, Interplay's rights revoked]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-and-interplay-settle-fallout-mmo-lawsuits-interplays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-and-interplay-settle-fallout-mmo-lawsuits-interplays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-and-interplay-settle-fallout-mmo-lawsuits-interplays/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bethesda and Interplay have been embroiled in a legal battle for quite some time now, arguing over whether or not Interplay had the rights to create a Fallout MMO. Well, that lawsuit has finally been settled and it appears that Bethesda has come out on top. In a press release today, Bethesda announced that "under the terms of the settlement, the license granted to Interplay to develop the Fallout MMO is null and void, and all rights granted to Interplay to develop a Fallout MMO revert back to Bethesda, effective immediately." Bethesda fails to make any mention of whether or not the studio will use its freshly re-acquired rights in order to actually make a Fallout MMO, however, so the future of the online wasteland remains in flux.

[Source: Bethesda Game Studios press release]

MassivelyBethesda and Interplay settle Fallout MMO lawsuits, Interplay's rights revoked originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-game-studiosbethesda-softworksfalloutfallout-mmofallout-onlineindustryinterplayinterplay-entertainmentlawsuitlawsuitslegalmmo-industrysettlementsettlementsMon, 09 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda vs. Interplay case finally settled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/bethesda-vs-interplay-case-finally-settled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/bethesda-vs-interplay-case-finally-settled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/bethesda-vs-interplay-case-finally-settled/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fallout
War. War never changes. And neither, it appeared, would the long-running legal dispute between Bethesda and Interplay over the rights to the Fallout IP. For years, it seems, we've been reporting on this courtroom tug-o-war between the companies which has kept the fate of Fallout Online in limbo.

Well it looks like it is finally over, one way or another. An administrator on the Fallout fan site Duck and Cover says that a settlement has been reached although the details have yet to emerge to the public:
Today, DAC has confirmation that a settlement has, in fact, taken place. It actually took place the day of the trial -- and had I been able to get online and sort through the documents I would have reported as much. We do not yet have the details of the settlement -- they will be announced this month (January 2012) -- but we can report that on the day of trial, the atmosphere in the court room was tense until the judge recessed. This recess was extended, and then they recessed for lunch. After the lunch recess, the court room was locked to everyone except attorneys and clients. When our source asked why this was the case, our source was told it was because they were working out a settlement. The following day, another source called the court reporter to ask what the next hearing schedule for the case was -- this source was told there was no schedule as a settlement had been reached.
We'll be following this story as it develops to see how it affects the potential Fallout Online and what each studio is walking away with from this bitter dispute.

MassivelyBethesda vs. Interplay case finally settled originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworkscourtcourt-caseduck-and-coverfalloutfallout-ipfallout-onlineinterplayIPlegallegal-battlesettlesettlementTue, 03 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda and Interplay may be close to settling Fallout dispute]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/bethesda-and-interplay-may-be-close-to-settling-fallout-dispute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/bethesda-and-interplay-may-be-close-to-settling-fallout-dispute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/bethesda-and-interplay-may-be-close-to-settling-fallout-dispute/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Brotherhood of Steel dude
Is the long-running war of words between Bethesda and Interplay nearing its end? The two firms have been engaged in a legal tug-of-war over the Fallout IP (and its potential entry into the MMO space via Fallout Online) for several years now, but a new blurb on GamePolitics suggests that there could be some light at the end of the tunnel.

GamePolitics cites a Fallout wiki entry and the leak of a partial court transcript from earlier this month that says "both sides have previously agreed to drop this from the case (Bethesda raised it, and Interplay agreed). The case now just concerns future Fallout games."

The website points to another source that claims that Bethesda is attempting to seal parts of the case (which is often a harbinger for an out-of-court settlement).

