Create new account
Forgot password?

NEWS

Activision Sues Double Fine Over Brutal Legend

Tom Ivan's picture

By Tom Ivan

June 5, 2009

  • Login or register to post comments

See also:

Related Articles:

Activision has sued Brutal Legend developer Double Fine Productions in a bid to stop the title being released.

According to an Associated Press report, the lawsuit claims that Double Fine transferred rights owned by the publisher to its rival EA, which plans to release the title later this year.

Activision says that it invested around $15 million in the action adventure title and still has a right to release the game.

The chances of the game ever being released was previously put in question after Activision dropped a number of titles from the Sierra publishing label following its merger with Vivendi Games.

After losing its publishing deal with Sierra, Double Fine teamed with EA Partners to publish the title, which has comedian Jack Black playing the main character.

Responding to Activision's suit, Double Fine president Tim Schafer told Kotaku: "Hey, if Activision liked it, then they should have put a ring on it. Oh great, now Beyoncé is going to sue me too."

Peter_Pesic's picture
On June 8th Peter_Pesic said:

The funny thing is everyone except for Activision saw dropping Brutal Legend as a mistake, and a missed opportunity of cross marketing with Guitar Hero. I would be surprised if Activision comes out on top in this lawsuit, as it appeared Double Fine and EA were careful with the legality of the situation, considering how long between the drop and EA partner's publishing announcement.

Indrema's picture
On June 5th Indrema said:

I would love to work at Activision right now. They've managed to the daily operations of the company into the deadliest drinking game ever. The Bistro-Math behind Sierra spending $15 mil. + Activision absorbing Sierra parent = Activision spending $15 mil.

And this is decided after the IP is released....I'm going down to the Home Office to see if I can win "CEO-for-a-Day".

Masonica's picture
On June 5th Masonica said:

Notice how they didn't take on EA. Really is pick on the little guy and shake his lunch money out of his pockets. Activision are just greedy bullies.

treppass's picture
On June 5th treppass said:

haah tims awesome. it seems to me that activision are realising what they are missing out on. though how anyone has the nerve to prevent this gamegetting into the consumers hands is beond me.

rabbitc's picture
On June 5th rabbitc said:

It's amazing watching Activision make mistake after mistake. Guess the whole 'casual games' strategy isn't looking so good now then...