Virtual Legality

By Richard HoegNews Leisure Video Games News Commentary

Virtual Legality episodes

March 08, 2021 Europe Approves Microsoft + Bethesda! But Reports WRONG On USA(VL430)
The European Union (through its European Commission) has approved the Microsoft + Bethesda merger! That's big news, but apparently not big enough for several major gaming news outlets like GamesIndustry, IGN, Kotaku, and more.
But as we've talked about in this space, while there is much to be commended in investigation via diving through Microsoft's SEC EDGAR filings, Form S-4 and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) aren't the answer.
Big stuff today, but let's get the facts right...in Virtual Legality.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/xTLF6cDjD5g
#Microsoft #Zenimax #Merger
***
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***
Discussed in this episode:
"US Securities & Exchange Commission has approved Microsoft/ZeniMax acquisition"
Tweet - March 8, 2021 - GamesIndustry
https://twitter.com/GIBiz/status/1368918927288524803
"Microsoft's ZeniMax acquisition approved by SEC"
GamesIndustry - March 8, 2021
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-03-08-microsofts-zenimax-acquisition-approved-by-sec
"Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax (which includes Bethesda) has taken two major steps towards completion"
Tweet - March 8, 2021 - IGN
https://twitter.com/IGN/status/1368924779445633024
"Microsoft-Bethesda Acquisition Takes Two Major Steps Towards Completion"
IGN - March 8, 2021
https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-bethesda-acquisition-takes-two-major-steps-towards-completion
"Regulators Approve Microsoft's $7.5 Billion Acquisition Of Bethesda Parent Company Zenimax Media"
Kotaku - March 8, 2021
https://kotaku.com/regulators-approve-microsofts-7-5-billion-acquisition-1846429087
Microsoft EDGAR Filings
As of March 5, 2021
https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?CIK=0000789019&action=getcompany
Microsoft Form S-4 Filing - Notice of Effectiveness
Effective March 4, 2021
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/999999999521000839/9999999995-21-000839-index.htm
Microsoft's S-4 Prospectus (as amended)
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/000119312521069628/d30757d424b3.htm
"NOT MERGED YET: On Microsoft, Bethesda, and Securities Law (Form S-4) (VL429)"
YouTube Video - March 5, 2021 - Hoeg Law
https://youtu.be/sQVoK8S6JVE
"Microsoft to acquire ZeniMax Media and its game publisher Bethesda Softworks"
Microsoft Press Release - September 21, 2021
https://news.microsoft.com/2020/09/21/microsoft-to-acquire-zenimax-media-and-its-game-publisher-bethesda-softworks/
"EU approves Microsoft’s $7.5 billion Bethesda acquisition"
The Verge - March 8, 2021
https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/8/22315104/microsoft-bethesda-acquisition-eu-approval-deal
"Premerger Notification and the Merger Review Process"
FTC Website
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/mergers/premerger-notification-merger-review
***
"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.
***
Twitter: @hoeglaw
Web: hoeglaw.com
18 min
March 08, 2021 Europe Approves Microsoft + Bethesda! But Reports WRONG on USA (VL430)
null
18 min
March 05, 2021 NOT MERGED YET On Microsoft, Bethesda, And Securities Law (Form S - 4) (VL429)
From "Vault" to securities filing investigations, gamers are clearly eager to see the consummation of the Microsoft + Bethesda merger, but while there is much to be commended about the current deep dive through Microsoft's SEC EDGAR filings, Form S-4 isn't (and won't fully be) the answer.
Let's talk about securities registration!
Folks are on the right track, but not quite there yet...in Virtual Legality.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/sQVoK8S6JVE
#Microsoft #Zenimax #Merger
***
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality
STREAMLABS - https://streamlabs.com/richardhoeg
STORE - https://teespring.com/stores/hoeg-law-store
***
Discussed in this episode:
"I'd need to get more input from an actual lawyer..."
Tweet - March 5, 2021 - Klobrille
https://twitter.com/klobrille/status/1367807278557126659
Microsoft EDGAR Filings
As of March 5, 2021
https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?CIK=0000789019&action=getcompany
Microsoft Form S-4 Filing - Notice of Effectiveness
Effective March 4, 2021
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/999999999521000839/9999999995-21-000839-index.htm
"Securities Act of 1933"
Wikipedia Entry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securities_Act_of_1933
SEC Form S-1
https://www.sec.gov/about/forms/forms-1.pdf
"Reclassification of securities, mergers, consolidations and acquisitions of assets."
17 CFR 230.145 (Rule 145)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/17/230.145
Form S-4
https://www.sec.gov/about/forms/forms-4.pdf
Microsoft's S-4 Prospectus (as amended)
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/789019/000119312521069628/d30757d424b3.htm
Microsoft Investor Relations - SEC Filings
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/sec-filings.aspx
Microsoft S-4 Filing (February 16, 2021)
https://microsoft.gcs-web.com/static-files/e8b5731f-34c5-4107-a0d0-520c5330ce77
Form of Merger-Facing Form S-4
Elastic + Endgame
https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1707753/000119312519211245/d509645ds4.htm
***
"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.
***
Twitter: @hoeglaw
Web: hoeglaw.com
16 min
March 05, 2021 NOT MERGED YET: On Microsoft, Bethesda, and Securities Law (Form S-4) (VL429)
null