MassivelyBethesda and Interplay may be close to settling Fallout dispute originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksfalloutfallout-ipfallout-onlineinterplaylegalmmo-industrypost-apocalypticsci-fiFri, 30 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 lawsuit against Final Fantasy XI dismissed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/2009-lawsuit-against-final-fantasy-xi-dismissed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/2009-lawsuit-against-final-fantasy-xi-dismissed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/27/2009-lawsuit-against-final-fantasy-xi-dismissed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It would have been $7.5 million, but Leong couldn't beat the court's Lawsuit Limit Break quests.
If you're a longtime player of Final Fantasy XI, you might have some problems with the way that the game's been handled over the years. Those problems are usually complaints about issues such as balance or the way that the game has handled updates, though, and they certainly don't extend to legal action. Yet back in 2009, Esther Leong filed suit against Square-Enix for fraudulent practices and deceptive advertising because of the game's monthly subscription fee. The claim was seeking over five million dollars in damages on behalf of all Final Fantasy XI players, which is probably a bit more than you seek when you feel your White Mage is underpowered.

The 9th District Circuit Court of Appeals has officially dismissed the case, ending its progression for good and establishing a precedent that most likely won't find itself under heavy contest. A deputy general counsel for Square-Enix had called the suit "baseless" when it was first filed, due in no small part to the game's transparent statement that players would be required to pay a subscription fee.

Massively2009 lawsuit against Final Fantasy XI dismissed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dismissalffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xihumorlawsuitslegallegal-battlelitigationsquaresquare-enixTue, 27 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda and Interplay continue to sling stones over Fallout Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/bethesda-and-interplay-continue-to-sling-stones-over-fallout-onl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/bethesda-and-interplay-continue-to-sling-stones-over-fallout-onl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/bethesda-and-interplay-continue-to-sling-stones-over-fallout-onl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Please stand by for a very, very long time.
There's exciting news about Fallout Online today, assuming that you think that the latest installment of the ongoing legal battle between Interplay and Bethesda qualifies as exciting news. Yes, the two companies are still at it, with Bethesda filing a new complaint against Interplay after the last victory. And as usual, depending on which company you want in charge of the game's future development, one of the companies is completely out of its mind and the other is trying to defend what it rightfully owns.

Bethesda's complaint, in essence, argues that Interplay's complaint blocked testimony that would have established Bethesda as being the party in the right beyond a shadow of a doubt. Whether or not this is accurate will be established when the companies have their date in court on December 5th, which should put an end to this mess once and for all... although if previous events show anything, it's that both Bethesda and Interplay will fight this out to the bitter end.

MassivelyBethesda and Interplay continue to sling stones over Fallout Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafalloutfallout-legal-battlefallout-onlineinterplaylegallegal-battlemmo-industrynewsThu, 01 Dec 2011 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Academic talks MMO legalese and virtual property rights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/academic-talks-mmo-legalese-and-virtual-property-rights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/academic-talks-mmo-legalese-and-virtual-property-rights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/academic-talks-mmo-legalese-and-virtual-property-rights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Treasure hoard
Virtual item ownership has been a hot topic in MMO circles for a number of years now. Every so often, an academic will publish a paper regarding the legal and societal implications of trading real currency for fake goods, and the latest such academic is Rutgers University law professor Greg Lastowka.

Lastowka examines a number of high-profile virtual goods disputes (including one that ended with the real-world stabbing death of a virtual thief who sold a rare sword after "borrowing" it from a friend).

The piece also provides some interesting food for thought in the form of nightmare legal scenarios run amok (nerf patch lawsuits and legal action for server shutdowns are just two examples). You can read the full article text at Gamasutra.

MassivelyAcademic talks MMO legalese and virtual property rights originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greg-lastowkalawsuitslawyerslegallegal-issuesMiscellaneousmmo-industryproperty-rightsrightsvirtual-itemsvirtual-propertyThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanda Games going back to private ownership]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/shanda-games-going-back-to-private-ownership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/shanda-games-going-back-to-private-ownership/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/22/shanda-games-going-back-to-private-ownership/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's hard to find a screenshot of companies going private. Instead, enjoy a shot of goblins getting whipped.
If you've been following development on Eligium, you're probably at least passingly familiar with the name Shanda Games. You'd be more familiar with it in China, since the company also operates a variety of games from other markets, including Aion, MapleStory, and Dungeons & Dragons Online. And after having a record-breaking quarter, the company is moving in the opposite direction of what you might expect from a successful company: It's going private. The requisite stocks were purchased by a single family, so the company moving out of the public market.

