Virtual Legality

In a surprise announcement, Bungie, one of gaming's most celebrated developers, is splitting from Activision after almost a decade and taking their crown jewel series, Destiny, with them.

What does this mean for Bungie? For Destiny? For Activision?

And what can the last few days of tumult in Activision's executive ranks or the original 2010 publishing contract tell us about what happened...and what is to come?

#Bungie #Activision #VirtualLegality

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/hrKPN5TqFXA

***

Discussed in this episode:

"Our Destiny"

Bungie.net Blog Post, January 10, 2019

(https://www.bungie.net/en/Explore/Detail/News/47569)

"Activision Blizzard Exec Shuffle Appoints New Heads of Activision, King, Emerging Business"

Variety, January 9, 2019

(https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/activision-blizzard-exec-shuffle-appoints-new-heads-of-activision-king-emerging-business-1203103289/)

"Bungie-Activision contract"

(Software Publishing and Development Agreement)

Effective Date April 16, 2010

(http://documents.latimes.com/bungie-activision-contract/)

***

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: https://hoeglaw.com/

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at https://hoeglaw.wordpress.com/

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050

In a surprise announcement, Bungie, one of gaming's most celebrated developers, is splitting from Activision after almost a decade and taking their crown jewel series, Destiny, with them.

What does this mean for Bungie? For Destiny? For Activision?

And what can the last few days of tumult in Activision's executive ranks or the original 2010 publishing contract tell us about what happened...and what is to come?

#Bungie #Activision #VirtualLegality

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/hrKPN5TqFXA

***

Discussed in this episode:

"Our Destiny"

Bungie.net Blog Post, January 10, 2019

(https://www.bungie.net/en/Explore/Detail/News/47569)

"Activision Blizzard Exec Shuffle Appoints New Heads of Activision, King, Emerging Business"

Variety, January 9, 2019

(https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/activision-blizzard-exec-shuffle-appoints-new-heads-of-activision-king-emerging-business-1203103289/)

"Bungie-Activision contract"

(Software Publishing and Development Agreement)

Effective Date April 16, 2010

(http://documents.latimes.com/bungie-activision-contract/)

***

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: https://hoeglaw.com/

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at https://hoeglaw.wordpress.com/

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the new CFO at Activision Blizzard, Jason Schreyer. He delves into the role of CFOs, the alleged fraud at Activision, and what the recent SEC filings reveal about the company's state.

(0:00) Introduction

(1:08) Activision Blizzard

(8:34) New CFO

(11:00) Jason Schreyer

(15:22) CFOs

(16:05) Activision

(18:08) Activision Fraud

(21:00) SEC Filings

(24:28) Activision Filing

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Activision's plans to transfer publishing rights for Destiny to Bungie, delving into contract law and intellectual property ownership. The episode concludes with a discussion on Halo Reach and termination.

(0:00) Opening

(3:58) Plans for Activision To Transfer Publishing Rights for Destiny to Bungie

(12:49) Law of Contracts

(21:51) Intellectual Property Ownership

(32:46) Halo Reach

(38:50) Termination

In this episode of "Virtual Legality", attorney Richard Hoeg of The Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law), discusses rapper 2 Milly's lawsuit against Epic Games for its alleged "infringement" of his dance moves in blockbuster hit Fortnite.

Does 2 Milly have a (virtual) leg to stand on?

What does the Copyright Act have to say about the case?

And what are the chances that Epic just tries to settle this thing to make it go away?

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/P6M5j4umkYg

***

Discussion focuses on:

00:36 - "Rapper 2 Milly sues Epic Games for using his dance in 'Fortnite'"

NBC News, December 5, 2018

(https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/music/rapper-2-milly-sues-epic-games-using-his-dance-fortnite-n944466?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma)

02:50 - Ferguson v Epic Games

(https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5433623-2-Milly.html)

14:48 - The United States Copyright Act

(https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/chapter-1)

17:02 - "Copyright Registration of Choreography and Pantomime"

Circular 52 of the US Copyright Office

(https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ52.pdf)

25:02 - "Fortnite takes heat from rappers, actors on monetized dance moves"

GameDaily.biz, November 19, 2018

(https://gamedaily.biz/article/397/fortnite-has-monetized-other-peoples-dances-ip-law-provides-a-complex-answer)

***

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!

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.

***

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: www.hoeglaw.com

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at hoeglaw.wordpress.com

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050

In this episode of "Virtual Legality", attorney Richard Hoeg of The Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law), discusses rapper 2 Milly's lawsuit against Epic Games for its alleged "infringement" of his dance moves in blockbuster hit Fortnite.

Does 2 Milly have a (virtual) leg to stand on?

What does the Copyright Act have to say about the case?

And what are the chances that Epic just tries to settle this thing to make it go away?

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/P6M5j4umkYg

***

Discussion focuses on:

00:36 - "Rapper 2 Milly sues Epic Games for using his dance in 'Fortnite'"

NBC News, December 5, 2018

(https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/music/rapper-2-milly-sues-epic-games-using-his-dance-fortnite-n944466?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma)

02:50 - Ferguson v Epic Games

(https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5433623-2-Milly.html)

14:48 - The United States Copyright Act

(https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/chapter-1)

17:02 - "Copyright Registration of Choreography and Pantomime"

Circular 52 of the US Copyright Office

(https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ52.pdf)

25:02 - "Fortnite takes heat from rappers, actors on monetized dance moves"

GameDaily.biz, November 19, 2018

(https://gamedaily.biz/article/397/fortnite-has-monetized-other-peoples-dances-ip-law-provides-a-complex-answer)

***

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!

