Antitrust Law
Ongoing coverage on Antitrust Law.
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MMO Business Roundup: Sony games discs, Monster Hunter Wilds’ price, and Ubisoft almost figures it out
This business roundup covers several key industry developments, including Sony facing antitrust scrutiny over its decision to cease physical game disc production in 2028. Ubisoft's latest financial report acknowledges that firing experienced developers can harm business, while Capcom announced a permanent price reduction for Monster Hunter Wilds, alongside new bundle offerings.
US States Are Trying to Stop Paramount Skydance From Owning Mortal Kombat (And Everything Else)
A coalition of 12 US state attorneys general is suing Paramount Skydance to block its proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing violations of antitrust laws. The states argue the merger would stifle competition, reduce content quality, and harm movie theaters. Paramount Skydance contends the lawsuit misapplies antitrust laws and that the merger is necessary to compete with streaming giants like Netflix. The acquisition would also transfer ownership of Warner Bros. Games, including studios like NetherRealm Studios and Portkey Games, to Paramount Skydance.
Dutch consumer group suing PlayStation argues the end of physical discs just proves its point: 'Sony alone decides what a game costs and even how long you are allowed to use it'
A Dutch consumer group, Stichting Massaschade & Consument, is suing Sony for €400 million over its 30% PlayStation Store tax, arguing that the upcoming discontinuation of physical discs by 2028 will give Sony complete control over game pricing and usage. The group compares Sony's practices to those of Apple and Steam, highlighting concerns about consumer ownership and lack of alternatives.
Google loses protracted antitrust fight and will have to pay record-breaking €4.1 billion fine equivalent to less…
Google has lost its appeal at the Court of Justice of the European Union, confirming a record-breaking €4.1 billion fine. The fine was originally imposed in 2018 for forcing manufacturers to pre-load Google products on Android devices. This latest ruling upholds the penalty, bringing Google's total EU antitrust fines to €11 billion over the past decade.
Evening Legal Briefs
Google has lost its final appeal regarding a $4.7 billion antitrust fine related to its Android operating system. In separate news, the FBI has seized the NetNut proxy platform, and a startup is suing Palo Alto Networks.
Google loses final appeal over $4.7 billion EU Android antitrust fine
Europe's highest court has upheld a record $4.7 billion antitrust fine against Google, originally imposed in 2018. The ruling concerns Google's practices related to its Android mobile operating system.
US lawsuit accuses Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron of worsening the RAM crisis by fixing memory prices and supply
Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are facing a US class-action lawsuit accusing them of fixing RAM prices and supply, thereby worsening the global memory crisis. The lawsuit alleges the companies colluded to shift production from consumer RAM to High Bandwidth Memory for AI data centers, reducing overall supply and driving up prices since 2022. Micron has stated they disagree with the allegations and will defend themselves.
Saturday Legal Briefs
Microsoft is facing an antitrust class action lawsuit regarding alleged price-fixing with Steam. Separately, a lawsuit involving Palworld is reportedly nearing its end, with Nintendo expected to gain little from the proceedings.
New Valve lawsuit wants to pay $150 compensation to Dutch PC gamers for Steam monopoly
A Dutch non-profit group, Consumer Competition Claims, has filed a lawsuit against Valve, alleging that Steam's market monopoly has caused Dutch PC gamers to overpay by over €220 million. The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages, estimating that individual gamers could receive over €130. Similar legal actions are ongoing in the US and UK, focusing on Valve's alleged practice of enforcing 'Platform Parity Obligations' that prevent games from being sold cheaper outside of Steam.
Morning Legal Briefs
The Entertainment Software Association is urging lawmakers to consider video game replicas when drafting new legislation. Separately, the European Union has instructed Meta to reinstate access for rival chatbots to its WhatsApp platform.
"What the f*** do I pay you for if that’s your opinion?" Gabe Newell reportedly once shouted at one of Valve's Lionel Hutzes during Steam porn debate
Valve boss Gabe Newell reportedly reacted strongly to a debate about allowing pornographic content on Steam, yelling at general counsel Karl Quackenbush. The incident is part of a broader discussion on Valve's corporate culture, stemming from an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by Wolfire Games. Newell testified in the suit, denying Steam has a monopoly and asserting customers have numerous purchasing choices.
