legal
Lawful Neutral: Assessing the privacy policies governing World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV
It never fails to surprise me just what some people will say in general chat in an MMO. They'll say things they would never...
The ESRB seeks a COPPA provision to let apps scan children’s faces for age verification
You might have heard the legal disclaimer "ask your parents' permission before going online" in some advertisements aimed at children, which is understandable because...
Vague Patch Notes: Culture doesn’t excuse poor design choices in MMOs
So Tarisland has heard that people don't like gender-locked classes. This is the correct feedback because gender-locked classes blow, and every game that has...
Chronicles of Elyria claims its Soulborn Engine ‘is a functional MMO engine once again’
It's time for yet another monthly progress report out of Chronicles of Elyria's Jeromy Walsh, who has offered more granular updates to the originally...
Indie developer takes Activision-Blizzard ‘Warzone’ trademark dispute up the chain to Microsoft
A David-vs-Goliath struggle over a game name trademark jumped on board this month's biggest legal rollercoaster. As we reported a few years ago, the...
Here’s how the UK gaming industry says it’ll self-regulate lockboxes
Remember a few years ago before NFT scams took over, when politicians realized they could score some press coverage and campaign donations for talking...
The FTC suspends its administrative challenge of the Microsoft Activision-Blizzard merger
It would seem as if the US Federal Trade Commission has read the suggested writing on the wall: The government body has officially withdrawn...
Consumers hoping to block Microsoft’s buyout of Activision-Blizzard lose in court yet again
The insanity and activity surrounding Microsoft's imminent acquisition of Activision Blizzard has only ramped up as the deal prepares to be finalized. This month...
Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard file a legal request for the FTC to drop its August hearing
Now that the US Federal Trade Commission has been handed two big losses in its challenge of the $69B merger between Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard,...
Activision-Blizzard Q2 2023: Diablo IV doubled Blizzard’s revenues as MAUs continue decline
Activision-Blizzard has once again released its Q2 financials early as of this morning, but given the fact that this week was meant to be...
Rumor: Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard are negotiating an extension on their merger deal
So it's July 18th, and you know what that means: It's national caviar day! And also national sour candy day! (Don't use these things...
FTC loses its attempt at a pause of Microsoft ABK merger, Sony signs the 10-year Call of Duty agreement
The US Federal Trade Commission was handed another loss in court this past weekend. Readers will remember that the government body was trying to...
Yes, the FTC is appealing the decision not to block Microsoft’s Activision-Blizzard merger
It's no surprise at all, but yes, the Federal Trade Commission has indeed filed an appeal of Tuesday's US District Court of Northern California...
Bungie prevails in court over racist creep who harassed and doxxed Destiny 2 staff
If you wanted another reason to appreciate Bungie - and another reminder that some online gamers are hella awful - a judge in Washington...
Former Elder Scrolls Online dev takes ZeniMax to court over allegations of transphobia and forced resignation
A series of alarming allegations and legal action have sprung forth from a former developer of The Elder Scrolls Online. Leona Faren, a trans...
Pokemon Go studio Niantic stands accused of sexual discrimination and retaliation in new lawsuit
Pokemon Go's Niantic has fast become one of the more problematic companies we cover, and now the studio's outlook just got even shadier as...
Judge denies FTC’s injunction request, clearing the way for Microsoft’s Activision-Blizzard merger
We now return you to the endless saga of Microsoft trying to slurp up Activision-Blizzard to rescue it from ignominy as regulatory factions around...
Rainbow Six player responsible for a swatting of Ubisoft sentenced to three years of community service
Back in 2020, the developers of Ubisoft Montreal were faced with a frightening and harrowing experience when the office building they work at was...
MMO Business Roundup: Unity clings to AI, Apple appeals again, Embracer restructures
Business doesn't take a break, and so neither must we. Except for holiday breaks. But then those also can get busy because studios sometimes...
Star Citizen player gets a partial refund from CIG in spite of the studio’s legal arguments to the contrary
Getting a refund out of Star Citizen can often seem like pulling teeth, yet one player who goes by the name of BlueBackground is...