All shares will be jointly purchased by a parent company headed by Shanda's CEO, Shanda's COO (the CEO's son), and the company director (the CEO's wife). A $180 million loan was taken out to ensure that the stocks could be traded, with the purchasers buying shares at a higher price to help ensure the transfer. The board of directors has already approved this move, which means that it should go through without a hitch before the first quarter of 2012.

MassivelyShanda Games going back to private ownership originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesschinachinese-developerchinese-marketlegalmmo-businessmmo-industryshanda-gamesTue, 22 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda appeal denied for Fallout Online, work continues by Interplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/bethesda-appeal-denied-for-fallout-online-work-continues-by-int/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/bethesda-appeal-denied-for-fallout-online-work-continues-by-int/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/bethesda-appeal-denied-for-fallout-online-work-continues-by-int/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We're still a long way from doing more than looking at pictures.
Are you enjoying the game of Fallout Online? No, not the actual online game in which you adventure in a shattered wasteland, but the constant back-and-forth between Interplay and Bethesda over which company is allowed to work on the development. The game has been tied up in court for roughly forever, with Bethesda trying to block Interplay's further development via legal tactics, and while the first injunction was denied, the studio appealed to have the development halted.

It turns out that the courts remained firmly on Interplay's side, however, as the appeal has been denied and Interplay is in the clear to continue developing the game. Unfortunately, the game will still require express permission from Bethesda to launch, meaning that there's still no end in sight to the legal fighting and name-calling by both companies. For the time being, all that fans of the franchise can do is wait and see... assuming that Interplay remains financially able to develop the game after all.

MassivelyBethesda appeal denied for Fallout Online, work continues by Interplay originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealsbethesdacourtdevelopmentfalloutfallout-onlineinterplaylegallegal-issueslegal-wranglingmmo-industryWed, 26 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex levies a lawsuit against RuneScape botters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/jagex-levies-a-lawsuit-against-runescape-botters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/jagex-levies-a-lawsuit-against-runescape-botters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/jagex-levies-a-lawsuit-against-runescape-botters/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RuneScape
As RuneScape staggers under the assault of thousands of bots, Jagex is pulling out a pair of big guns to meet the problem head-on. The first weapon was yesterday's "Bot-Nuking Day," in which a patch was released that was supposed to deal with 98% of the botting in the game. The second is an official email sent to suspected botters threatening them with a class-action lawsuit if they don't desist.

In the email, Jagex calls out the suspected behavior and offers the player a "one-time amnesty lifeline" to shape up. These players will be placed on a watch list and will be monitored for any further botting action. If the player persists in cheating, then Jagex promises to not only remove their account permanently but to include the player in a mass lawsuit.

"If you ignore our offer and instead continue use botting software, we reserve our rights to pursue statutory damages against you for between $200 to $2,500 per act of past, present, and/or future botting," the letter states.

A Jagex mod on the RuneScape forums confirmed that these emails are real.

MassivelyJagex levies a lawsuit against RuneScape botters originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amnestybotbotsbottersbottingclass-action-lawsuitf2pfree-to-playjagexlawsuitlegallegal-actionrunescapeWed, 26 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Appeals court affirms Richard Garriott's lawsuit win against NCsoft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/appeals-court-affirms-richard-garriotts-lawsuit-win-against-ncs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/appeals-court-affirms-richard-garriotts-lawsuit-win-against-ncs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/appeals-court-affirms-richard-garriotts-lawsuit-win-against-ncs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Richard Garriott
Ever since Richard Garriott won his lawsuit against former employer NCsoft last year, the legal process has been grinding on ever since to hash out the details. Today we've learned that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed the win of almost $32 million in favor of Garriott.

