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Double Fine countersues Activision 22 Jul, 2009 / Comments: 5

By Jason


As you all know, after threatening to do so several months back, Activision sued Double Fine over the rights to Brutal Legend, which they maintain they still own. Today Gamespot reports that Double Fine has fought back with a countersuit, claiming that Activision is specifically trying to hurt the developer (whose existence depends on the game's successful launch) and of unlawful business practices. Interestingly, Double Fine states that Activision cancelled Brutal Legend after a failed attempt to convert the game into a Guitar Hero sequel:
While they may fight for a limited amount of shelf space and consumer dollars, the music-themed action game Brutal Legend and the rhythm game Guitar Hero don't compete in the same genre. However, Double Fine's suit says that Activision canceled the studio's game after an aborted attempt to convert it into a Guitar Hero sequel.
According to the report, the hearing for Activision's motion to prevent Brutal Legend's release is scheduled for July 30. For their part, EA maintains that the scheduled released date (Rocktober 13th for North America and Rocktober 16th for all other territories) is still on.
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5 Comments

  • The Tingler on 23 Jul, 2009, 12:17…
    Well done DF. Wipe them out, all of them.

    I still don't believe it - a Guitar Hero game? Activision really wanted them to turn it into that?! F*** 'em.
  • Kroms on 23 Jul, 2009, 08:11…
    Go Double Fine!
  • Melancholick on 23 Jul, 2009, 07:32…
    Good gawd. Another goddamned Guitar Hero game? THAT was Activision's bright-eyed plans for the franchise?

    Go, Tim. Burn them to the roots and get your damned money's worth.
  • Logic on 23 Jul, 2009, 03:10…
    Go Double Fine. Down with publishers who think they can manipulate or put the breaks on any development studio who doesn't adhere to their whims. Have some respect for the creative people who are the reason your industry exists.
  • syntheticgerbil on 23 Jul, 2009, 01:04…
    I'm really hoping this works out for them. A publisher should not be allowed to essentially choose whether a developer lives or dies by taking the publishing rights and sitting on them.