(0:00) Introduction
(1:37) SEC Form S4
(4:52) Business Combinations
(6:16) Form S4
(8:21) What is it for
(10:02) Conclusion
16 min
March 04, 2021 Marvel's Avengers: Square Enix Unlocks the Grind Stone (VL428)
null
(0:00) Introduction
(1:06) NPD Group Inc
(1:37) Campaign
(4:25) Steam Charts
(5:19) Avengers Failure
(7:01) Cosmetic and XP Rework
(7:42) XP Rework
(10:35) Level Up Faster
(12:12) Consumer Problem
(12:34) Cosmetic Changes
(15:40) Cosmetic Rework
(18:23) Cosmetic Vendor
(19:26) Message
(21:36) Conclusion
(23:54) Outro
26 min
March 03, 2021 Dr. Disrespect and The Myth Of Twitch Transparency (VL427)
Twitch has announced an all new commitment to transparency - the Global Transparency Report! That's great, especially considering the mysterious circumstances surrounding the termination of one of their most popular streamers - Dr. Disrespect!
But does Twitch actually make clear that or any of the other biggest questions facing the platform?
And how does *all* of that relate to Twitch's purported role in keeping Dr. Disrespect out of a Call of Duty tournament (Toronto Ultra)?
Let's dive in.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/DFc9Z4b_pWY
Twitch keeps using that word, "Transparency", but we do not think it means what they think it means..in Virtual Legality.
#Twitch #Ban #DrDisrespect
***
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality
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***
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:28 The Report to the Report
03:24 Dr. Disrespect and Toronto Ultra
11:48 Transparency as Public Relations
22:07 Cracks in the Foundation
33:22 Conclusion
***
Discussed in this episode:
"Today we released our first ever global Transparency Report..."
Tweet - March 2, 2021 - Twitch
https://twitter.com/Twitch/status/1366810673716600840
"Keeping Our Community Safe: Twitch 2020 Transparency Report"
Twitch Blog - March 2, 2021
https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2021/03/02/keeping-our-community-safe-twitch-2020-transparency-report/
"Twitch Bans Dr. Disrespect - A Legal Discussion"
YouTube Playlist - Hoeg Law
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy98pOuP1cC8o7nraoJEcmuG
"Dr Disrespect Blocked From Competing in Call of Duty Tournament"
GameRant - February 28, 2021
https://gamerant.com/call-of-duty-warzone-dr-disrespecy-tournament-blocked/
"Contracts in Restraint of Trade"
CA Business and Professions Code 16600
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=7.&chapter=1.&part=2.&lawCode=BPC
"Transparency Report 2020"
Twitch - March 2, 2021
https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/legal/transparency-report/
"Community Guidelines"
Twitch - Updated January 22, 2021
https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/legal/community-guidelines/
"Hateful Conduct and Harassment"
Twitch - Updated January 22, 2021
https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/legal/community-guidelines/harassment/
***
"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.
***
Twitter: @hoeglaw
Web: hoeglaw.com
38 min
March 02, 2021 Dr. Disrespect and the Myth of Twitch Transparency (VL427)
null
(0:00) Introduction
(1:28) The Report to the Report
(3:24) Dr. Disrespect and Toronto Ultra
(11:48) Transparency as Public Relations
(22:07) Cracks in the Foundation
(33:22) Conclusion
38 min
March 01, 2021 A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part VII: Paying For Problems) (VL414)
Video game publisher Raw Fury has taken the unusual step of putting its publishing contract onto the Internet, and we couldn't be happier!
In Part VII of our continuing series, we look at the cost of a broken promise and one of the most heavily negotiated sections of any contract: indemnification.
Let's dive in.
"Hold Harmless" provisions are anything but harmless...in Virtual Legality.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/Vxp1ctqSSsc
#LawyerReads #GamePublishing #RawFury
***
HELP SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality
STREAMLABS TIPS - https://streamlabs.com/richardhoeg
STORE - https://teespring.com/stores/hoeg-law-store
***
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
04:53 Developer's Indemnification Obligation
13:29 Fixing Infringements
20:17 Publisher's Indemnification Obligation
22:38 Conclusion
***
Discussed in this episode:
"A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement"
YouTube Playlist - Hoeg Law
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy_VayRrIvRSP64k6oOv9jLi
"About Us"
Raw Fury Webpage
https://rawfury.com/about/
"Why we are publishing Raw Furys publishing agreement"
Raw Fury Webpage
https://rawfury.com/why-we-are-publishing-raw-furys-publishing-agreement/
"Developer Resources"
Raw Fury Webpage (Click Through Dropbox for Publishing Agreement)
https://rawfury.com/developer-resources/
***
"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.
***
Twitter: @hoeglaw
Web: hoeglaw.com
26 min
March 01, 2021 That Sinking (City) Feeling: Did Publisher Nacon Pirate Frogwares Title? (VL426)
null
(0:00) Introduction
(1:40) Frogwares Accuses Nacon of Piracy
(3:59) The Contract Breach Claim
(9:33) The Termination Letter
(11:20) Force Majeure
(14:35) Frogwares Describes the Hack
(28:09) Frogwares Names Names
(31:21) Conclusion
35 min
March 01, 2021 A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part VII: Paying for Problems) (VL425)
null
(0:00) Introduction
(4:53) Developer's Indemnification Obligation
(13:29) Fixing Infringements
(20:17) Publisher's Indemnification Obligation
(22:38) Conclusion
26 min

About Virtual Legality

From the publisher's feed

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).