The lawsuit came about after NCsoft fired Garriott in 2008 and then marked his departure as "voluntary," causing his stock options to expire instead of remaining intact through the end of his 2011 contract. In 2010 a court found NCsoft to have breached its contract, and it ordered the company to pay $28 million plus interest and attorney fees to Garriott and his legal team. This recent ruling affirms that outcome and paves the path for Garriott to be compensated.

In the ruling, the 5th Circuit Court writes, "It would be unjust to allow NCsoft to sit back during trial, observe Garriott's litigation strategy, and then demand a new trial on damages when it dislikes the verdict."

[Source: Androvett Legal Media press release]

MassivelyAppeals court affirms Richard Garriott's lawsuit win against NCsoft originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32-million5th-circuit-courtappealsappeals-courtcourtcourt-of-appealsjudgejurylawsuitlegalncsoftrichard-garriottrulingverdictTue, 25 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New website provides online opt-out services for game EULAs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/new-website-provides-online-opt-out-services-for-game-eulas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GamersOptOut header text - opting out of class actions
If you're like most of us, you don't read the giant wall o' legalese that serves as a speed bump on the way to your favorite virtual world. A group of Redditors has, though, and has set up a new website designed to assist gamers in opting out of the clause that prevents participation in potential class action lawsuits leveled against gaming service providers.

Apparently opting out requires that a physical letter be mailed to the gaming company in question, and GamersOptOut.com purports to do the tedious work for you (either for free or for a voluntary donation). The catch is that you'll need to provide personal information, including your name, address, and game account name.

The website's creators page lists the online handles (as well as Xbox Live, PSN, and Twitter identities) of those responsible, but given the anonymous nature of the site and the privacy concerns raised by providing your personal info, we suggest you proceed with caution. Currently the website features an opt-out form for Sony's PlayStation network and Electronic Arts' new Origin digital delivery service.

MassivelyNew website provides online opt-out services for game EULAs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymousclass-actionclass-action-lawsuiteaelectronic-artseulagame-industrygamers-opt-outgamersoptoutlawsuitlegalmmo-industryopt-outplaystation-networkpsnshadysonyTue, 04 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red 5 Studios and Webzen resolve legal dispute]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/red-5-studios-and-webzen-resolve-legal-dispute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/red-5-studios-and-webzen-resolve-legal-dispute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/red-5-studios-and-webzen-resolve-legal-dispute/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Firefall screenshot
Remember back in July, when Red 5 Studios was all like, "You're not advertising our upcoming game enough, Webzen!", and then Webzen was all like, "We gave you several million dollars, and we're still waiting for this game you said you're working on!"? Well, it turns out both parties have decided to put the whole thing behind them, and live happily ever after.

According to a press release, "Webzen will receive compensation for the prior development fees paid to Red 5 and also will share in future revenue generated from Red 5's game entitled Firefall for a certain period of time." This settlement will also give Red 5 complete global publishing rights to Firefall and relieve Webzen of all advertising involvement.

MassivelyRed 5 Studios and Webzen resolve legal dispute originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disputefirefalllegalred-5-studiossettlementwebzenThu, 29 Sep 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda fails to block Fallout MMO progress, again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/bethesda-fails-to-block-fallout-mmo-progress-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/bethesda-fails-to-block-fallout-mmo-progress-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/bethesda-fails-to-block-fallout-mmo-progress-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fallout Online - wallpaper
The latest development in the ongoing lover's quarrel for control of the Fallout MMO seems to be something of a body blow for Bethesda. The famed Elder Scrolls and Fallout 3 RPG maker was smacked down in a U.S. District Court this week as a judge ruled that the company "unreasonably delayed in seeking relief, and that the emergency that allegedly justifies a TRO is self-created."

TRO stands for temporary restraining order, and Bethesda was seeking such against Interplay and Masthead Studios, which are developing the long-awaited Fallout MMORPG. This isn't the first time that Bethesda has turned to the legal system as a way of preserving its Fallout brand. It's also not the first time the company has been denied, as a 2009 ruling allowed Interplay to continue working on the massively multiplayer version of Fallout despite Bethesda's objections.