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.

***

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: www.hoeglaw.com

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at hoeglaw.wordpress.com

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050

In this episode of "Virtual Legality", attorney Richard Hoeg of The Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law), discusses the newly-announced Epic Store's developer-favorable sharing ratios, and just what effect they might have on Valve's Steam Store, game developers, and the industry at large.

Epic Games to Valve: Game On!

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/2Cq4NoAzmpo

***

Discussion focuses on:

Steam's New Distribution Agreement Changes

(https://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamworks#announcements/detail/1697191267930157838)

"Steam Developers Speak: Maximum Profits for Valve, Minimum Responsibilities", Polygon, October 19, 2018

(https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/19/17959138/steam-valve-developer-support-pricing-reviews)

"Fallout 76 won’t launch on Steam so Bethesda can ‘directly serve’ its players", Polygon, August 13, 2018

(https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/13/17683620/fallout-76-steam-bethesda-net)

"Announcing the Epic Games Store"

(https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/blog/announcing-the-epic-games-store)

"Tim Sweeney Answers Questions About the New Epic Games Store", Game Informer, December 4, 2018

(https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/12/03/tim-sweeney-answers-questions-about-the-new-epic-games-store)

BONUS:

"Developers react to Epic Games' new digital storefront, including greater revenue cut" GameDaily.biz, December 4, 2018

(https://gamedaily.biz/article/427/developers-react-to-epic-games-new-digital-storefront-including-greater-revenue-cut)

***

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!

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.

***

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: hoeglaw.com

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at hoeglaw.wordpress.com

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050

In this episode of "Virtual Legality", attorney Richard Hoeg of The Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law), discusses the newly-announced Epic Store's developer-favorable sharing ratios, and just what effect they might have on Valve's Steam Store, game developers, and the industry at large.

Epic Games to Valve: Game On!

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/2Cq4NoAzmpo

***

Discussion focuses on:

Steam's New Distribution Agreement Changes

(https://steamcommunity.com/groups/steamworks#announcements/detail/1697191267930157838)

"Steam Developers Speak: Maximum Profits for Valve, Minimum Responsibilities", Polygon, October 19, 2018

(https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/19/17959138/steam-valve-developer-support-pricing-reviews)

"Fallout 76 won’t launch on Steam so Bethesda can ‘directly serve’ its players", Polygon, August 13, 2018

(https://www.polygon.com/2018/8/13/17683620/fallout-76-steam-bethesda-net)

"Announcing the Epic Games Store"

(https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/blog/announcing-the-epic-games-store)

"Tim Sweeney Answers Questions About the New Epic Games Store", Game Informer, December 4, 2018

(https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/12/03/tim-sweeney-answers-questions-about-the-new-epic-games-store)

BONUS:

"Developers react to Epic Games' new digital storefront, including greater revenue cut" GameDaily.biz, December 4, 2018

(https://gamedaily.biz/article/427/developers-react-to-epic-games-new-digital-storefront-including-greater-revenue-cut)

***

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!

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.

***

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: hoeglaw.com

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at hoeglaw.wordpress.com

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050

In this episode of "Virtual Legality", attorney Richard Hoeg of The Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law), discusses the International Game Developers Association's (IGDA) executive "Call to Action" on the small matter of loot box regulation.

Self-regulation may well be the best kind of regulation, after all.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/qb6r1DzDhsE

Discussion focuses on:

* IGDA Executive Director's November 29, 2018 "Call to Action: Loot Boxes"

(https://www.igda.org/blogpost/1016423/Executive-Director-Blog)

and

* Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) history

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Software_Rating_Board)

with references to our earlier "Virtual Legality" episode - "Loot Box Low Down"

(https://youtu.be/PGhikKvy2Ns)

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!

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.

***

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: hoeglaw.com

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at hoeglaw.wordpress.com

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050

In this episode of "Virtual Legality", attorney Richard Hoeg of The Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law), discusses the International Game Developers Association's (IGDA) executive "Call to Action" on the small matter of loot box regulation.

Self-regulation may well be the best kind of regulation, after all.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/qb6r1DzDhsE

Discussion focuses on:

* IGDA Executive Director's November 29, 2018 "Call to Action: Loot Boxes"

(https://www.igda.org/blogpost/1016423/Executive-Director-Blog)

and

* Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) history

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Software_Rating_Board)

with references to our earlier "Virtual Legality" episode - "Loot Box Low Down"

(https://youtu.be/PGhikKvy2Ns)

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Let us know what you think!

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.

***

THANKS FOR WATCHING!

FOR MORE CHECK US OUT:

On Twitter @hoeglaw

At our website: hoeglaw.com

On our Blog, "Rules of the Game", at hoeglaw.wordpress.com

On "Help Us Out Hoeg!" a regular segment on the Easy Allies Podcast (formerly GameTrailers)

(https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZrxXp1reP8E353rZsB3jaA)

Biweekly on "Inside the Huddle with Michael Spath" on WTKA 1050