Microsoft Reaches $250 Million Settlement in Lawsuit With Activision Blizzard Shareholders
Microsoft has settled a shareholder lawsuit related to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $250 million. The lawsuit, led by the Sjunde-AP-Fonden fund, accused former Activision Blizzard executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick, of breaching fiduciary duties by agreeing to the acquisition price. Both Microsoft and Kotick deny the allegations, with the settlement aimed at avoiding litigation distractions. The acquisition was finalized in October 2023, bringing Activision Blizzard into the Xbox family.
After six years, Fortnite finally returns to Apple's App Store in most countries, but the legal battle continues
Fortnite has returned to the Apple App Store in most regions after a six-year absence, marking a new development in the ongoing legal dispute between Epic Games and Apple. Epic Games stated the return is due to confidence that regulators will address Apple's App Store fees, citing momentum from new laws in Japan, the EU, and the UK. The legal battle, which began after Epic bypassed Apple's payment system, continues with Epic aiming for a more open mobile app ecosystem.
PlayStation gamers could get a share of $8 million in a class action settlement — here’s how to know if you’re eligible, and why you shouldn’t expect a big payout
Sony is distributing nearly $8 million to US PlayStation gamers as part of a class action settlement over its digital game sales practices between April 2019 and December 2023. The lawsuit alleged Sony monopolized the market by limiting third-party retailers' ability to sell PlayStation game vouchers. Eligible customers who purchased covered digital games will receive an automatic payout, though individual amounts are expected to be small after legal fees.
Sony Settles PlayStation Store Lawsuit For $7.8 Million Soon
Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to a $7.85 million settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning PlayStation Store purchases made between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023. Eligible users who bought digital games with previously available retail vouchers will receive PlayStation Network credits. A fairness hearing is scheduled for October 15 to finalize the distribution plan.
UK Steam Lawsuit Seeks $900M: Gamers Could Get Just £22 Each
A UK lawsuit is seeking $900 million from Valve, alleging anti-competitive practices by Steam through its 30% commission and most-favored-nation clauses. If successful, individual payouts are estimated to be between £22-£44. The article argues that Steam provides significant value for its fees, including robust customer service and features, and that a loss could negatively impact future development and services.
Judge tosses out X's advertiser boycott lawsuit
A US District Court Judge has dismissed X Corp.'s lawsuit against advertisers who allegedly participated in an illegal boycott. The judge ruled that the advertisers' actions, motivated by concerns over X's content moderation policies, did not constitute an antitrust violation. X Corp. is unable to refile the lawsuit.
NEKOPARA Sekai Connect launches April 14 for iOS and Android, this fall for PC
NEKOPARA Sekai Connect is set to launch on April 14 for iOS and Android, with a PC release planned for this fall. The article also features discussions among users about Microsoft's Xbox strategy, Game Pass pricing, and ongoing antitrust lawsuits involving Sony, Valve, and other digital marketplaces.
Screenbound: Getting Our Heads Around the Brain-Breaking “5D” Platformer
This article discusses the current state and future strategy of the Xbox brand, with commenters debating Microsoft's approach to Game Pass pricing, its expansion to PC, and the overall console market. There's a sentiment that the Xbox brand has lost its way since the Xbox 360 era, with some wishing for a return to a more focused console experience, while others highlight the benefits of cross-platform play and PC integration. The discussion also touches on antitrust concerns and lawsuits involving Sony and Valve.
Unions band together to launch new game industry conference 'by workers, for workers'
A new game industry conference, described as 'by workers, for workers,' has been launched by various unions. Discussions in the comments section revolve around Microsoft's Xbox brand, its pricing strategies for Game Pass, and its move towards PC gaming. There's also commentary on ongoing antitrust lawsuits against Sony, Valve, Nintendo, and Apple in the UK and other regions.