MassivelyBethesda fails to block Fallout MMO progress, again originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafalloutfallout-mmointerplaylegallegalesemastheadmasthead-studiosmmo-industrypost-apocalypticsci-fitemporary-restraining-orderFri, 23 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yoogames yoinks assets from EVE Online and others, faces retribution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/yoogames-yoinks-assets-from-eve-online-and-others-faces-retribu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/yoogames-yoinks-assets-from-eve-online-and-others-faces-retribu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/yoogames-yoinks-assets-from-eve-online-and-others-faces-retribu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Enjoy the show!
Let's get ready for a lawsuit! Yoogames has been called out on the EVE Online forums for using images from EVE in order to promote its own game, Planet War. But it's not just EVE Online getting ripped off here; keen-eyed forum-goers have spotted pictures of StarCraft 2's Protoss Yo-Mommaship and Star Wars' Trade Federation space station.

What will become of this, no one knows... oh, who are we kidding? This is lawsuit city. CCP's own CCP Fallout stopped by the thread to thank the OP for pointing out the infringement and to say that he is "notifying the relevant parties in the company." So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show. We'll be sure to bring you the latest in courtroom entertainment as it develops.

MassivelyYoogames yoinks assets from EVE Online and others, faces retribution originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescopyright-infringementcourthouse-tveveeve-onlineinfringementlawsuitlollegalplanet-warstarcraft-2starcraft2yoogamesThu, 15 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Never say Neverwinter: Cryptic forced to delay D&D RPG]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/never-say-neverwinter-cryptic-forced-to-delay-dandd-rpg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/never-say-neverwinter-cryptic-forced-to-delay-dandd-rpg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/15/never-say-neverwinter-cryptic-forced-to-delay-dandd-rpg/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Neverwinter
Fans -- and general looky-loos -- anticipating Cryptic's next game will have to wait a little while longer. Neverwinter has been officially delayed following a bout of legal mumbo jumbo involving Atari and Hasbro struggling over the Dungeons & Dragons license.

While the two companies have finally settled this long-running dispute, Atari's sale of Cryptic to Perfect World Entertainment has come with a catch regarding its Neverwinter project. Due to the new ownership, Perfect World is demanding Cryptic work on "a more immersive experience" for Neverwinter and is thus pushing the cooperative RPG's release from the formerly announced 2011 launch window to late 2012.

The settlement means that Hasbro will regain the digital licensing rights to D&D, but Atari can still sell and develop some titles under that umbrella. Cryptic Studios was acquired by Perfect World earlier this month for a whopping $49.8 million.

MassivelyNever say Neverwinter: Cryptic forced to delay D&D RPG originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012atarid-and-ddelaydnddungeons-and-dragonshasbrolawsuitlegallegal-battlelicensemumbo-jumboneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentreleasesettlementMon, 15 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Character reveals, e-sports tournaments, and legal battles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/not-so-massively-character-reveals-e-sports-tournaments-and-l/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/not-so-massively-character-reveals-e-sports-tournaments-and-l/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/02/not-so-massively-character-reveals-e-sports-tournaments-and-l/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Welcome to Not So Massively, our weekly roundup of the top news from popular multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other multiplayer online games that aren't quite MMOs. Published every Saturday, the column covers games such as League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, Rise of Immortals, Bloodline Champions, and more.

Last week we saw the end of Dreamhack with some huge prizes being handed out to the winners of competitive MOBA tournaments. We got to see what high-end competitive gameplay looks like in League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth and Bloodline Champions thanks to the recorded Dreamhack matches with live commentary. We also got a look at League of Legends' new champion Yorick the gravedigger in a new champion spotlight, and we checked out Realm of the Titans' new hero HaZ'zard. We then introduced a recent dev interview with Rise of Immortals' lead designer Amanda Flock.

