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More on the Double Fine countersuit 24 Jul, 2009 / Comments: 7


Although there hasn't been any real update, per say, I've noticed that some of today's write-ups have some interesting statements surrounding the legal dispute between Double Fine and Activision over Brutal Legend that weren't included in the Gamespot write-up. Regarding Activision's complaint that Double Fine's delays drove up the game's budget from $8 million to $15 million, for example, the developer says this:
The Tim Schafer-led San Francisco developer's response includes the allegation that these delays were due to changes Vivendi itself requested prior to the publisher's merger with Activision, like securing vocal talent such as Jack Black and expanding the single-player mode.
Additionally:
"Now that we've found a publisher and the game is getting sensational coverage, they want to stop its release," Double Fine COO Caroline Esmurdoc wrote in an official statement.

She added: "Double Fine's countersuit is a demonstration of our intention to fight for this game — Activision will not kill Brutal Legend.'"
That's from Gamasutra. And then there's a fascinating quote from Activision:
Activision said in a statement that Double Fine's claims are "meritless and, in fact, Activision has every intention of exercising its legal right as Brutal Legend's publisher to release the game."
That one from Washington Examiner. Make of all this what you will!

More Stirring by The Tingler: Apparently Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings developer A2M don't like Activision either. Don't blame them.
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7 Comments

  • neon_git on 24 Jul, 2009, 15:04…
    This whole thing makes me sad.
  • SurplusGamer on 24 Jul, 2009, 10:45…
    What a miraculous change of heart on Activision's part. And after EA has conveniently done all the marketing for them!
  • syntheticgerbil on 23 Jul, 2009, 23:40…
    I believe Tim Schafer about the voices... but $7 million to have all those metal stars to come in and do some lines? I guess I should join a band.
  • syntheticgerbil on 23 Jul, 2009, 23:43…
    Er... that is to say I'm sure not all of that $7 millino didn't go exclusively to voices, but you know what I mean.
  • Udvarnoky on 24 Jul, 2009, 00:23…
    Well "expanding the single player mode," which was also cited as a reason, could mean a lot of things.
  • Jennifer on 24 Jul, 2009, 00:27…
    I'm glad they expanded the single player mode. I don't play games over online multiplayer, and I rarely play games with friends. Story is what matters to me in games.
  • syntheticgerbil on 24 Jul, 2009, 15:31…
    A Tim Schafer game without a narrative to tie the gameplay together seems nearly implausible.