It's episode 200! Thanks to everyone that has been with us for this journey and thanks to everyone who is visiting for the first time. We couldn't do any of this without you. Here's to 200 more!

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According to reports from Jason Schreier of Kotaku, employees of Gearbox Software (makers of Borderlands 3), have reportedly been "stiffed" on bonuses that were otherwise promised to them by CEO Randy Pitchford.

What does Mr. Schreier have to say about Gearbox's compensation system, the promises that form the foundation of his reporting, and Gearbox's response?

How does upside compensation work? What are the risks and rewards? And how do those risks and rewards mirror the employee-owned collectives that are often advocated by Mr. Schreier and Kotaku?

How can miscommunication result in breach of trust? And why should Gearbox be concerned even if no legal lines were crossed?

And just why is Mr. Schreier bringing up a settled case in which the plaintiff referred to CEO Pitchford as "exonerated" anyway?

We're shifting shifty gears...in Virtual Legality.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/swInQ5i-Cxg

#Kotaku #Gearbox #Pitchford

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Discussed in this episode:

"Sources: Despite Huge Sales, Borderlands 3 Developers Are Getting Stiffed On Bonuses"

Kotaku - April 1, 2020 - Jason Schreier

https://kotaku.com/sources-despite-huge-sales-borderlands-3-developers-a-1842617645

"Gearbox Video Game Designer Salary" (and more)

https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Video_Game_Designer/Salary/6151e84c/Gearbox-Software

Cost of Living (Plano Texas)

https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/texas/plano

Cost of Living (Irvine California)

https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/california/irvine

"Randy Pitchford's $12 Million Magic Trick: A Lawyer's View (VL69) (Hoeg Law)"

YouTube Video - June 24, 2019 - Hoeg Law

https://youtu.be/PP4qsoBSZvc

"Former Gearbox employee provides proof Randy Pitchford diverted funds to personal company"

GameDailyBiz - June 18, 2020 - Hoeg Law

https://gamedaily.biz/article/965/former-gearbox-employee-provides-proof-randy-pitchford-diverted-funds-to-personal-company

Plaintiff's Third Amended Petition

Callender v Gearbox (Pitchford)

June 12, 2019

https://courtsportal.dallascounty.org/DALLASPROD/DocumentViewer/Embedded/1bJ-uOeaXZ1AY0DXpUjP42TcFVPzR-WiMmMGugjv4e4WGb7Lm2fX-tE1G8lz1XwmDMfLZwHcPKc8qXEP1CLiYg2?p=0

"Randy Pitchford and Gearbox Exonerated?! What it All Means (VL113)"

YouTube Video - October 4, 2019 - Hoeg Law

https://youtu.be/SYzvJ1C-KV4

"Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford and former lawyer bring end to messy legal dispute"

Eurogamer - October 4, 2019 - Matt Wales

https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-10-03-gearbox-ceo-randy-pitchford-and-former-lawyer-bring-end-to-messy-legal-dispute

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"Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).

CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo

DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.

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Twitter: @hoeglaw

Web: hoeglaw.com

Blog: hoeglaw.wordpress.com