In this week's Not So Massively, we examine the recent legal battle between FireFall developer Red 5 and its publisher Webzen. Competitive tournament play is also still buzzing this week, with both Heroes of Newerth and Bloodline Champions looking into new sponsored tournament deals for players. League of Legends players look forward to upcoming female tank champion Leona, while Heroes of Newerth shows off its upcoming ranged anti-juking hero Emerald Warden. As it nears open beta, Rise of Immortals also revealed Balak this week, a ranged agility hero with an extremely fast attack animation.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Character reveals, e-sports tournaments, and legal battles

MassivelyNot So Massively: Character reveals, e-sports tournaments, and legal battles originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Balakbloodline-championschampionemerald-wardenfeaturedfirefallheroheroes-of-newerthhonimmortaljukingleague-of-legendslegalleonalolnot-so-massivelypetroglyphred-5red-5-studiosrise-of-immortalsstunlock-studioswebzenSat, 02 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Third-party development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/eve-evolved-third-party-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/eve-evolved-third-party-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/eve-evolved-third-party-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

When EVE Online was first released in 2003, it was a primitive beast from a small indie studio operating out of a tiny office in Reykjavik, Iceland. Although EVE has been expanded over the years, not all of that development has come from creator CCP Games. EVE players routinely step in to fill gaps in the game's functionality through the development of third-party applications, websites and tools. Early apps like the EVEMon skill planner were very limited in what information they could access about a player's character, but with the introduction of the EVE API system, a huge wealth of information became available.

Since then, we've seen a resurgence of third-party app and tool development, producing impressive apps like Capsuleer and Aura for the iPhone. We've also seen some incredibly useful websites like the ICSC jump planner suite, gambling site SOMER.blink and the Dotlan EVE maps with regularly updating statistics. Most app developers work on the projects in their spare time, and until now they've relied on donations or advertising revenue to keep up with server costs or keep development worth the time invested. As EVE is CCP's intellectual property, it's illegal for anyone to make money from it without the company's permission. This week, CCP released the first draft of a contract that would allow developers to monetise their apps, but the proposal was not received well by the EVE community.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at third-party app development and what's wrong with the proposed deal.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Third-party development

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Third-party development originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsauracapsuleerccpccp-atlasccp-eveccp-gamesccp-zuluchribbadevblogdevelopersdevelopmentdierdra-vaaleveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedintellectual-propertyipiphonelegallegalesemonetizationmonetizeopinionplayer-developersplayer-developmentthird-partythird-party-applicationsthird-party-developmentSun, 19 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA["Fallout belongs to us": Bethesda lays claim to Fallout MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/fallout-belongs-to-us-bethesda-lays-claim-to-fallout-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/fallout-belongs-to-us-bethesda-lays-claim-to-fallout-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/fallout-belongs-to-us-bethesda-lays-claim-to-fallout-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We may as well call it The NeverEnding Story 4: The Battle for Fallout. The ongoing legal struggle and corporate posturing between Bethesda and Interplay took a new turn today as Bethesda declared its biggest claim yet to the entire franchise -- including a Fallout MMO.

According to Gamesindustry.biz, vg247, and Eurogamer, Bethesda's Pete Hines couldn't make it clearer: "We own the rights to the MMO. We own the rights to everything Fallout. The license is ours. Fallout belongs to us."

Earlier this month, Interplay called such claims "absurd."

This is troublesome for Interplay, as the studio has been hard at work on a Fallout MMO of its own, scheduled for a 2012 release. Both companies claim that they have the right to develop an online version of the hit franchise: Interplay because it retained the rights to do so when it sold the franchise to Bethesda, and Bethesda because the company claims Interplay failed to live up to the contract and forfeited its claim.

While the lawyers continue to plow through this legal morass, this statement by Bethesda shows that the studio has no intention of giving up the rights to a Fallout MMO without a fight.

[Update: We've clarified Gamesindustry's sources.]

Massively"Fallout belongs to us": Bethesda lays claim to Fallout MMO originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksfalloutfallout-mmofallout-onlineInterplaylawyerlegallegal-rightsneverending-storypete-hinesrightsFri, 21 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard plays nice with World of StarCraft modder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/blizzard-plays-nice-with-world-of-starcraft-modder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/blizzard-plays-nice-with-world-of-starcraft-modder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/blizzard-plays-nice-with-world-of-starcraft-modder/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gaming giant Blizzard Entertainment has officially weighed in on the World of StarCraft controversy, and the verdict is something of a happy ending for fans of the MMO-flavored mod and its mastermind Ryan Winzen. Gamasutra reports that Winzen has been invited to meet the StarCraft II development team, and his hard work won't be for naught despite the removal of his YouTube preview videos.

"It was never our intention to stop development on the mod or discourage the community from expressing their creativity through the StarCraft II editor. As always, we actively encourage development of custom maps and mods for StarCraft II, as we've done with our strategy games in the past," Blizzard said in a prepared statement.

The company went on to explain that issuing a take-down order for the offending videos is part of its standard procedure when dealing with fan mods and possible copyright infringement and that it is "looking forward to seeing development of the mod continue," according to Gamasutra.

MassivelyBlizzard plays nice with World of StarCraft modder originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentgamasutralegalmmo-industrymoddingmodsryan-winzenstarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iiworld-of-starcraftFri, 21 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of StarCraft modders clash with Activision Blizzard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/world-of-starcraft-modders-clash-with-activision-blizzard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/world-of-starcraft-modders-clash-with-activision-blizzard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/world-of-starcraft-modders-clash-with-activision-blizzard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Last night, we brought you the news that a talented StarCraft II modder had begun developing a full MMO based in the StarCraft II engine. World of StarCraft, as the mod came to be known, used the game's open modding and map-editing tools to produce some pretty impressive MMO-style mechanics. But the project has not been officially endorsed by Activision or Blizzard Entertainment, who own the rights to the StarCraft intellectual property.

Given the huge popularity of both StarCraft and StarCraft II, an MMO based in that setting would be a sure bet to attract a lot of interest. There has even been speculation that Blizzard may be planning to develop an official StarCraft MMO in the near future -- a move that, after the rampant popularity of World of Warcraft, would seem like a no-brainer.

Today brings some bad news for fans of the World of StarCraft mod and its development, as Activision has finally taken notice. The alpha trailer released on YouTube has been removed at the request of Activision, the reason being cited as copyright and intellectual property violations. This may pertain to the use of StarCraft II material in a game trailer, the similarity of the name to World of Warcraft's, or something else entirely. Whatever the reason for it, it's clear that it won't be plain sailing for the development of this popular StarCraft II mod.

MassivelyWorld of StarCraft modders clash with Activision Blizzard originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardBlizzardBlizzard-EntertainmentDMCAlegalmoddingmodding-communitystarcraftstarcraft-2starcraft-iitrailervideoYouTubeWed, 19 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay responds to Bethesda's Fallout claims, calls them "absurd"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/interplay-responds-to-bethesdas-fallout-claims-calls-them-abs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/interplay-responds-to-bethesdas-fallout-claims-calls-them-abs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/interplay-responds-to-bethesdas-fallout-claims-calls-them-abs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

War... war never changes. Not even when it's over an IP. The Fallout MMO has been stuck in the middle of a legal battle for roughly half of forever, and it doesn't seem like the controversy is going to stop any time soon. Bethesda's most recent filing claimed that Interplay had only licensed the rights to use the Fallout name, rather than any of the other assets that would lead to developing an MMO. Interplay has responded to this claim by calling it outright absurd.

According to Interplay, the license between the companies specifically required Interplay to develop a Fallout MMO, using the name and all related assets as part of the overall experience. Using only the name and nothing else related to the franchise would be strictly against the terms of the original agreement. Although it's not clear at the moment how long this particular skirmish will take, it's obvious that both companies are still dedicated to fighting the rights out to the bitter end.

MassivelyInterplay responds to Bethesda's Fallout claims, calls them "absurd" originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafalloutfallout-mmointerplaylegallegal-agreementslegal-battlelicenselicensingmmo-industrynewsproject-v13rightsMon, 10 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST