Virtual Legality
Virtual Legality is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
Wed, March 05, 2025
What the Trump?! | USAID, Elon Musk, and the Roberts Court
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores recent legal and political developments surrounding the Supreme Court's non-decision on USAID funding and related controversies. He covers the District Court's restraining order, the government's response, administrative stays, and the Supreme Court's 'decision'. Justice Alito's dissent on sovereign immunity and equitable jurisdiction is analyzed, along with discussions on irreparable harm and universal injunctions. Hoeg also touches on constitutional crises, the Impoundment Control Act, and spending authority conflicts, concluding with thoughts on the Constitutional order and engaging with the audience. SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com LINKS THE CONSTITUTION https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/article-1/#article-1-section-8-clause-1 https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/article-2/section-3/overview-of-take-care-clause USAID AND THE SUPREME COURT https://x.com/kyledcheney/status/1897287827324563593 https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24a831_3135.pdf https://ndlawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/NDL506_Bayefsky_6_06-cropped-1.pdf https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/irreparable_harm CRISES? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_crisis https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/can-a-president-refuse-to-spend-funds-approved-by-congress https://x.com/HoegLaw/status/1894786831251657181 (0:14) Introduction to Virtual Legality and today's topics (1:09) Supreme Court's non-decision and political controversies (6:07) District Court's temporary restraining order and government's response (8:50) Understanding administrative stays and the Supreme Court's new timeline (20:46) Justice Alito's dissent on sovereign immunity and district court's enforcement (23:37) Analysis of equitable jurisdiction, monetary relief, and legal precedents (26:36) Irreparable harm and universal injunctions debate (30:03) Justice Alito's full dissent and the Supreme Court's stance (33:04) Constitutional crisis and presidential impoundment history (37:21) Impoundment Control Act, Line Item Veto, and spending authority conflicts (40:36) Constitutional argum
Fri, February 28, 2025
Warner Bros., Monolith Closure, and the Legal Legacy of the Nemesis System
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg discusses the recent Warner Brothers studio closures and reflects on the company's history in the video game industry, including Monolith Productions. He focuses on intellectual property issues in gaming, with references to the "No One Lives Forever" series and Monolith's Nemesis System. Richard clarifies different types of intellectual property and common misconceptions, providing legal perspectives on the studio closures and the Nemesis System patent. He explores the future of the Nemesis System, intellectual property licenses, and US Patent and Trademark Office challenges. The episode concludes with Richard's thoughts on the implications of intellectual property in gaming. LINKS CLOSURES/NOLF https://www.polygon.com/news/529310/warner-bros-games-monolith-productions-multiversus-studio-closure https://kotaku.com/the-sad-story-behind-a-dead-pc-game-that-cant-come-back-1688358811 NEMESIS HEADLINES https://kotaku.com/monolith-productions-middle-earth-nemesis-system-patent-1851766437 https://www.thegamer.com/warner-bros-owns-nemesis-system-until-2035-despite-monolith-closure/ https://www.ign.com/articles/after-warner-bros-shut-down-shadow-of-mordor-developer-monolith-and-canceled-wonder-woman-fans-lament-the-wasted-potential-of-its-nemesis-system https://www.eurogamer.net/shadow-of-mordors-brilliant-nemesis-system-is-locked-away-by-a-warner-bros-patent-until-2036-despite-studio-shutdown IP LAW/CONFUSION https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/trademark-patent-copyright https://x.com/BangBangClick/status/1894505752003309829 https://x.com/SynthPotato/status/1894467413502054717 THE PATENT/OPTIONS https://patents.google.com/patent/US20160279522A1/en https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/opinion/is-warners-nemesis-paten
Sat, February 22, 2025
What the Trump?! | Did an Executive Order just end the US Administrative State? (VL)
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores executive orders and U.S. government structure, focusing on independent agencies versus presidential control. Using Trump's executive order as a case study, he discusses the administrative state, legal controversies, and public reactions. Hoeg reviews a law article on the unitary executive theory and Chief Justice Roberts' opinion in a case changing the structure of the CFPB. He discusses the FTC, exceptions to presidential removal authority, and the impact on other agencies. The episode concludes with insights on checks and balances, congressional authority, and the limits of executive orders. SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com LINKS THE EXECUTIVE ORDER (AND FACT SHEET) https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/ensuring-accountability-for-all-agencies/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-reins-in-independent-agencies-to-restore-a-government-that-answers-to-the-american-people/ EXTREME RESPONSES https://x.com/allenanalysis/status/1891979647145197717 https://x.com/StephenM/status/1890600757205880940 LAW (REVIEW) https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/714860 https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/necessary_and_proper_clause https://casetext.com/case/seila-law-llc-v-consumer-financial-protection-bureau OTHER RESPONSES https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-executive-order-interpret-law/ https://x.com/HoegLaw/status/1890038579310830043 https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1892295984928993698 (0:14) Introduction to the episode (0:39) Explanation of executive orders and U.S. government branches (2:07) Independent agencies vs. presidential control (3:12) Trump's executive order: language and implications (7:03) Role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (9:15) Legal interpretations, controversies, and public reactions (13:44) Review of law article on unitary executive theory (23:34) Chief justice Roberts' opinion and CFPB case analysis (25:05) Historica
Wed, February 12, 2025
Roblox Under Scrutiny | Federal Investigations, Child Safety, and More
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg delves into the complexities surrounding Roblox, its platform, and the recent scrutiny it faces. He begins with an overview of Roblox's popularity and the criticisms it has attracted. The discussion then shifts to the SEC's investigation into Roblox, explaining securities and the implications of Bloomberg's reporting on child safety. Richard also examines short selling, focusing on Hindenburg Research's report and its potential impacts on Roblox. The episode further explores user screening, COPPA implications, and the importance of transparency in ongoing investigations, concluding with closing remarks and audience engagement. SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com LINKS ROBLOX INVESTIGATION https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/sec-confirms-active-and-ongoing-investigation-into-roblox https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-07/sec-confirms-game-service-roblox-part-of-active-investigation FOIA https://www.foia.gov/about.html https://www.foia.gov/ AGENCIES https://www.sec.gov/about https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ceos/keeping-children-safe-online (0:14) Introduction to the episode (0:43) Overview of Roblox's platform, popularity, and criticisms (2:03) SEC's investigation into Roblox and explanation of securities (3:53) Bloomberg's reporting and child safety allegations against Roblox (7:16) Short selling, Hindenburg Research's report, and potential impacts (10:23) User screening, COPPA implications, and transparency in investigations (21:11) Closing remarks and audience engagement
Wed, February 05, 2025
TikTok, Microsoft, and Legal Challenges | Exploring the Ban and Beyond
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores the prospect of Microsoft/TikTok acquisition talks. He examines the TikTok ban, enforcement challenges, and network impacts. Hoeg analyzes the performative aspects of January 19th, discusses bills of attainder, and the courts' decisions on both attainder and First Amendment law. He critiques the court's reasoning, discusses TikTok's business restrictions, and debates divestiture versus confiscation. Richard also touches on the Trump administration's actions, Congressional provisions, First Amendment concerns, and the Supreme Court's role. The episode concludes with insights into Microsoft's negotiation strategy and political considerations. SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi5RTzzeCFurWTPLm8usDkQ/ PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ LINKS INTRO https://www.reuters.com/technology/trump-says-microsoft-is-talks-acquire-tiktok-2025-01-28/ THE BAN https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-118publ50/pdf/PLAW-118publ50.pdf https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/bill_of_attainder https://cases.justia.com/federal/appellate-courts/cadc/24-1113/24-1113-2024-12-06.pdf?ts=1733499080 https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/24-656_ca7d.pdf THE DELAY https://apnews.com/article/trump-tiktok-ban-da11df6d59c17e2c17eea40c4042386d https://www.npr.org/2025/01/20/nx-s1-5268701/trump-executive-order-tiktok-ban https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/application-of-protecting-americans-from-foreign-adversary-controlled-applications-act-to-tiktok/ THE PROBLEM https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/articles/article-ii/clauses/348 https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-executive-order-trump-0bbae2d2d6f102944f41bb75ad40ce69 https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-brushes-tiktok-national-se
Wed, January 29, 2025
FTC Takes on Genshin Impact | Loot Boxes, Dark Patterns, and Legal Showdowns
In this episode, Richard Hoeg examines the FTC's lawsuit against Genshin Impact, focusing on loot boxes and transparency. He discusses the FTC's charges, including concerns over "dark pattern tactics" and COPPA compliance, and the implications for free-to-play games. The episode explores Hoyoverse's business practices, misleading loot box disclosures, and the FTC's authority under sections 5 and 6g. Richard also addresses marketing to children, settlement terms, and the broader impact on the gaming industry, concluding with a look at internal FTC debates. FTC ACTION https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/01/genshin-impact-game-developer-will-be-banned-selling-lootboxes-teens-under-16-without-parental https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/cognosphere_complaint.pdf LAWS https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/45 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?hl=false&edition=prelim&req=granuleid%3AUSC-prelim-title15-section46 CONTROVERSY/AUTHORITY https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/LSB/LSB10635 https://businesslaw.osbar.org/2024/12/31/federal-trade-commission-non-compete-ban-december-2024-update/ https://www.beckersasc.com/asc-news/trump-administration-likely-to-end-ftc-efforts-to-ban-noncompetes-report.html https://www.econotimes.com/Lina-Khan-Resigns-as-FTC-Chair-Amid-Antitrust-Legacy-1699716 https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/ferguson-cognosphere-concurrence.pdf (0:00) Introduction to the episode (0:46) FTC lawsuit against Genshin Impact and loot boxes (3:14) FTC's charges against Genshin Impact and transparency issues (5:25) FTC's concerns with "dark pattern tactics" and COPPA requirements (7:57) Implications for free-to-play games and FTC enforcement (10:34) Jurisdiction and legal basis for FTC's case against Genshin Impact (16:50) Specifics of COPPA rule and FTC's interpretation (20:05) Broader implication
Thu, January 16, 2025
DoD Puts Tencent under Fire | What EVERYONE'S Getting Wrong (VL)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the US Department of Defense's CMC designation and its business impacts on Tencent Holdings. He covers legal background, executive orders, and insights from Bloomberg, analyzing market reactions and clarifying misunderstandings. The discussion includes the National Defense Authorization Act, Trump's executive orders, and more. Hoeg provides historical context, examines Tencent's situation, and the Department of Defense's role in US-China relations. He also considers potential actions by the future administrations and their effects on Tencent's global market presence, concluding with national security debates and possible legal proceedings. LINKS MILITARY DESIGNATION https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24337489/tencent-catl-us-defense-department-chinese-military-companies https://archive.ph/FPpBi https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-00070.pdf TRUMP/1237 https://www.cnbc.com/2020/11/12/trump-bans-investments-in-companies-that-aid-chinas-military.html https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/11/17/2020-25459/addressing-the-threat-from-securities-investments-that-finance-communist-chinese-military-companies https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2328894/dod-releases-list-of-additional-companies-in-accordance-with-section-1237-of-fy/ MCFs AND 1260H https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/chinese-military-civil-fusion-and-section-1260h-congress-incorporates-defense-contributors https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brookings_Institution https://www.cmtradelaw.com/2024/02/dod-is-making-its-list-and-checking-it-twice-dod-updates-1260h-chinese-military-companies-list/ LEGAL ACTION? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q78wn9g8zo https://www.eurogamer.
Fri, January 10, 2025
Assassin's Creed Delayed...Again | Analyzing Ubisoft's Movement from the Shadows
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into the recent delay of Assassin's Creed Shadows and the broader financial challenges faced by Ubisoft. He discusses Ubisoft's official announcements, strategic updates, restructuring efforts, and cost reduction measures. Hoeg explores the legal implications surrounding potential sales of Ubisoft, along with the financial impact of game cancellations. He provides an analysis of Ubisoft's recent game performance and shares insights from Bloomberg regarding Ubisoft shares and Tencent's interest. The episode also covers organizational changes within Ubisoft, before concluding with a sponsor message, disclaimer, and closing remarks. *** SUPPORT THE SHOW UTREON/PLAYEUR - https://playeur.com/c/aT-zMZf4XVIxwix2pAVNjE/videos/virtual-legality PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ LINKS DELAY ANNOUNCEMENTS https://x.com/assassinscreed/status/1838971189722562906 https://x.com/AlmightyJCaesar/status/1877406586890568139 STRATEGIC CHANGES https://staticctf.ubisoft.com/8aefmxkxpxwl/1wUjJWUQSIVMlZbKQ2707e/c0b1cd1c71ab30838e51d5e24764577f/Press_release_09_01_2025_vfinal.pdf ARTICLES https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-04/tencent-guillemot-family-are-said-to-consider-buyout-of-ubisoft?srnd=undefined https://www.videogameschronicle.com/features/opinion/the-crisis-at-ubisoft-has-deepened-and-the-end-result-is-inevitable/ LAST STAND MEDIA https://www.patreon.com/LastStandMedia THE BITCAST https://www.youtube.com/@seasonedgaming NOTHING YET TO DISCLOSE https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-investors-grill-ceo-cfo-on-potential-tencent-sale-delays-and-financial-woes https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-refuses-to-comment-on-tencent-rumors-but-says-its-exploring-options-to-maximize-value/1100-6528718/ https://www.sec.gov/about/offices/oia/oia_corpfin/princdisclos.pdf TENCENT <a href="
Mon, December 30, 2024
My Stroke Story | 2nd Anniversary - Starting is Restarting (VL Extra)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg presents a special anniversary edition, sharing personal insights and experiences following a stroke. He discusses the mental rehabilitation journey, offering a post-stroke perspective on the challenges faced, including financial stress. Richard delves into energy management strategies and reflects on the future outlook, both personally and professionally. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a disclaimer, providing a thoughtful and introspective look into recovery and resilience. (0:00) Introduction and Anniversary Specials Overview (1:07) Stroke Experiences and Mental Rehabilitation (3:24) Post-Stroke Perspective and Financial Stress (5:37) Energy Management and Future Outlook (6:25) Closing Remarks and Disclaimer
Thu, November 21, 2024
Sony Eyes Kadokawa Acquisition: Implications for Gaming and Anime Markets
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into the potential acquisition of Kadokawa by Sony, examining the pricing process regulatory questions and more. Richard explores Sony's stake in Kadokawa, the company's anime involvement, and potential antitrust issues. He provides insights into Sony's acquisition history and financials, the implications of leaked information, and the role of cash in acquisitions. The episode also touches on Tencent's influence, anime market monopolization worries, and jurisdictional challenges for international companies, concluding with thoughts on regulatory concerns and FromSoft's potential independence. LINKS INITIAL REPORTS https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/sony-talks-buy-media-powerhouse-behind-elden-ring-sources-say-2024-11-19/ https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-reportedly-in-talks-to-acquire-fromsoftware-owner-kadokawa/ LOI https://ssl4.eir-parts.net/doc/9468/ir_material7/240956/00.pdf https://www.acc.com/sites/default/files/resources/vl/membersonly/SampleFormPolicy/1386759_1.pdf PRICE https://companiesmarketcap.com/kadokawa/marketcap/ https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/SONY/sony/cash-on-hand https://firstpagesage.com/business/valuation-ebitda-multiples-for-tech-companies/ https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/65345-59#stock https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/9468.T/key-statistics/ https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/MSFT/microsoft/cash-on-hand https://news.microsoft.com/2022/01/18/microsoft-to-acquire-activision-blizzard-to-bring-the-joy-and-community-of-gaming-to-everyone-across-every-device/ https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/atvi/financials/ratios/ TENCENT AND FROMSOFTWARE https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kadokawa_Corporation https
Thu, November 14, 2024
Can Nintendo's Patents TAKE DOWN Palworld? | A Lawyer Discusses
Richard Hoeg dives into the ongoing legal battle between Nintendo and PocketPair, focusing on the intricacies of patent law and its implications for the gaming industry. Starting with the background on Palworld, he explores Nintendo's legal actions and the broader context of patent strategies. The episode examines social media reactions, the strength of Nintendo's case, and the potential for settlement. Richard describes patent laws between Japan and the US, discusses Nintendo's history with lawfare, and considers the impact on public perception. He analyzes the role of patent trolls, the nemesis system patent, and the balance between lawsuit motivations and innovation, concluding with community engagement. SOURCE LINKS POCKETPAIR https://www.pocketpair.jp/news/20241108 TWEETS https://x.com/seosaur/status/1854930016238256230 https://x.com/Schwifter_/status/1855481661086974033 https://x.com/Florian4Gamers/status/1854879805365236216 PATENTS https://patents.google.com/patent/JP7545191B1/en#relatedApplications https://patents.google.com/patent/JP7493117B2/en?oq=7493117#relatedApplications https://patents.google.com/patent/JP7528390B2/en#relatedApplications https://patents.google.com/patent/JP7398425B2/en?oq=7493117#relatedApplications JAPAN https://www.jpo.go.jp/e/faq/yokuaru/patent.html US https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/patent https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/international-ip-treaties https://www.wipo.int/directory/en/details.jsp?country_code=JP CONTINUATIONS https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1756-2171.12446?msockid=1f7d7163a5b163ab143062bca4a4629e DAMAGES https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/11/08/nintendos-palworld-lawsuit-takes-an-absurd-turn/ https://x.com/IGN/status/1855007664662561234 BULLYING? <a href="https://gamesfray.com/nintendo-
Tue, October 01, 2024
California Outlaws the 'BUY' Button?!? | A Lawyer's Take (787)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into California's AB 2426, focusing on digital content ownership and its implications for platforms like the PlayStation Network. He examines legal perspectives on digital goods, compelled speech, and transparency laws. Assembly Member Jackie Irwin's press release and task force recommendations are explored, along with a detailed breakdown of the new law's definitions and provisions. Richard discusses potential adaptations by companies, false advertising concerns, and ambiguities within the law. The episode also covers DRM, online check-ins, and listener questions, concluding with opinions on media preservation, the EU's gaming initiatives, and emulator shutdowns. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE (LINKS) ARTICLES https://www.gamefile.news/p/california-ab2426-crew-call-of-duty https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/26/24254922/california-digital-purchase-disclosure-law-ab-2426 https://www.ign.com/articles/californias-new-law-will-force-storefronts-to-disclose-that-buyers-dont-actually-own-their-digitally-purchased-media https://kotaku.com/california-ab-2426-digital-games-the-crew-new-law-psn https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/california-cracks-down-on-misleading-online-purchases-with-ab-2426 LAWS https://a42.asmdc.org/press-releases/20240925-governor-newsom-signs-ab-2426-law-increases-transparency-surrounding https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/109 https://digitaldemocracy.calmatters.org/bills/ca_202320240ab2426 TOTILO TWEETS https://x.com/stephentotilo/status/1839675181129675168 https://x.com/stephentotilo/status/1841152304457634075 PSN TERMS https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psn-terms-of-service/#content-license-and-restrictions (0:00) Introduction to California's AB 2426 and digital content ownership (5:16) Legal perspectives on digital goods and PlayStation Network's terms (9:07) Compelled speech, transparency laws, and pub
Fri, September 27, 2024
Patent World | A Lawyer's Take on Nintendo vs PalWorld
Lawyer Richard Hoeg (Hoeg Law) provides an in-depth analysis of Nintendo's lawsuit against PocketPair, focusing on the legal intricacies of patent infringement claims. He revisits the background of Palworld and explores international and Japanese patent law implications on the case. Richard dissects the differences between trademark, patent, and copyright protection, and speculates on PocketPair's legal response and strategy. The episode explores the risks associated with evoking established brands, the role of patent functions, and the potential impact on game releases. Concluding with viewer comments and a discussion on Nintendo's motives, Hoeg offers insights into the broader implications for the gaming industry. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE (LINKS) CORPORATE STATEMENTS https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2024/240919.html https://www.pocketpair.jp/news/news16 https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/media/news/detail/335.html UNDERSTANDING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/trademark-patent-copyright https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PatentBasics_UCR_11May2022.pdf https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PatentBasics_UCR_11May2022.pdf https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-10-02-0248 JAPAN https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/pursuing-international-ip-protection/japan https://www.ymf-law.com/post/defenses-to-patent-infringement-in-japanese-litigation ANALYSTS AND ARTICLES https://x.com/Jenbox360/status/1836709372077953278 https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/nintendo-s-patent-lawsuit-shows-it-s-given-up-making-the-case-that-palworld-s-characters-are-similar-to-pokemon-s-analyst-explains https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-vs-palworld-killer-patent-may-be-about-the-mechanic-of-catching-pokmon <a href="https://www.eurogamer.net/excee
Wed, June 26, 2024
Playing Games or Real Intentions? | Dr. Disrespect, Illegality, and Immorality (VL785)
Richard Hoeg dives into Midnight Society's statement about Guy Beam (Doctor Disrespect), explores the controversy surrounding his Twitch ban, analyzes California law on harmful communication with minors, and discusses a Bloomberg article and legal considerations related to the case. LINKS TWITTER LEAK https://x.com/evoli/status/1804309358106546676 MIDNIGHT SOCIETY https://x.com/12am/status/1805341504086622355 https://x.com/fourzerotwo/status/1805671144412049732 ARTICLES https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/streamer-dr-disrespect-axed-by-his-gaming-company/ar-BB1oRnXU?ocid=BingNewsSerp https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/26/dr-disrespect-loses-40-000-followers-streamers-fans-cut-ties-21106425/?ico=mosaic_gaming https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dr-disrespect-signs-multi-year-deal-stay-twitch-1283878/ https://gamerant.com/turtle-beach-dr-disrespect-partnership-end/ TWITCH TERMS https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/legal/terms-of-service/ https://safety.twitch.tv/s/article/Community-Guidelines?language=en_US LAW https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/penal-code/pen-sect-288-2/ BLOOMBERG https://x.com/cecianasta/status/1805648131754746329 https://www.bloomberg.com./news/articles/2024-06-25/youtuber-dr-disrespect-was-allegedly-kicked-off-twitch-for-messaging-minor?sref=9YEaDeJj DISRESPECT STATEMENT https://x.com/DrDisrespect/status/1805668256088572089 TWEETS https://x.com/chrissyxchi/status/1805747160547475765 https://x.com/rellim714/status/1805734437445128543 YOUTUBE TERMS https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801999?hl=en&ref_topic=9282
Sat, June 22, 2024
Whisper Campaign | A Lawyer looks at the Dr. Disrespect Twitch Accusations (VL784)
Richard Hoeg discusses the Doctor Disrespect Twitch exclusivity deal, the impact of Mixer's shutdown, and the 2022 legal settlement. He explores Twitch's whisper function, California penal code implications, and Doctor Disrespect's response to allegations, wrapping up with viewer questions and engagement. LINKS PREVIOUSLY ON... https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy98pOuP1cC8o7nraoJEcmuG https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/dr-disrespect-signs-multi-year-deal-stay-twitch-1283878/ https://www.windowscentral.com/mixer-what-went-wrong https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2020/06/28/statement-respond-why-dr-disrespect-banned-from-twitch-for-mysterious-reasons/#2f9151d12c0e https://x.com/Slasher/status/1276742960286183424 https://x.com/Shannon_Liao/status/1276617617730568195 https://x.com/drdisrespect/status/1277060051744591872 https://x.com/DrDisrespect/status/1502004274993131525 THE PRESENT https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2015/06/10/psst-hey-you-let-s-whisper-2a84ac496804/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whispering_campaign https://x.com/evoli/status/1804309358106546676 https://x.com/HoegLaw/status/1804484984213741891 https://x.com/DrDisrespect/status/1804337822415097955 https://x.com/DrDisrespect/status/1804577136998776878 THE FUTURE https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/penal-code/pen-sect-288-4/ https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/info_bulletins/2020-dle-17.pdf https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/legal/privacy-notice/ https://techcrunch.com/2018/05/07/encrypted-dms/ <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/06/elon-musk-says-twitter-a
Thu, June 06, 2024
Does Adobe Want to Spy On You? |What Its Terms of Use Say (and Don't) (VL783)
Richard Hoeg delves into Adobe's new terms and conditions, addressing artists' concerns and examining the legal implications. He discusses professional obligations, confidentiality issues, and the broad language in Adobe's terms, along with AI concerns and the impact on user trust. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ARTIST CONCERNS (TWEETS) https://x.com/Stretchedwiener/status/1798153619285708909 https://x.com/SamSantala/status/1798292952219091042 https://x.com/Gahadmor/status/1798601215703761272 ADOBE GENERAL TERMS https://www.adobe.com/legal/terms.html ADOBE CONTENT ANALYSIS RESTRICTIONS (INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE) https://helpx.adobe.com/manage-account/using/machine-learning-faq.html ARCHIVES/ALL SOFTWARE TERMS https://www.adobe.com/legal/licenses-terms/licenses-terms-archive.html https://www.adobe.com/legal/licenses-terms.html (0:00) Introduction and episode overview (1:12) Adobe's new terms and conditions and artists' concerns (3:31) Richard's perspective as a lawyer (5:02) Professional obligations and confidentiality concerns (7:07) Examination of Adobe's general terms of use (9:47) Detailed review of Adobe's access to user content (15:43) Limits on Adobe's use of user content (18:31) Broad language in Adobe's terms of use (23:07) AI concerns and Adobe's future plans (24:19) Concluding thoughts on Adobe's terms and user trust
Wed, May 15, 2024
TikTok Sues the US | Can They Stop the Ban? (VL782)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into the legal complexities surrounding TikTok's ban and its implications on freedom of expression and the limits of congressional authority. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE NPR ARTICLE https://www.npr.org/2024/05/07/1246532784/tiktok-ban-us-court-biden-congress THE STATUTE https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8038/text THE LAWSUIT https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24651190/tiktok-petition.pdf ANALYSIS https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S9-C3-2/ALDE_00013187/ (0:00) Introduction, Remembering Community Member Shareen (7:06) TikTok's Legal Arguments (20:17) Analysis of the Ban's Implications: First Amendment, Freedom of Expression, and the Bill of Attainder Clause (32:54) Examination of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (41:48) Future Outlook: Changing Political Landscape and Potential Legislative Actions Against TikTok (51:08) Breakdown of TikTok's Ownership and Funding, and Legal Battles with President Trump's executive order (1:01:06) TikTok's First Amendment Rights in its Editorial and Publishing Activities and Legal Challenge Against the Act (1:14:26) Discussion on the National Security Agreement with TikTok and Government's Failure to Provide Alternatives (1:20:18) TikTok's Request for a Declaratory Judgment that the Act is Unconstitutional and Audience's Comments (1:27:35) Community Questions: Personal Experience with TikTok, Opinion on China's Ban, and U.S Government's Stance (1:29:33) Closing Remarks and Remembering Community Member Shareen
Wed, May 08, 2024
Can the FTC Really Ban Non-Competition Provisions? (VL781)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the complexities of Non-Compete Agreements, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and its implications. He examines the FTC's rulemaking on non-competes, the benefits and potential impacts of such agreements, and the origins of the FTC Act. He also discusses the non-delegation doctrine's potential impacts on FTC's authority. The episode wraps up with a Q&A session. (0:00) Introduction and Overview of Non-Compete Agreements (8:18) Understanding the Federal Trade Commission Act and Its Implications (14:07) The Proposed Non-Compete Rule and its Implications (23:01) Purpose and Impact of the FTC's Rulemaking on Non-Competes (33:35) Benefits and Potential Impact of Non-Compete Agreements (38:14) Origins and Intent of the FTC Act and Section 5 (44:26) Discussing the National Petroleum Refinance Association vs the FTC Case (51:03) The Non-Delegation Doctrine and Its Potential Impact on FTC's Authority (1:00:15) Handling Noncompete Provisions Amidst the FTC's Rule (1:03:02) Transition to Q&A and Acknowledgement of Viewer Support
Thu, May 02, 2024
Stroke Awards Celebration Livestream (with Friends!) (VL Extra)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg and guests reflect on his stroke recovery, discuss his advocacy for early detection, and celebrate his award recognition. They delve into the Karen Read trial and the Bungie lawsuit, shedding light on the gaming industry's culture. They also share personal experiences with mental health, discuss the making of the Lawyers and Dragons show, and talk about future collaborations. (0:00) Introduction and Welcome (1:29) Technical difficulties and guest takeover (4:04) Richard Hoeg's award recognition and community support (8:16) Reflection on Richard's stroke recovery and advocacy for early detection (22:06) Discussion on the making of the Lawyers and Dragons show and audience interactions (48:03) In-depth discussion on the ongoing Karen Reed trial (1:01:13) Celebration of Richard Hoeg's recovery and personal experiences with mental health (1:42:59) Discussion on the Bungie lawsuit and the culture of death threats in the gaming industry (2:05:02) Richard's personal journey, coping with mistakes, and mental health discussions (2:33:12) Future collaborations, Canadian winters, and community support (2:46:22) Podcast wrap-up, future content discussion, and gratitude for community support
Thu, April 04, 2024
Jury Duty | What's It Like to Decide A Murder Trial? (w/ Mrs. HoegLaw) (VL780)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg and guest Mrs. HoegLaw delve into the intricacies of jury duty, exploring the selection process, case dynamics, and decision-making. They discuss the personal implications of jury duty, courtroom challenges, and reflect on lessons learned. (0:00) Introduction and guest introduction (1:14) Mrs. Hoeg's jury duty experience and selection process (10:59) Personal implications of jury duty and courtroom dynamics (20:20) Case details, evidence, and understanding jury instructions (44:57) Jury's initial reactions, the decision-making process, and Mrs. Hoeg's role as foreperson (51:16) Impact of court's daily routine, prosecutor's behavior, and courtroom challenges (54:11) Reflections on the jury duty experience and lessons learned (57:17) Mention of Patreon and other means to support the podcast (57:46) Disclaimer on the nature of the podcast's content
Fri, March 22, 2024
Real Lawyer Reads and Reacts | The US vs Apple Lawsuit (VL779)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the impact of Apple's restrictive platform strategies on consumers and developers. He provides an in-depth analysis of the Sherman Act and its implications, discusses the legality of Apple's walled garden model, and evaluates the Department of Justice's claims against Apple's conduct. DOCUMENTS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE EARLY ARTICLES/DOJ PRESS RELEASE https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/apple-sued-by-biden-administration-in-landmark-case-over-iphone-monopoly/ar-BB1kijdH https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-21/apple-google-set-to-be-hit-by-first-probes-under-eu-digital-law https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/read-the-lawsuit-united-states-v-apple/ar-BB1kikAz https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-delivers-remarks-lawsuit-against-apple-monopolizing HOUSE ANTITRUST FINDINGS https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CPRT-117HPRT47832/pdf/CPRT-117HPRT47832.pdf ENFORCEMENT STANDARDS https://www.justice.gov/archives/atr/competition-and-monopoly-single-firm-conduct-under-section-2-sherman-act-chapter-1 https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-withdraws-report-antitrust-monopoly-law THE LAWSUIT https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.njd.544402/gov.uscourts.njd.544402.1.0_3.pdf APPLE RESPONSE https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/21/24107784/apples-response-to-the-dojs-iphone-antitrust-lawsuit (0:00) Introduction - A New Approach (12:49) Analysis of the impact on consumers and developers (30:25) Deep dive into the Sherman Act and its implications (46:01) The Lawsuit (1:05:02) Examination of Apple's restrictive platform strategies (1:18:40) Impact of Apple's business model on other industries (1:34:27) Legality of Apple's walled garden model (1:50:30) Evaluation of smartphone platforms and their features (2:01:07) Impact of Apple's restrictions on super apps (2:37:40) The Depart
Tue, March 12, 2024
What is a Sweet Baby Inc? | Let's Talk About It (and Harassment) (VL778)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the internet drama around video games and gamergate, with a focus on the controversy surrounding Steam Curator "Sweet Baby Inc." He explores the company's role within the gaming industry, its storytelling methods, and potential legal action against them. Richard also discusses Sweet Baby Inc's involvement in Alan Wake 2 and encourages listener engagement. STEAM https://steamcommunity.com/groups/sweetbabyinc-detected/curation https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/6862-8119-C23E-EA7B https://store.steampowered.com/online_conduct?snr=100601 ___ https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement DISCORD https://discord.com/terms/ SBI https://sweetbabyinc.com/ HARASSMENT LAW https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9a.46.020 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP§ionNum=527.6 . KOTAKU https://kotaku.com/sweet-baby-inc-consulting-games-alan-wake-2-dei-1851312428 AFTERMATH https://aftermath.site/sweet-baby-detected-conspiracy-theory-steam GUARDIAN https://www.theguardian.com/games/2024/mar/08/gamergate-trolls-woke-game-consultants OTHER ARTICLES https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/a-company-called-sweet-baby-inc-has-become-the-target-of-anti-woke-gamers-because-it-offers-consultancy-work-an-industry-standard-service-thats-been-normal-for-years/ https://www.eurogamer.net/spider-man-alan-wake-ridiculous-fishing-devs-speak-up-in-support-of-consultancy-studio-sweet-baby-inc https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/why-are-valve-and-discord-permitting-harassment-against-sweet-baby-inc- <a href="https://www.theshortcut.com/p/sweet
Thu, February 29, 2024
Nintendo vs Yuzu | A Legal Look at Emulation and the DMCA (VL777)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into Nintendo's lawsuit against Yuzu, discussing the intricacies of copyright laws, fair use, and game archival in the US. He examines the DMCA, the lawsuit against Tropic Haze LLC, and misconceptions about selling and fair use in copyright law. The episode also explores Yuzu's decryption process, game piracy, and its impact on Nintendo customers, along with potential outcomes of the case and the concept of equitable relief. LAWSUIT https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/27/24085075/nintendo-switch-emulator-yuzu-lawsuit LAW https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/106 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/117 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/1201 https://www.copyright.gov/title37/201/37cfr201-40.html PRECEDENT https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/summaries/sony-connectix-9thcir2000.pdf https://casetext.com/case/sony-computer-entertainment-america-v-bleem https://cdn.loc.gov/copyright/1201/2015/registers-recommendation.pdf YUZU https://yuzu-emu.org/help/quickstart/ https://www.patreon.com/yuzuteam COMMENTARY/QUESTIONS https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2024/02/how-strong-is-nintendos-legal-case-against-switch-emulator-yuzu/ https://twitter.com/moduletux/status/1762857731986256096 (0:00) Introduction: Nintendo's lawsuit against Yuzu (7:08) Copyright laws, fair use, and archival for games in the United States (14:18) The DMCA and fair use (21:20) Lawsuit against Tropic Haze LLC (39:46) Sponsor: Karen Paulson (40:17) Discussion on the bleem case, misconceptions about selling, and fair use in copyright law (48:28) Return to the lawsuit discussion: Nintendo's reputation, copyright control, and market entry decisions (1:02:48) The decryption process of Yuzu and how Yuzu emulates the Nintendo Switch (1:09:32) Game piracy and impact of piracy on Nintendo customers (1:34:20) Predicting the potential outcomes of the case, potential damages, and the concept of equitable relief (1:49:27) Thanks to the a
Fri, January 26, 2024
LAID OFF | Microsoft/Xbox Fires Almost 2000 (VL776)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard layoffs and the role of investors. He touches on the departure of leadership personnel, the role of unions, and outsourcing customer support. Richard also delves into the state of the gaming industry, addresses listener queries, and dives into the future of game development. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE HEADLINE https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-lays-off-1900-staff-from-its-video-game-workforce https://twitter.com/IdleSloth84_/status/1750837893881336292 TWEETS https://twitter.com/JezCorden/status/1750590022842278391 https://twitter.com/TheLyns/status/1750740015095873559 https://twitter.com/Andy_VGC/status/1750548893425676435 ECONOMIC ANALYSIS https://www.matthewball.vc/all/gaming2024 (0:00) Introduction and background (1:16) Microsoft and Activision Blizzard merger and layoffs (9:21) Role of investors and stockholders in a corporation (16:05) Departure of leadership personnel (19:19) Role of unions (24:19) Outsourcing of customer support and future of Xbox in retail (26:05) Cancellation of Blizzard's unnamed game and related layoffs (29:03) State of the gaming industry, layoffs, and the impact of generative AI (37:14) Listener queries on gaming industry trends and transition of Activision Blizzard (49:10) Future of game development, types of redundancies, and potential layoffs (57:21) The future of gaming, console preferences, and potential acquisitions (59:08) Closing remarks and disclaimers
Tue, January 23, 2024
Palworld vs Pokemon | Can This Be Legal? (VL775)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the ethical and legal implications of Palworld's design, including a detailed analysis of its copyright controversy. He explores international copyright laws, the concept of true copies, and potential infringements. He also discusses the likelihood of Nintendo taking legal action. (0:00) Introduction (1:22) Discussion on the ethical and legal implications of Palworld's design (7:56) Response from former Pokemon company legal team member and analysis of specific design similarities (15:01) In-depth discussion on Palworld's copyright controversy (24:32) Deep dive into the foundations of international copyright laws (33:20) Examination of the concept of true copies, substantial similarity, and fair use in copyright law (41:29) Potential for legal action against Palworld and the likelihood of Nintendo taking action (49:35) Exploration of the art and gameplay of Palworld and Pokemon and their potential copyright infringement issues (57:12) Richard Hoeg's predictions on the future evolution of Palworld's game design and the influence of its success on future Pokemon games (1:07:09) Discussion on the political implications of Pal World's gameplay and comparison to other games (1:15:55) Continuation on the Nintendo and Palworld legal issues and a look at the design elements and intellectual property (1:31:03) Wrap-up, thanks to listeners, and end of episode
Fri, January 12, 2024
Journalism vs The Future | Understanding the Coming AI Wars (VL774)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses The New York Times' lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, delving into copyright laws related to AI. He explores the transition of The New York Times to a digital model and legal complexities involved. Richard analyzes the challenges posed by AI models and transformative technologies, as well as the legal claims in the lawsuit. He also considers the impact on educational use of copyrighted materials and the need for fair use revision. The episode concludes with a discussion on AI-produced content ownership and its potential impacts. (0:00) Introduction and Overview: The New York Times Suing Microsoft and OpenAI (9:44) Deep Dive into Copyright Laws and AI (23:00) The Shift of The New York Times to a Digital Model (32:45) Roles of Different Companies and Legal Complexities (49:42) Challenges Posed by Generative AI Models and Transformative Technologies (1:02:23) Detailed Analysis of Legal Claims (1:14:14) Impact on Educational Uses of Copyrighted Materials and the Need for Fair Use Revision (1:29:20) OpenAI's Response to The New York Times Lawsuit and Fair Use Argument (1:33:43) Discussion on Ownership of AI-produced Content and Its Impact on Various Fields (1:44:23) Closing Remarks, Viewer Comments, and Future Plans
Sat, December 30, 2023
My Stroke Story | Anniversary Special - We Start Again (VL Extra)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg and Mrs. Hoeg Law discuss stroke prevention and post-stroke anxiety. They reflect on the future, explore the perspective of co-counsel, and discuss realigning life priorities after a stroke. (0:00) Introduction (0:52) Stroke Prevention Discussion and Advice (2:29) Continuity (4:43) Post-Stroke Anxiety and Self-Doubt (6:10) Reflection on Future (7:06) Co-counsel's Perspective (10:05) Realigning Life Priorities (12:00) We Start Again
Fri, December 22, 2023
Microsoft x Activision _ Under New Management (VL773)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the leadership changes following Activision's acquisition, the end of Activision Blizzard's hybrid work model for QA staff, and their settlement of a California discrimination lawsuit. He also explores Microsoft's role in the settlement and speculates about a potential new CEO at Activision. (0:00) Introduction (2:03) Leadership changes post Activision's acquisition (9:39) End of hybrid work model for QA staff at Activision Blizzard (13:20) Activision Blizzard settles California discrimination lawsuit (26:02) Discussion on the settlement of harassment claims at Activision (30:11) The role of Microsoft in the settlement and its potential impact on future changes at Activision (33:12) Question: Potential for a new CEO at Activision (38:20) Closing remarks and reflections on the past year
Tue, December 19, 2023
The Best Video Games of 2023 | Hoegs Debate (THABTO) (Part 1)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg is joined by Tom Hoeg and Ian Runkle for a discussion on gaming highlights, Richard's recovery from a stroke, and their favorite games. They dive into "War Tales" and "Aces and Adventures," explore game concepts, and discuss Ian's experience with "Immortality." They wrap up with a VR gaming discussion and their top 10 games list. (0:00) Introduction and Welcoming Tom Hoeg (5:07) Honorable Mentions in Gaming (12:09) Richard Hoeg's Stroke Experience and Recovery (27:16) Introduction of Guest Ian Runkle and Discussion on Game Preferences (35:25) Game Opinions and Reviews: From Star Wars Jedi Survivor to Final Fantasy 16 (1:00:33) Deep Dive into "War Tales" and "Aces and Adventures" (1:08:35) Discussion on Game Concepts and Design (1:14:32) Ian's Experience with "Immortality" and Audio Cues in Games (1:20:21) Asgard's Wrath 2 and VR Gaming Discussion (1:26:19) Transition to the Top 10 Games List
Tue, December 19, 2023
The Best Video Games of 2023 | Hoegs Debate (Part 2, Thanks Ian!)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg and Tom Hoeg discuss various video games including 'Against the Storm', 'Dead Island 2', 'Phantom Brigade', and more. They offer a defense for 'Cyberpunk 2077', delve into 'Baldur's Gate 3' and 'Starfield', and share their top games of the year. (0:00) Introduction; Return post-Runkle (6:30) 'Against the Storm' and 'Dead Island 2' (14:33) 'Phantom Brigade', 'Sea of Stars', and 'Diablo 4' (33:21) A Defense of 'Cyberpunk 2077' (39:50) 'Dave the Diver' (43:10) Discussion on 'Baldur's Gate 3' and 'Starfield' (55:06) 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' (1:06:35) Discussion on 'Remnant 2', 'Final Fantasy 16', and 'Armored Core 6' (1:25:23) Richard Hoeg's Top Game and Tom Hoeg's Top Game (1:38:04) Conclusion, Thanks to Tom Hoeg and Appreciation for the Year in Gaming
Wed, December 13, 2023
EPIC WIN | Why Google Lost and What it Means For Apple (VL772)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the Epic Games vs. Google legal battle. He provides insights on Google's control over third parties, analyzes the jury's verdict, and explains the Sherman Act and Epic's antitrust claims. The episode also covers topics like monopolization, Google's efforts to block other app stores, their 30% fee, and the impact of antitrust laws on console platforms and semi-open systems. The future of the Apple vs Epic case and Epic's role are also discussed. (0:00) Introduction and overview: Epic Games vs. Google (6:46) Insights on Google's control over third parties and the impact on the case (14:21) Detailed analysis of the jury's verdict on Google's violations (23:04) Explanation of the Sherman Act and Epic's antitrust claims (33:25) Discussion on monopolization (43:15) Google's efforts to block other app stores (51:02) Google's 30% fee (1:03:47) Impact of antitrust laws on console platforms and semi-open systems (1:10:39) Future prospects of the Apple vs Epic case (1:15:20) Discussion on the role of Epic (1:19:03) Conclusion and Legal disclaimer
Fri, December 08, 2023
Sony vs Bungie | A Not-So-Hostile Takeover? (VL771)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into Sony's potential takeover of Bungie - exploring terms like "earnouts" and "dissolve", and the concept of a hostile takeover. He analyzes Bungie's performance, cost cutting measures, and the impact on morale. He also discusses the Game Awards, legal implications of layoffs, regulatory bodies in tech deals, and moral considerations. (0:00) Introduction and overview (1:15) Sony's potential takeover of Bungie: background and details (7:01) Understanding business deal terms: "earnouts" (13:14) Concept of a hostile takeover and its implications on Bungie (14:53) Analysis of Bungie's performance and the impact of cost cutting measures (20:25) The role of uncertainty in company morale and its effects (27:06) Discussion on the Game Awards (31:34) Legal and economic implications of corporate layoffs (39:19) Regulatory bodies in tech deals (45:22) Episode wrap-up
Tue, December 05, 2023
A New (Old) Discovery | Sony says "You Don't Own Those!"...Again (VL770)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg and guest speaker, Ian Runkle, delve into the legal aspects of digital ownership, focusing on PlayStation, Sony, and Warner Brothers Discovery. They discuss Sony's legal repercussions, copyright laws, intellectual property rights, and piracy. The conversation extends to the meaning of 'purchase' in digital media, the first sales doctrine, and its impact on digital content ownership. They also look at the shift to subscription models, the limitations of NFTs, and the need for a legal upgrade for digital goods. The episode concludes with a discussion on service agreements and viewer questions. (0:00) Introduction and Briefing on the episode's focus: PlayStation, Sony, Warner Brothers Discovery, and Digital Ownership (6:03) Audience reactions and Legal repercussions for Sony regarding the Sony-Discovery issue (11:26) Deep dive into copyright laws, intellectual property rights, and Sony's distribution rights (17:09) Discussion on piracy and PlayStation Network's terms of service (24:13) Examination of PlayStation Network's terms of service and the meaning of 'purchase' in digital media (31:26) Understanding the first sales doctrine and its application to digital media (47:29) The first sale doctrine and its implications on digital content ownership (54:18) The shift from ownership to subscription models and the potential dangers of digital ownership (1:03:34) The limitations of NFTs in solving digital ownership issues and the debate on piracy (1:14:00) The need for a legal upgrade for digital goods and the power imbalances in copyright rules (1:26:40) Nuances of negotiating service agreements and addressing viewer questions (1:35:36) Closing remarks and disclaimer
Tue, November 28, 2023
DISNEY'S DISCLOSURE "SURPRISE" (VL769)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the Michigan vs Ohio State game, explores Giving Tuesday and charity initiatives, and provides an overview of the channel's content. He delves into the legal obligations of publicly traded companies, specifically focusing on Disney's SEC filings, and assesses their future prospects. He also addresses listener comments, discusses brand trust, representation, diversity in media, and intellectual property ownership, and concludes with implications of Disney's "Doctor Who" distribution rights. (0:00) Introduction and episode format (1:26) Discussion on the Michigan vs Ohio State game (2:48) Giving Tuesday and charity initiatives (4:16) Overview of the channel's content and its importance (6:01) Legal obligations of publicly traded companies with a deep dive into Disney's SEC filings (14:21) Analysis of Disney's future prospects and stock trajectory (16:27) Interactions with podcast listeners and responses to their comments (24:18) Assessing Disney's efforts to rebuild brand trust and recognition (36:23) Appreciation for the support from listeners and discussion on representation and diversity in media (47:19) The portrayal of corporations in media and the need for diversity in intellectual property ownership (54:13) Implications of Disney's distribution rights to "Doctor Who" and closing remarks
Tue, November 14, 2023
A Man For All (Football) Seasons? | A Legal Look at Michigan-Harbaugh vs The Big 10 (VL768)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the Big Ten Conference's sportsmanship policy, with special focus on Jim Harbaugh's potential innocence in the wild stallions affair. He examines the conference's letter to the University of Michigan, the legality of stealing signs during games, and Michigan's legal accountability. Richard explores the role of the Commissioner in NCAA investigations, the importance of access to underlying material in cases, and analyzes the decision made against the university. He also delves into the breach of contract allegations by the University of Michigan, exploring the concept of good faith and fair dealing in contracts. (0:00) Introduction and Welcome by Richard Hoeg (4:00) Overview of the Big Ten Conference's sportsmanship policy and its application (14:20) Jim Harbaugh's potential innocence in the wild stallions affair and standard disciplinary actions (27:28) Analysis of the Big Ten Conference's letter to the University of Michigan (37:50) Discussion on the legality of stealing signs during games and possible implications on player safety (51:39) Discussion on Michigan's legal battle and accountability (1:00:01) Examination of the role of the Commissioner in NCAA investigations and the enforcement process (1:14:22) Discussion on the access to the underlying material and its importance in the case (1:23:22) Analyzing the justification of the decision against the university (1:43:50) Final thoughts on the interpretation of the sportsmanship policy and NCAA rules (1:57:45) The consequences of the impermissible scheme for the university's football season (2:17:43) Breach of contract allegations by the University of Michigan and the concept of good faith and fair dealing in contracts (2:34:57) Sign off and reminder of the purpose of the Virtual Legality podcast
Tue, October 24, 2023
Those Who Stay Will Be...Cheaters? | Scouting Michigan Football v The NCAA Rulebook (VL767 - LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into the NCAA investigation into Michigan Football, examining allegations against staffer, Connor Stallions, and potential additional rule violations. The discussion extends to the "Wild Stallions Scandal" and NCAA bylaws. The episode also explores NCAA amendments, conduct rules, and ethical implications of exploiting loopholes, concluding with potential punishments for Michigan. (0:00) Introduction and background of the NCAA investigation into Michigan Football (7:00) Examination of the evidence and allegations against Michigan's staffer, Connor Stallions (12:12) Consideration of potential additional NCAA rule violations by Michigan (16:17) Introduction to the "Wild Stallions Scandal" and insight into the NCAA's role (20:27) Examination of NCAA bylaws and potential violations (25:37) Sponsor: Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (26:48) Revisions in the scouting rule and the NCAA amendments (30:24) General rules of conduct for individuals employed by or associated with member institutions (36:13) The ethical implications of exploiting gray area loopholes in NCAA rules (38:23) The potential punishment for the University of Michigan and its head coach (51:50) Concluding thoughts on the episode.
Mon, October 16, 2023
Deal Closed | Lawyer Answers Your Questions On Xbox x Activision | (VL766 - LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg examines Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, discussing its impact on cloud gaming and the gaming industry. He explores a hypothetical scenario concerning FTC and US Congress legislation, the possible exclusion of Xbox games from streaming services, and the future of Bobby Kotick. Further, he looks at Microsoft's interest in mobile gaming, the role of King, and their strategy amidst the FTC case. He also touches on Ubisoft's potential use of Linux, concluding with audience appreciation and a disclaimer about the podcast's nature. (0:00) Introduction and recap of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision (5:05) Discussion on cloud gaming and market definition (14:21) Hypothetical on FTC and US Congress passing a law affecting Microsoft and Activision (27:56) Possibility of Xbox being excluded from offering its games on streaming services (39:11) The closing of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision and its impact on the gaming industry (44:05) The future of Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision, post-acquisition (1:04:39) Microsoft's interest in mobile gaming and the role of King (1:13:16) Microsoft's strategy in handling integration amidst the pending FTC case (1:26:46) The potential use of Linux by Ubisoft (1:32:10) Gratitude for the audience's participation and interest in the Microsoft Times Activision topic (1:32:52) Closing remarks and disclaimer on the nature of the Virtual Legality podcast
Mon, September 18, 2023
"I Declare Public Domain!" | Just How Free is 'Fables' Anyway? (VL765 - LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the comic book property "Fables" and its video game adaptation, before delving into the Copyright Act and its implications on Fables. He explores copyright and trademark law reforms, third-party involvement, potential lawsuits, and IP ownership in the comic book industry. Listener queries on Fables, business law, and IP law are addressed, followed by a discussion on comic book IP and branding. The episode concludes with listener feedback on the movie industry and copyright misunderstandings. (0:00) Introduction to the episode and discussion on unrelated topics (1:11) Discussion on the comic book property "Fables" and its video game adaptation (3:07) Q&A section and Sponsor acknowledgement (4:04) Deep dive into the Copyright Act and its implications on Fables (12:50) Radical reform of copyright and trademark laws and DC's violation of agreements (17:01) The legal implications of 3rd party involvement and compensation issues in Fables (22:11) A critique of copyright law and potential lawsuit with DC (25:46) Discussion on comic book industry contracts, IP ownership, and the case of Fables (28:48) Listener questions and comments on Fables, business law, and IP law (37:33) Discussion on comic book IP, branding, and companies holding onto their IP (44:08) Listener comments on the movie industry, copyright misunderstandings, and closing remarks
Wed, September 13, 2023
Did UNITY Just BURN IT ALL DOWN? (VL 764 - LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the Unity game engine's business model and its impact on game developers. He analyzes Unity's new pricing plan, runtime fee, and data model for calculating installs. He also delves into the legal implications of Unity's terms of service changes and the industry's reaction to Unity's new fees. The episode closes with listener comments and legal disclaimers. (0:00) Introduction and discussion on new live format (2:05) Main topic: Unity game engine and its business model (4:23) Sponsor: Scarecrow 121 (5:28) Impact of Unity's new pricing plan and game installs fee on game developers (13:02) Shift in Unity's business model and its implications (18:08) Analysis of Unity's runtime fee and data model for calculating install numbers (25:10) Unity's terms of service changes and potential legal implications (37:01) Understanding Unity's legal standing in changing terms of service (40:36) Industry response to Unity's new fees and comparison with Epic Games (49:12) Unity's focus shift from game development to industry and its implications (1:01:10) Listener comments on the loss of trust in Unity (1:02:20) Closing remarks, support invitation, and legal disclaimers.
Fri, July 14, 2023
Xbox, Activision, FTC, CMA: What Happens Next? (VL763)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the FTC vs MSABK case, with a focus on antitrust laws and relevant cases. He examines the court's burden in merger cases, the FTC's stance, and the relevance of the Brown Shoe case. The conversation continues on FTC's challenges in proving merger legality doubts, their claims of court errors, and the potential harm to consumers post-merger. The episode also covers Microsoft's response, media misinterpretations, and potential settlements with UK's CMA. (0:00) Introduction and Recap of the FTC vs MSABK case (8:03) Deep Dive into Antitrust Law and Relevant Cases (15:16) Examination of the Court's Burden in Merger Cases and FTC's Stance (18:43) Relevance of Brown Shoe Case in Establishing Antitrust Harm and Understanding Tying Contracts (24:46) Continuation on FTC's Uphill Battle in Proving Doubts about Merger's Legality (32:20) FTC's Claim on Court's Errors and Misapplications of Law (37:34) FTC's Arguments on Immediate Harm to Consumers and the Market Post-Merger (40:44) Microsoft's Response to FTC's Claims and Consequences of TRO Expiring (44:03) Media's Misinterpretation of the FTC's Appeal and Microsoft's Discussions with UK's CMA (49:20) Potential Settlement between Microsoft and CMA and Explanation of Nasdaq Indexes (52:19) Acknowledgement of Support and Closing Remarks
Tue, July 11, 2023
Microsoft, Xbox, and Activision Beat FTC | Judge: Perhaps bad for Sony. But good for gamers. (VL762)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the recent developments in the gaming industry, focusing on the FTC's case against Microsoft's deal with Activision. He examines gaming content access, distribution models, and the legal framework, including Section 7 of the Clayton Act and antitrust laws. The discussion also covers the controversy around Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, the financial implications, and an analysis of Microsoft's post-merger actions. The episode concludes with an interpretation of US antitrust laws, UK's CMA's stance on the merger, and future content plans. (0:00) Introduction and overview of recent developments in the gaming industry (1:12) Sponsor: Melissa Latimer (2:01) Analysis of the FTC's case against Microsoft's deal with Activision (10:10) Examination of access to gaming content and distribution models (16:08) Discussion on the legal framework: Section 7 of the Clayton Act and antitrust laws (22:11) Defining the relevant market in a merger and examination of the FTC's arguments (29:05) Controversy around Microsoft's acquisition of Activision and financial implications (35:23) Analysis of Microsoft's post-merger actions and financial model (45:59) FTC's reference to Microsoft's acquisition of Zenimax and relevance to Activision deal (1:00:19) Interpretation of the US antitrust laws and their application to company mergers (1:04:45) Discussion on UK's CMA's stance on the merger following the US court's decision (1:06:05) Announcement of channel updates and future content plans
Thu, May 18, 2023
"I'm a Plumber for the Brain" | Interviewing my Brain Surgeon (VL Extra)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg converses with Dr. Boyd Richards about his career in neurosurgery, brain health, impacts of smoking, and the concept of brain plasticity. They delve into the details of Richard's stroke, recovery process, and the importance of clinical research and fundraising in neurosurgery. (0:00) Introduction and Interview with Dr. Boyd Richards (1:47) Dr. Richards' Journey into Neurosurgery (6:21) Discussion on Brain Health and Impacts of Smoking (9:28) Explanation of Richard's Stroke and Medical Process (13:05) Fun and Professionalism in the Medical Field (17:05) Insights into the Daily Routine of a Surgeon and Focus during Surgery (18:08) Interesting Facts about the Brain and Plasticity Concept (20:51) Richard Hoeg's Recovery Process (24:01) Dr. Richards' Role in Neurosurgical Residency Program and Importance of Clinical Research (26:16) Importance of Fundraising for Neurosurgery Programs and Richard's Connection with Dr. Richards (29:33) Personal Updates and Social Media Presence of Dr. Richards (31:35) Closing Remarks and Disclaimer
Sun, March 26, 2023
Call of Duty, Xbox, and PlayStation at the CMA | Is Regulator Math Worse than Lawyer Math? (VL760R)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses his background in maths, the recent reversal decision by the CMA and its implications. He further delves into the disappearance of gamers and how reasonable minds can rebuild the gaming community. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Melissa Latimer) (1:08) A Background in Maths (5:23) The CMA Reverses Course (29:45) What Happens Now? (35:31) Gone Gamers (44:09) Reasonable Minds Can Rebuild (45:25) Conclusion
Sat, March 11, 2023
Xbox x Activision Sony Losing Hearts and Minds? | The CMA Remedies Fight Explained (VL759)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the unraveling scenario of a case, the CMA's remedy rules, Microsoft's offer for access, and Sony's risky business strategy. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Karen Paulson) (1:57) Unraveled? (6:12) The CMA Explains Its Remedy Rules (21:49) Microsoft Offers Access (1:09:56) Sony Goes for Broke
Fri, March 03, 2023
XBOX x ACTIVISION | Lawyer Reacts to Sony's Biggest Loss Yet (VL758)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses recent FTC headlines, dissects a judge's order, explores the role of custodians in litigation, and emphasizes the importance of content licenses. He also touches on employee record privacy and concludes with final thoughts. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, LadyEmily) (2:04) Headlines and the FTC (4:32) The Judge's Order (11:52) Custodians (18:54) Four Years is Enough (20:54) Show Your Work (But Not Your Employee Records) (24:38) Yes, Your Content Licenses are Important (33:30) Conclusion
Fri, December 23, 2022
X-MAS PARTY | Microsoft and Activision Answer the FTC (VL757 LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Microsoft's attempt to be the "nice guy" in response to the New York Times, their reaction to the FTC, and contrasts it with Activision's own response. He wraps up with final thoughts and holiday wishes. (0:00) Introduction (8:44) MS Wants to be the "Nice Guy" (NYT) (33:21) MS Responds to the FTC (Good Cop) (2:11:57) Activision Responds to the FTC (Bad Cop) (2:43:38) Final Thoughts and Merry X-Mas
Wed, December 21, 2022
Microsoft x Activision | Lawyer Reads "Gamers" Lawsuit (plus CMA Comments!) (VL756 - LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg provides an introduction, discusses a recent lawsuit involving gamers, and summarizes public comments received by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). (0:00) Introduction (3:53) Gamers Lawsuit (1:50:27) CMA Public Comments Summary
Mon, December 12, 2022
No, the FTC Didn't "LIE" | But Neither Did Microsoft (VL755)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg, the host of Virtual Legality, provides an introduction to the series. Special thanks to FalkusVipus for their contribution. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, FalkusVipus)
Fri, December 09, 2022
The FTC vs Microsoft/Activision | A Lawyer Reads the Lawsuit (VL754 - LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg sets the stage for a deep dive into the intersection of law, video games, and digital matters. He provides a comprehensive introduction to the complex world of Virtual Legality. (0:00) Introduction and overview of the Microsoft Activision deal and the FTC's complaint (10:40) Listener's questions and comments on Microsoft's alleged actions and the EU's accusations (20:34) Discussion on the FTC's market control argument and its attempt to expand its authority (33:44) Analysis of the FTC's accusations against Microsoft and the EU regulator's response (40:00) Examination of the legality and potential effects of Microsoft's acquisition on competition and monopoly (51:15) Discussion on the jurisdictional issues related to the acquisition and comparison of Microsoft's and Activision's revenues (1:00:15) Response to audience comments and questions about the FTC's perspective and the shift from buy-to-play model to subscription model in video games (1:18:10) Critique of the FTC's arguments, discussion on market definition, and the pro-competitive effects of the acquisition (1:38:16) Responding to super chats and comments from viewers, and discussion on high-end consoles and Nintendo Switch (1:54:51) Addressing concerns over Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, analyzing the incentive of Microsoft to disadvantage rivals post-acquisition, and critique of the FTC's assertions about consumer harm (2:16:28) Final thoughts on the FTC's case against Microsoft's acquisition, predictions for Microsoft's future, and podcast closing remarks.
Thu, December 08, 2022
FTC MOVES TO BLOCK MICROSOFT x ACTIVISION!!! | LAWSUIT PARTY LIVE (VL753)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the FTC's vote on Microsoft's potential Activision deal, examining possible outcomes and the implications of FTC not seeking a preliminary injunction. He also explores the significance of consent decrees post-deal and Microsoft's strategies to appease regulators. (0:00) Introduction and Purpose of the episode (3:05) Audience Interaction and Breakdown of FTC's Vote (12:16) Microsoft's Potential Savings and FTC's Leverage (20:07) Probability of the Microsoft-Activision Deal Going Through (33:20) What Happens if the FTC Blocks the Deal (46:15) FTC's Decision Not to Seek a Preliminary Injunction (58:23) Pros and Cons of the FTC Lawsuit (1:20:27) Significance of FTC not filing for Preliminary Injunction (1:37:00) Understanding Consent Decrees Post-Deal (2:01:36) Microsoft's Strategy to Appease Regulators (2:27:23) Closing Remarks and Appreciation for Viewers' Support
Wed, December 07, 2022
Xbox Signs 10-Year Call of Duty Deal...with Nintendo | A Legal Look (VL752)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Microsoft's latest announcement, Nintendo's unique position in the market, and Phil Spencer's interview with the Washington Post. He also analyzes an article from The New York Times and talks about Steam's new policies. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, LadyEmily) (1:47) MS Makes Its Announcement (4:35) Nintendo's Special Place (15:21) Phil Spencer Talks to the Washington Post (20:54) The New York Times Has Thoughts (34:13) Steam Opens Up (40:41) Conclusion
Tue, December 06, 2022
XBOX/ACTIVISION PR BLITZ | Microsoft Looks to Put Pressure on FTC (VL751)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the current state of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), discusses Microsoft's recent conversation with the Wall Street Journal, and wraps up with a thoughtful conclusion. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Roketsu86!) (1:51) The Story So Far... (5:03) Enter the CWA (27:03) MS Talks to the Wall Street Journal (53:32) Conclusion
Mon, December 05, 2022
COUP AT THE FTC? | Xbox, Activision, and a Speculative NY Post (VL750)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Microsoft's readiness to fight legal battles, the FTC's current state of play, and issues within the FTC. He also revisits the Bloomberg report and concludes with a discussion on the Communications Workers of America. (0:00) Introduction (1:17) Microsoft is Ready to Fight (Bloomberg) (6:01) The FTC's...State of Play (11:23) Back to Bloomberg (17:48) FTC Problems (23:14) Rift at the FTC (NYP) (45:38) CWA and Conclusion
Thu, December 01, 2022
Smash World Tour Cancelled by Nintendo? | A Legal Look (VL749)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the recent statements from Smash World Tour, the alleged "assurances" given by Nintendo, and explores some of the legal possibilities surrounding these developments. (0:00) Introduction (3:04) Smash World Tour Speaks (20:42) Nintendo Allegedly Lays Out Its "Assurances" (42:25) (Some of) the Legal Possibilities (1:00:27) Conclusion
Tue, November 29, 2022
Can Xbox Flip the EU on Activision? | What of Sony and PlayStation? (VL748)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the history of flipping in the digital realm, culminating in a detailed discussion about an attempt at the biggest flip yet, concluding with insightful remarks. (0:00) Introduction (1:05) A History of Flipping (9:08) Attempting the Biggest Flip Yet (18:27) Conclusion
Mon, November 28, 2022
Will the FTC Actually SUE to Block Microsoft x Activision? | A Legal Look (VL747)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg starts with an introduction, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the intersection of law and the digital world. (0:00) Introduction
Wed, November 23, 2022
Sony to CMA: Activision MUST Remain Independent | A Legal Look (VL746 - LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores three potential theories of harm in the digital world, focusing on the console market, subscription services, and cloud gaming. The discussion concludes with a Q+A session. (0:00) Introduction/Executive Summary (1:00:00) Theory of Harm Number 1 (Console Market) (2:10:59) Theory of Harm Number 2 (Subscriptions) (2:32:37) Theory of Harm Number 3 (Cloud Gaming) (2:41:12) Conclusion (Q+A)
Tue, November 22, 2022
Blizzard Opts Out of China...For Now | Microsoft, Blitzchung and More (VL745)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg thanks supporters before delving into the recent Activision press release. He provides an in-depth analysis of the legal implications, concluding with his expert insights. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Supporters!) (1:36) Activision Press Release (7:49) Analysis (21:09) Conclusion
Mon, November 21, 2022
10 YEARS?! | Microsoft Bids to End Call of Duty Madness w/ Sony (VL744)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses a recent New York Times article on video game laws, reflects on a decade in the industry, and ponders potential FTC litigation. He wraps up with final thoughts. (0:00) Introduction (1:25) The New York Times Dives In (23:22) Ten. Years. (29:47) FTC Litigation? (35:06) Conclusion
Fri, November 18, 2022
Is Twitter *REALLY* Doomed? | Elon Musk's Hardcore Ultimatum (VL743)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses a given ultimatum and its subsequent rejection in the digital world. He ponders on whether this could signify an end, and explores the complex issue of freedom of speech in a virtual context. (0:00) Introduction (2:19) An Ultimatum Given (7:52) An Ultimatum Rejected (20:14) Is this the End? (24:37) Freedom of Speech? (29:19) Conclusion
Wed, November 16, 2022
Bethesda Fires Back at Mick Gordon! | Doom Messaging Gets Worse (VL742)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dissects and analyzes various statements from Stratton, Gordon, and Bethesda. He concludes with his professional insights on the implications of these statements in the digital and gaming law context. (0:00) Introduction (1:12) Stratton Statement (short form) (6:31) Gordon Statement (short form) (8:18) Bethesda Statement Analysis (19:05) Conclusion
Mon, November 14, 2022
BIAS?! | "The Commission is Working to Ensure"...that Microsoft Loses (VL741)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses a controversial tweet, the importance of optics in legal situations, aspects of Mueller's report, and the concept of a 'spokesproblem'. The episode concludes with final thoughts and analysis. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks LadyEmily!) (1:25) The Tweet (4:41) Optics Matter (8:45) Mueller's Report (14:56) Spokesproblem (16:30) Conclusion
Thu, November 10, 2022
Doom Eternal Composer Fights Back! | A Legal Look at the Soundtrack Saga (VL740)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the Stratton Letter from 2020 and the recent Gordon Response in 2022. He explores the importance of contracts, the concepts of reconciliation and betrayal, and provides a detailed recitation of facts before concluding. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks Roketsu86!) (2:39) The Stratton Letter (2020) (20:28) The Gordon Response (2022) - Overview (46:35) The Importance of Contracts (1:06:07) Reconciliation and Betrayal (1:27:46) Recitation of Facts (1:34:05) Conclusion
Tue, November 08, 2022
Xbox, Activision, and the EU Phase 2 Review | A Legal Look (VL739 LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the European Union's Phase 2 Reasoning, examining its implications on the digital world. He also discusses a significant quote from the EU and answers listener's questions before wrapping up the discussion. (0:00) Introduction (2:31) Examining the EU's Phase 2 Reasoning (22:11) The EU's Quote (24:45) Q&A (31:21) Conclusion
Mon, November 07, 2022
TELLING STORIES | Is Microsoft x Activision Blizzard Set to "Fall Apart"? (VL738)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the complexities of information spread in the digital world, the role of insiders and analysts, and the legalities surrounding mergers and penalties in the video game industry. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks FalkusVipus!) (2:06) A Game of Telephone (11:56) Insiders and Analysts (31:11) Mergers and Penalties (38:29) Conclusion
Thu, November 03, 2022
DON'T WATCH THIS! | Xbox, Activision, and EU Phase 2 Escalation (VL737)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the European Union's escalating involvement in digital law, PC Gamer's recent controversy, and the implications of 'Phase II' in the digital world. (0:00) Introduction (1:27) EU Looks to Escalate (10:44) PC Gamer Escalates a Bit More (17:44) What Even is Phase II? (26:05) Conclusion
Wed, November 02, 2022
PSVR2 DEAD ON ARRIVAL? | Sony Announces Pricing and "Support" (VL736)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the issues related to pricing and game library in the digital world. He further explores various rationalizations and concludes the discussion with potential solutions. (0:00) Introduction (0:42) Pricing Problems (10:56) Game Library Problems (18:19) Rationalizations (26:40) Conclusion
Tue, November 01, 2022
IS THIS FRAUD? | False Advertising and Vampire: The Masquerade Swansong (VL735)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg analyzes the legality of certain upgrade claims in the gaming industry. He explores if these can be considered fraud and discusses the role of the FTC in regulating such practices. (0:00) Introduction (2:29) Claims of an Upgrade (6:59) Is it Fraud? (14:30) Enter the FTC (22:17) Conclusion
Mon, October 31, 2022
PAY CHECKS | Elon Musk and Twitter | Leaky Employees, Fake News, and Dirty Details (VL734)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, examining the merger agreement, financial aspects, and management changes. He explores Twitter's new verification and monetization plans, legal issues under Musk's leadership, and reactions from employees. The episode also addresses free speech, political beliefs, access to company data, and compliance with the EU's Digital Services Act. (0:00) Introduction and Overview: Elon Musk's Acquisition of Twitter (2:43) Challenges and Process of the Merger Agreement (7:23) Financial Aspects and Potential Discounted Deal (10:34) Changes in Twitter's Management and Board of Directors (14:29) Twitter's New Approach to Verification Badges and Monetization Plan (19:41) Legal Issues and Rapid Changes Under Musk's Leadership (21:17) Employee Reactions and Internal Leaks Post-Acquisition (23:30) Free Speech and Political Beliefs on Twitter Under Musk's Leadership (25:05) Legal Aspects of Acquisition and Access to Company Data (27:26) Misinformation, the EU's Digital Services Act, and Compliance (32:27) Closing Remarks and Patreon Support Request (32:52) Legal Disclaimer
Fri, October 28, 2022
ELON MUSK OWNS TWITTER | Demands, Robber Barons, and Mass Hysteria (VL733)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses a recent buyout, addresses advertisers, explores mass hysteria's impact on digital industries, examines policy reversals and management firings, looks into employee demands, and contemplates the emergence of a new Robber Baron. (0:00) Introduction (1:20) Buyout Complete (2:25) A Word to Advertisers (8:15) Mass Hysteria (10:00) Reversing Policies and Firing Management (14:25) Employee Demands (27:54) The New Robber Baron? (36:53) Conclusion
Thu, October 27, 2022
Is Game Pass "Profitable"? | Activision may be Forcing Xbox's Hand (VL732)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the profitability of Game Pass, sheds light on SEC filings and accounting in relation to video games, and compares certain digital legalities to the dynamics of Minecraft. (0:00) Introduction (1:32) Profitability and Game Pass (14:03) SEC Filings and Accounting (23:12) Rainclouds (27:36) It's Like Minecraft (29:10) Conclusion
Tue, October 25, 2022
What Even is THAT Argument?! | Lobbying for Xbox/Activision...Poorly (VL731)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg introduces the ITIF, scrutinizes their arguments about digital law, and wraps up with his conclusions on the matter. (0:00) Introduction (2:51) Who is the ITIF? (8:29) A Hole-y Argument (31:37) Conclusion
Mon, October 24, 2022
Bayonetta 3! | Hellena Taylor! | Do More Half-Truths Help or Hurt? (VL730)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses actress Hellena Taylor's recent comments about the video game industry. The conversation concludes with a look at unions and the role of messengers in the digital world. (0:00) Introduction (2:58) Hellena Taylor Speaks (Again) (15:51) Conclusion (Unions and Messengers)
Fri, October 21, 2022
CMA/Activision Chaos | US Chamber Speaks | Xbox Fan Warns Sony (VL729)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the initiation of a public process by the CMA, the stance of the US Chamber of Commerce, and the possible regret of Windows Central and Sony. The episode concludes with a thank-you note to listeners. (0:00) Introduction (1:37) CMA Starts A Public Process (13:23) What Did the US Chamber of Commerce Say? (24:20) Windows Central and Sony's Regret? (37:58) Conclusion (Thanks Everybody!)
Wed, October 19, 2022
BAYONETTA TOO | Did Hellena Taylor Lie? (Bloomberg Article) (VL727)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses a recent Bloomberg report uncovering discrepancies in the tech world. He further explores the implications of these findings and draws conclusions based on corroborated evidence. (0:00) Introduction (4:21) Bloomberg Discovers Discrepancies (16:51) Corroboration and Conclusion
Wed, October 19, 2022
Microsoft/Activision vs The CMA (UK) | Let's Go Through EVERYTHING (VL728 - LIVE)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the official Phase I report from the CMA, explores Microsoft's response, and concludes with a question and answer session. (0:00) Introduction (40:59) The CMA's Official Phase I Report (4:27:43) The Microsoft Response (6:23:07) Question Time and Conclusion
Tue, October 18, 2022
Will Elizabeth Holmes of Theranos Get a New Trial? | Chances Drop (Out) (VL726)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses a recent case involving a remorseful witness and a consequent request for a new trial. He analyzes the legal implications and potential outcomes in the conclusion. (0:00) Introduction (2:23) A Remorseful Witness and a New Trial Request (15:01) Conclusion
Mon, October 17, 2022
BAYONETTA BOYCOTT BROUHAHA | $4,000 Offers, Hellena Taylor, and Morality (VL725)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the ethics of statements and rates in the gaming industry, discusses the impact of figures like Jennifer Hale and Hideki Kamiya, and concludes with key takeaways. (0:00) Introduction (1:41) Statements, Rates, and Morality (25:47) Jennifer Hale and Hideki Kamiya (30:07) Conclusion
Wed, October 12, 2022
XBOX SAID WHAT?! | The "Fightin' Words" of Microsoft/Activision PR (VL724)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses recent remarks from Take Two's CEO, Microsoft's interactions with Brazil's CADE and the UK's CMA, before wrapping up with a conclusion. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks FalkusVipus!) (2:00) Take Two CEO Speaks (4:35) MS Speaks on Brazil (CADE) (21:47) MS Speaks on the UK (CMA) (52:02) Conclusion
Fri, October 07, 2022
TRIAL'S OFF! | But is Elon Musk Buying Twitter or Playing Games? (VL723)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Team Musk's legal motion, Twitter's response to it, and the court's subsequent order. The episode concludes with an analysis of the entire situation. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks LadyEmily!) (2:22) Team Musk's Motion (21:37) Twitter's Response (26:58) The Court's Order (28:23) Conclusion
Thu, October 06, 2022
Did Brazil Change Everything? | For Xbox/Activision...It's Complicated (VL722)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the recent State of Play, analyzes Brazil's approval of certain digital policies from both horizontal and vertical perspectives, and concludes with key takeaways. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks Roketsu86!) (1:39) The State of Play (13:55) Brazil Approves (Horizontal Analysis) (34:05) Brazil Approves (Vertical Analysis) (1:09:47) Conclusion
Tue, October 04, 2022
Musk Capitulates? | Rumors of Complete Surrender on Twitter Deal (VL721)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the recent developments surrounding Elon Musk and the legal implications of his actions. The episode concludes with an analysis of potential future scenarios. (0:00) Introduction (3:33) Elon Surrenders (6:59) Conclusion
Thu, September 29, 2022
PlayStation Stars Controversy | How Sony Failed Its Audience...Again (VL720)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the legal aspects surrounding the controversial charges for digital care. He also demystifies the complexities of NFTs. Lastly, he explores the legal differences between products and services in the digital space. (0:00) Introduction (1:19) Charging for Care (8:06) NFTs? Just the FAQs (13:05) The Delta Between Products and Services (17:00) Conclusion
Fri, September 23, 2022
LAWYER LOOKS | AimJunkies Accuses Bungie of Destiny 2 Computer Fraud (VL718)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses AimJunkies' response to his analysis, their counterattack on Bungie, and the World of Warcraft, Glider, and copyright infringement controversy. He also explores Game Genies, game modifications, and computer fraud allegations. (0:00) Introduction (1:34) AimJunkies Responds to Us (13:25) AimJunkies Fires Back at Bungie (19:35) World of Warcraft, Glider, and Copyright Infringement (29:38) Game Genies and Modifications (33:56) Accusations of Computer Fraud (43:11) Conclusion
Fri, September 23, 2022
LAWYER LOOKS | AimJunkies Accuses Bungie of Destiny 2 Computer Fraud (VL718)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses AimJunkies' response to Bungie's accusations, the relationship between World of Warcraft, Glider, and copyright infringement, the legal implications of game modifications, and claims of computer fraud. (0:00) Introduction (1:34) AimJunkies Responds to Us (13:25) AimJunkies Fires Back at Bungie (19:35) World of Warcraft, Glider, and Copyright Infringement (29:38) Game Genies and Modifications (33:56) Accusations of Computer Fraud (43:11) Conclusion
Wed, September 21, 2022
Twitch Gambles It All | Cuts Revenue to Its Most Valuable Streamers (VL717)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the legal issues surrounding Twitch, focusing on its complex relationship with gambling and the ongoing disputes with streamers. He wraps up with a thoughtful conclusion. (0:00) Introduction (1:11) Twitch vs Gambling (10:00) Twitch vs Streamers (35:54) Conclusion
Mon, September 19, 2022
GTA 6 LEAKS | Lawyer Looks at the DMCA, Copyright, and Stolen IP (VL716)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg provides an introduction, discusses recent developments in the digital world, delves into legal aspects related to these occurrences, and concludes the episode with key takeaways. (0:00) Introduction (2:03) PART 1 - What Just Happened? (11:43) PART 2 - Let's Talk Law (26:54) Conclusion
Thu, September 15, 2022
SONY ATTACKS XBOX+ACTIVISION DEAL | "Major Negative Implications" (VL715)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses recent updates in CMA/EU regulations, analyzes Sony's latest legal moves, explores the implications of potential legal blockades, and concludes with key takeaways. (0:00) Introduction (2:29) CMA/EU Update (10:55) Sony Shoots Its Shot (17:13) What if Someone Blocks? (22:43) Closing
Tue, September 13, 2022
LAWYER LOOKS | What's Up w/ Nintendo, Microsoft, and Goldeneye Online? (VL714)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into Nintendo's recent announcements, specifically focusing on Golden Eye's return on Nintendo 64. He explores the history of video game developers, publishers, and licensing issues, particularly the separation of rights. Discussion includes The Verge's news coverage, the new Switch version of the 1997 Golden Eye title, and Microsoft's press release. The episode concludes with insights on corporate law and the future of games in intellectual property limbo. (0:00) Introduction and Nintendo Direct Day announcement (1:06) The Nintendo Ecosystem and Golden Eye on Nintendo 64 (2:42) Speculations: Golden Eye Versions on Nintendo and Xbox (3:29) A Look into the History of Video Game Developers, Publishers and Licensing Issues (4:38) Separation of Rights and Speculations (6:06) News Coverage by The Verge (7:54) Discussion on the New Switch Version of the 1997 Golden Eye Title (8:28) Microsoft's Press Release on Golden Eye (10:07) Corporate Law Insights on the Situation (12:42) Conclusion: Future of Games Caught in Intellectual Property Limbo
Mon, September 12, 2022
Bonnie Ross Steps Down from 343 | Halo Steps Into the Unknown (VL713)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the legal implications surrounding resignation due to medical issues in the digital industry. He also explores the phenomenon of friendly leaks and their potential negative impact. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, LadyEmily!) (1:16) Resignation and Medical Issues (7:45) Friendly Leaks and Negativity (14:41) Conclusion
Fri, September 09, 2022
Is the FTC REALLY on a Timer? | "Deadlines" and Microsoft x Activision (VL712)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the review process for digital products, discusses the practicalities of regulatory dealings, and explores the complexities of indefinite settlements and approval issues in the digital world. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, FalkusVipus) (1:25) An Overview of the Review Process (4:48) The Practicalities of Regulatory Dealings (13:51) Indefinite Settlements and Lack of Approval (17:42) Conclusion
Wed, September 07, 2022
INADEQUATE! | Sony/Xbox Call of Duty Feud Escalates Rapidly (VL711)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores Sony's strategic response to a legal situation, delving into the nuances of concession as a strategy and providing his comprehensive analysis. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Nord) (1:34) A Strategy of Concession (9:14) Sony Punches Back (15:40) Closing Analysis
Tue, September 06, 2022
Tencent Is Getting (More) Into the Ubisoft Business | (VL710)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the history of Tencent's relationship with Ubisoft, delves into the details of their recent investment, and offers his conclusion on its implications for the digital and gaming industry. (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Opal Studded Dagger) (1:26) Tencent/Ubisoft History (5:54) Today's Investment (23:50) Conclusion
Thu, September 01, 2022
London's Calling Microsoft Out | Let's Talk About Activision (VL 709 - LIVE)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:20) CMA Tweets (31:56) CMA Press Release (50:28) CMA Findings Documents (1:53:22) Phil Spencer Response (2:04:40) Other Responses/Conclusion
Tue, August 30, 2022
Did Elon Musk Just Beat Twitter? | Whistleblowing the House Down (VL708)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:42) Twitter and Material Adverse Effects (5:18) Enter the Whistleblower (15:20) Musk Makes His Move (25:01) Waiting Out the Clock? (30:53) Conclusion
Mon, August 29, 2022
Sony PlayStation: Reacting to Price Hikes and Mobile Moves (VL707)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:00) Hiking Prices (22:52) Moving Mobile (33:26) Conclusion
Thu, August 18, 2022
LORD OF THE THINGS? | Understanding Embracer Group's Buying Binge (VL706)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks Supporters!) (2:25) Introducing Freemode (5:23) Adding to Freemode (Limited Run, Slingtrix, Tuxedo, Tripwire) (15:31) A History of Middle Earth...IP (22:53) Buying Middle Earth (38:59) Conclusion
Tue, August 16, 2022
"Live Service" is NOT the Answer | A Response to Paul Tassi/Forbes (VL705)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:55) The Articles of Paul Tassi (19:51) Conclusion
Fri, August 12, 2022
THROWING JUNK | AimJunkies Takes Aim at Bungie...Poorly (VL704)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, FalkusVipus!) (2:16) A Misunderstood Dismissal (8:43) Bungie's Refiling (22:53) Subpoenas and Press Releases (32:25) Conclusion
Thu, August 11, 2022
Twitter Answers Raise More Questions | Musk Countersuit - Part III (VL703)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, LadyEmily!) (3:54) Twitter Answers - Introduction (24:32) Twitter Answers - Preliminary Statements (44:55) Twitter Answers - Parties and Early mDAU Statements (1:03:16) Twitter Answers - mDAU Calculations and Information Obligations (1:35:34) Twitter Answers - Ordinary Course Concerns (1:40:11) Affirmative Defenses and Conclusion
Wed, August 10, 2022
"Shot Down"? | Microsoft Responds to Sony's Antitrust Concerns (VL702)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:25) VGC Tweet (5:45) VGC Headline (8:00) Idas and ResetEra - Sony Summary (17:18) VGC Xbox Quotes (24:42) Idas - Microsoft's Response (45:22) Conclusion
Wed, August 10, 2022
Answers and Defenses | Elon Musk's Twitter Countersuit - Part II (VL701)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Opal Studded Dagger) (3:20) Answers - Main Claims (25:16) Answers - A Bit More on mDAU (47:39) Affirmative Defenses (51:25) Conclusion
Tue, August 09, 2022
Elon Musk's Twitter Countersuit | A Legal Walkthrough (VL700)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Nord!) (4:00) Lawsuit - Overview (26:00) Lawsuit - Parties and Factual Allegations (43:06) Lawsuit - Twitter's Representations and Covenants (1:03:40) Lawsuit - mDAU and Indian Lawsuits (1:22:26) Lawsuit - Causes of Action and Conclusion
Thu, August 04, 2022
EXPOSED! | How the NFL Rigged the Game Against Deshaun Watson (VL699)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:49) Background (Lawsuits and Grand Juries) (5:31) The NFL - Policies and CBA (11:18) The Disciplinary Officer (19:32) Watson's Alleged Predatory Conduct (22:18) Factual Findings (35:21) Disciplinary Determination (46:11) Appealing Appeals (47:43) Conclusion
Mon, August 01, 2022
Sony Can't Live if Livin' is Without...Call of Duty? | Microsoft x Activision (VL698)
null (0:00) Introduction (6:56) The Inimitable Call of Duty (15:03) Game Pass (21:59) Other Players/Conclusion
Thu, July 28, 2022
FTC GONE WILD - NO DEAL IS SAFE | Not Meta, Not Microsoft, Not Activision (VL697)
null (0:00) Introduction/Legal Background (5:24) The Lawsuit - Overview (27:53) The Lawsuit - Industries and Markets (40:52) The Lawsuit - Punished for What You *Didn't* Do (50:56) Conclusion (Other Takes)
Wed, July 27, 2022
VIRTUE CITY? | Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto VI Project Has...Issues (VL696)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:45) Grand Theft Auto 5 (8:09) Rockstar Changes Its Stripes (14:04) Grand Theft Auto 6 (20:22) Project Management Woes (24:46) Conclusion
Mon, July 25, 2022
Sony's Bungie is Still a Litigious Bungie | Cheaters Beware (VL694)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:15) The Lay of the Land (3:00) The Lawsuit - Overview (14:34) The Lawsuit - Background (The LSLA) (22:16) The Lawsuit - Threatening Language (28:29) The Lawsuit - Identifying the Culprit (33:18) The Lawsuit - Counts of Action (45:20) Conclusion (Thanks Sponsors!)
Thu, July 21, 2022
CRYPTO CATASTROPHE? | Insider Trading, Coinbase and Securities Law (VL693)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:25) Charges of Insider Trading (16:49) Wire Fraud Explained (21:50) What is a Security/SEC Regulation (30:09) Conclusion
Tue, July 19, 2022
Elon Musk Wants to Slow Down Twitter | Lawsuit Update (VL692)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:08) A Summary of Twitter's Complaint (9:51) Musk's Opposition Motion (23:01) Background and Argument (47:17) Conclusion
Mon, July 18, 2022
Microsoft x Activision Imminent? | Not so Fast, my Friends... (VL691)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:04) Deal Imminent? (10:47) The FTC Process (HSR) (23:51) An Analog in Amazon (28:47) Conclusion
Tue, July 12, 2022
NOT DONE YET | Can Twitter Force Elon Musk Purchase? (VL690)
null (0:00) Introduction/Background (8:00) Twitter Pushes for the Deal (22:09) Conclusion/Elon Responds
Mon, July 11, 2022
CAN THEY DO THAT? (PART 2) | Ubisoft, Steam and Digital Assassins (VL689)
null (0:00) Introduction/Game and DLC Removal (8:21) Steam's Terms of Service (21:41) The Ubisoft Terms (25:41) Conclusion (Thanks, Nord!)
Fri, July 08, 2022
MUSK ENDS TWITTER DEAL (or does he?) | Understanding What Happened (VL688)
null (0:00) Introduction/Background (3:21) That $1B Guarantee (9:22) The Termination Letter (44:25) Twitter Board Threatens Suit (A Look at DE) (48:42) Closing Comments
Thu, July 07, 2022
CAN THEY DO THAT? | PlayStation to Remove "Owned" Movies (VL687)
null (0:00) Introduction/Movie Removal (9:15) The PSN Terms of Service (23:36) Conclusion (Thanks, Opal Studded Dagger!)
Wed, July 06, 2022
Are FFXIV Billboards Illegal? | Copyright, Trademark and Square Enix (VL686)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:40) Copyright Fundamentals (7:00) Trademark Fundamentals (11:37) Square Enix Account Agreement (21:02) User Agreement and Software License (31:56) Materials Usage Agreement (43:08) Conclusion
Tue, July 05, 2022
Microsoft x Activision Deal Gets BIG Boost | Union Switches Sides (VL684)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:08) The Press Release (11:36) The FTC Letter (23:55) Conclusion
Thu, June 23, 2022
BUNGIE FINGERS FRAUDSTER | Lawyer Reviews New Destiny 2 DMCA Takedown Allegations (VL683)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Everyone!) (4:48) An Amended Complaint (Naming Names) (29:31) Lord Nazo (Allegedly) Makes His Move (39:24) Bungie Shows Its Receipts (53:04) A Look at the Legal Counts (1:04:05) Conclusion
Thu, June 16, 2022
Will Blizzard Fans Embrace Overwatch 2's Free-to-Play/Battle Pass Fueled Future? (VL682)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, FalkusVipus!) (2:09) Overwatch 2: A History (8:22) Overwatch 2 Goes Free-to-Play (14:27) Overwatch 2: Problems and Solutions (27:07) Conclusion
Tue, June 14, 2022
FILTHY NEUTRALS? | Microsoft and CWA Make BIG Activision Union Deal (VL681)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Opal Studded Dagger!) (1:34) Activision Recognizes Its Union (3:27) The Softer Side of Microsoft (4:57) Going Neutral (11:06) The Risks of Neutrality (Dana and NLRB) (20:55) Summarizing the Agreement (26:19) Conclusion
Tue, June 07, 2022
Could Top Gun: Maverick be Pulled Over Infringement Lawsuit? | A Lawyer's View (VL680)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Nord!) (1:47) Paramount Sued over Top Gun: Maverick (6:33) The Copyright Act and Statutory Termination (13:43) Terminating the License (19:31) Claiming Infringement (30:54) Conclusion
Tue, June 07, 2022
Could Top Gun: Maverick be Pulled Over Infringement Lawsuit? | A Lawyer's View (VL680)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Nord!) (1:47) Paramount Sued over Top Gun: Maverick (6:33) The Copyright Act and Statutory Termination (13:43) Terminating the License (19:31) Claiming Infringement (30:54) Conclusion
Mon, June 06, 2022
MATERIAL BREACH | Elon's Twitter Escape Plan? (VL679)
null (0:00) Introduction and Background (4:56) Musk Threatens to Walk Away (23:08) Conclusion
Fri, June 03, 2022
Did Microsoft Just Approve All Unions? | The Things We Do for Activision (VL678)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:06) The Raven Union (6:34) NLRB Complaint (13:05) Microsoft Embraces Unions? (26:40) Conclusion
Sun, May 29, 2022
Sony's PlayStation 5 - The Live Service (GaaS) Console? (VL677)
null
Fri, May 13, 2022
ELON PUT ON? | Why is the Twitter Deal "On Hold"? (VL676)
null (0:00) Introduction/ "On Hold" (1:30) The 5 (7:20) A Billion Dollars on the Line (21:13) Conclusion (Thanks, Opal Studded Dagger!)
Thu, May 12, 2022
STAR-FAILED | Starfield, Redfall, and the Problem with Bethesda's Hype (VL675)
null
Tue, May 10, 2022
Is Valve's Steam Platform Anticompetitive? | Court Okays Lawsuit (VL674)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks FalkusVipus!) (1:24) Wolfire v Valve (6:01) The Case Survives (in part) (25:14) The Problem with MFNs (28:52) Conclusion
Fri, May 06, 2022
DON'T PANIC! | Sony x Bungie is Under FTC Review Too (VL673)
null (0:00) Intro (1:39) FTC probing Sony Bungie (7:24) Elon Musk (13:34) FTC Report (18:23) The Clayton Act (19:41) Conclusion
Thu, May 05, 2022
New York City Sues Activision? | About that... (VL672)
null
Mon, May 02, 2022
SINGLE PLAYER vs GAAS | Square Enix Sells To Embracer Group (VL671)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:08) Press Release (6:12) Marvels Avengers (9:30) Guardians of the Galaxy (12:04) Embracer Group (14:37) Quotes (15:50) Background (17:32) Embracer Acquisitions (17:51) IP Portfolio (19:14) IDO Montreal (19:39) Embracer (22:00) Lack of Available Resources (22:54) The Future Is (24:38) Future Plans (25:44) Regulatory Issues (26:20) Conclusion (27:02) Outro
Fri, April 29, 2022
PLAYSTATION PLUS | Is Sony's Refusal to Stack Gift Cards Legal? (VL670)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:52) PlayStation Plus (3:06) Sonys Response (11:30) Conversions (15:33) Prepaid Cards (17:44) Michigan Law (19:02) Michigan Law Summary (22:45) Outro
Thu, April 28, 2022
DISPARAGEMENT! | Did Elon Musk Already Breach the Twitter Merger Agreement? (VL668)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:23) Asking the FCC? (4:04) Mean Tweet Breach? (14:27) Disparagement and Delaware (17:52) Conclusion
Thu, April 28, 2022
Dissecting Bloomberg's Horrible Take on Microsoft x Activision (VL669)
null
Wed, April 27, 2022
ELON'S $1B GUARANTEE | A Legal Look at the Twitter Merger Agreement (VL667)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:10) Merger Highlights (15:09) The Merger Agreement - Overview (21:27) The Merger Agreement - Reps and Warranties (27:29) The Merger Agreement - Promises (and Potential for Breach) (36:29) The Merger Agreement - Penalties and Termination (41:07) Elon's $1B Guarantee (42:35) Conclusion
Tue, April 26, 2022
THE DEAL'S NOT DONE YET | What's Next for Elon Musk and Twitter? (VL666)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:50) Reports are Greatly Exaggerated (8:07) Gems in the Press Release (19:00) Can they Force the Shareholders? (DGCL) (23:02) How About Regulatory Review? (FTC) (26:41) Conclusion
Mon, April 25, 2022
ELON MUSK WINS | Twitter's Board Agrees to Sell for $44B (VL665)
null (0:00) Intro (1:00) How did we get here (2:50) The poison pill (8:13) SEC filing (11:04) Poison pill
Sat, April 23, 2022
HUGE WIN for Video Game Unions at NLRB | Raven QA vs Activision (VL664)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:05) Foundational Principles (Bargaining Units) (8:30) The NLRB Decision - Overview (13:20) The NLRB Decision - How Raven Operates (20:44) The NLRB Decision - What QA Does (30:04) The NLRB Decision - Legal Analysis (Balancing Test) (50:20) Calling an Election (Appeals) (53:46) Conclusion
Fri, April 22, 2022
WALT DISNEY WILD | Reedy Creek (RCID), Florida and Freedom of Speech (VL663)
null (0:00) Introduction/ The Reedy Creek Improvement District (9:49) A War of Rhetoric (14:38) Florida's Bill (29:52) Constitutional Concerns (43:04) Conclusion
Thu, April 21, 2022
ELON vs TWITTER | So Much More Poison (in that Pill) (VL662)
null
Mon, April 18, 2022
DISAVOWING BOBBY KOTICK | Why Did Activision Just Amend Its Filings? (VL661)
null
Fri, April 15, 2022
TWITTER GOES HOSTILE | Elon Musk and Understanding the "Poison Pill" (VL660)
null
Thu, April 14, 2022
ELON MUSK vs TWITTER | Musk's Bid, Hostile Takeover Law, and Fiduciary Duty (VL658)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:43) History - The Williams Act (8:56) Elon Makes His Bid (26:52) Board Defenses and Hostile Takeovers (39:18) Conclusion
Wed, April 13, 2022
CALIFORNIA VS ACTIVISION - IMPLOSION! | DFEH Lawyers Gone | Gov Accused of "Interference" (VL657)
null
Mon, April 11, 2022
Why Elon Musk Won't Be on Twitter's Board | A Fiduciary Duty Story (VL656)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:20) Offering a Seat at the Table (6:35) Board Membership Rejected (12:39) Understanding Fiduciary Duty (20:10) Rejecting Duties (28:54) Conclusion
Mon, April 11, 2022
EPIC INVESTMENT | Sony and Lego Dream of the Metaverse (VL655)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, FalkusVipus) (1:00) Lego's Metaverse (10:51) Sony and Lego Invest (19:58) Meta Metaverse (23:00) Unreal Leverage (24:25) Conclusion
Thu, April 07, 2022
Microsoft x Activision: Time to Worry? | More FTC Review Details (VL654)
null (0:00) Introduction (Thanks, Nord) (1:56) A Very Broad Review (8:19) A Holistic Approach or A Legal Approach? (16:16) Consumer Welfare In Front of Congress (23:14) Limits on FTC Authority (26:52) EU and the Cloud (29:55) Conclusion
Mon, April 04, 2022
Elon Musk Buys 9% of Twitter | Motivation: Free Speech...or Lulz? (VL653)
null
Fri, April 01, 2022
US Senators Seek to Stop Microsoft x Activision | Will they Succeed? (VL652)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:05) Foundational Principles (How is this Supposed to Work?) (6:58) The Letter - Monopsony and Consumer Welfare (15:47) The Letter - A Litany of Sins (29:04) The Letter - Why Are They Writing This? (36:00) Conclusion
Thu, March 31, 2022
ACTIVISION SETTLES WITH EEOC | A Legal View (feat. California Mad) (VL651)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:20) California is Mad (5:49) What's In the Decree? (18:06) How Does the Claims Process Work? (27:52) What Claims Will Be Released? (32:45) Conclusion (Doom on the Horizon?)
Tue, March 29, 2022
SONY PLAYSTATION IS SPARTACUS! | But Should Anybody Care? (VL650)
null
Mon, March 28, 2022
BUNGIE SUES | Destiny Dev Puts YouTube on BLAST - A Legal Look (VL649)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:26) Bungie Talks to the Community (12:33) Bungie Sues Alleged Frauds (26:22) Bungie's Product and YouTube's Process (37:50) Bungie vs YouTube Customer Service (47:43) Madness and Manifestos (49:55) Bungie's Legal Claims (1:05:23) Conclusion
Wed, March 23, 2022
Bungie Takedowns - MAJOR UPDATE | YouTuber Claims Responsibility (VL648)
null
Wed, March 23, 2022
Bungie Takedowns - MAJOR UPDATE | YouTuber Claims Responsibility (VL648)
null
Wed, March 23, 2022
Gran Turismo 7 Bot Exploits | Can Sony Legally Stop Them? (VL647)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:30) Gran Turismo 7 Update (2:47) Legal Terms (5:57) System Software (6:27) Remote Play App (10:19) PlayStation Network Rules (10:55) Does Gran Turismo 7 Qualify (12:24) Online Optional (13:05) PSN Down (13:35) PSN Content (18:00) Blizzard (19:26) Bungie (20:54) Sony Claims (22:26) Conclusion
Tue, March 22, 2022
YES-SCOPE | Activision, Microsoft, and FTC Enter a New Antitrust Phase (VL646)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:07) A Request for Votes/Insider Trading (11:41) Regulators and Legal Issues (Summary) (18:30) The Board Explains its Reasoning (24:56) The FTC and Second Requests (37:59) A Litany of Litigation (41:17) Conclusion
Sun, March 20, 2022
THE COPYRIGHT TRAP EXPLAINED | Bungie’s Risky Business - A Byf Story (Destiny Lore) (VL645)
null
Fri, March 18, 2022
GRAN TURISMO SEVERED | Messy Microtransaction Maintenance (VL644)
null
Tue, March 15, 2022
XBOX TOO LENIENT? | Perfect Dark Raises Microsoft Management Concerns (VL642)
null (0:00) Intro (1:03) Microsoft Management Concerns (2:56) Dan Neuberger Leaves (3:57) Fast Furious Exits (5:24) Anonymous Interviews (8:23) Project Direction (13:41) Halo Infinite Delay (14:28) Xbox First Party Teams (16:17) Phil Spencer (16:32) Xbox Game Studios (18:24) Metacritic (20:51) Why this video (21:24) Andys comments (22:42) Brads comments (23:57) Games industry biz (26:10) Tony Stark (27:58) Outro
Fri, March 11, 2022
DR. DISRESPECT VS TWITCH | A Lawyer Discusses the End of the "Legal Dispute" (VL641)
null
Wed, March 09, 2022
"NO APOLOGY, NO NOTHING" | An Insider On the Fall of Artesian Builds (VL640)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:35) The Story So Far (13:18) Internal Emails (c/o Gamers Nexus) (22:03) An Inside View (39:32) Conclusion
Mon, March 07, 2022
Activision, Microsoft and the Issue of California Board Quotas (VL638)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:58) Gender Quotas and Reporting (7:50) The Law and Legal Issues (26:02) Is the Fire Unfair? (29:43) The First Case (49:03) Conclusion
Fri, March 04, 2022
Did Activists Just Ask the FTC to Kill Microsoft x Activision? (VL637)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:10) The Signatories (12:30) The Letter and The Law (35:21) Conclusion
Thu, March 03, 2022
GAMING VS RUSSIA | Cutting Out Russia to Support Ukraine (VL636)
null
Tue, March 01, 2022
ARTISANAL FRAUD? | Can you just NOT Giveaway Your Sweepstakes Prize? (VL635)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:11) The Claim (5:14) The Law of Sweepstakes, Lotteries, and More (18:01) What is an Ambassador? (19:50) The Changing Rules of Artesian x Intel (33:41) A Non-apology (37:15) Conclusion (Happy Ending)
Mon, February 28, 2022
PREMIUM PROBLEMS | Is YouTube Stealing Paid Subscriber Money? (VL634)
null
Mon, February 28, 2022
PREMIUM PROBLEMS | Is YouTube Stealing Paid Subscriber Money? (VL634)
null
Fri, February 25, 2022
IS ACTIVISION LYING? | Shareholder Sues Over Microsoft Deal Statements (VL632)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:53) The Shareholder Lawsuit - Overview (16:31) The Shareholder Lawsuit - Hating the Deal (20:17) The Shareholder Lawsuit - Hinting at Conflict (29:50) The Shareholder Lawsuit - Alleging Lies (37:50) Understanding the Impact of the Complaint (41:21) Conclusion
Thu, February 24, 2022
THE WRONG LESSON | Horizon Forbidden West Dominating Sales Charts...on PS5 (VL631)
null
Tue, February 22, 2022
How Phil Hustled Bobby | A Microsoft Story (as told by Activision) (VL630)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:29) Soliciting Votes (Proxies) (11:16) A Merger Story - Voting NO (15:02) A Merger Story - Phil Makes his Move (25:59) A Merger Story - Other Players in the Game (35:29) A Merger Story - Microsoft Doubles Down (47:04) A Merger Story - Phil and Satya Force the Issue (58:29) Conclusion
Thu, February 17, 2022
LET'S TALK ABOUT... | Horizon Pricing, PS5, and Promises Made (VL630)
null (0:00) Opening (8:59) Playstation 5 Upgrade (17:08) Technical Issues (44:22) Open World Pacing
Wed, February 16, 2022
NINTEN-DOH! | Nintendo's Legacy of Odd Choices Continues (VL629)
null (0:00) Intro (1:48) Dont Buy Horizon Forbidden West (3:23) Nintendo Eshop (17:18) It Costs Money to Keep This Stuff Up (22:16) Nintendos Odd Choices (30:21) Outro
Mon, February 14, 2022
DON'T BUY IT | Horizon Forbidden West, Deception, and PS5 Pricing (VL628)
null
Sat, February 12, 2022
THE TERMS SAY WHAT? | Mars Attacks Lost Ark in the Amazon (VL627)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:49) Amazon Games (10:19) Peacock (13:54) Creator Program
Fri, February 11, 2022
TARNISHED HALO | Is Microsoft Using Halo Music Illegally? (VL626)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:48) The Marty O'Donnell Interview (6:18) Injunction Junction (11:18) Myth and Money (26:02) Halo Sold (34:49) Conclusion
Wed, February 09, 2022
ACTIVISION AT RISK? | A Close Reading of Microsoft's PR Promises (VL625)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:22) Answering the Call of Duty (3:50) An Epic Callback (7:02) PR Promises (15:38) Principles and Principals (25:37) Laws in the Pipeline (28:46) Answering the Call Part 2 (32:25) Xboxes and Double Standards (38:37) Conclusion
Mon, February 07, 2022
FTC WHO? | Did Microsoft CEO Really Dismiss Activision Concerns? (VL623)
null
Fri, February 04, 2022
Understanding the Bungie Retention Bonuses | A Big Win...for SONY (VL622)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:50) Bungie Acquisition (3:36) Financial Statements (7:40) Accounting Treatment (13:23) Forbes (17:34) Research (25:02) Purchase Price Retention (28:20) Conclusion
Thu, February 03, 2022
CAN STOP THE MUSIC | Nintendo, Copyright, and YouTube (VL621)
null
Wed, February 02, 2022
NFL RACISM? | A Legal Look at Brian Flores' Explosive Lawsuit (VL620)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:34) The Lawsuit - Overview (18:15) The Lawsuit - The Rooney Rule (30:29) The Lawsuit - Injunctions and Statutes (36:50) The Lawsuit - History Lesson (47:56) The Lawsuit - Statistics and Circumstance (1:07:07) The Lawsuit - Typicality and Class (1:11:19) The Lawsuit - Causes of Action (1:14:17) Conclusion (and Party Statements)
Wed, February 02, 2022
NFL RACISM? | A Legal Look at Brian Flores' Explosive Lawsuit (VL620)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:34) The Lawsuit - Overview (18:15) The Lawsuit - The Rooney Rule (30:29) The Lawsuit - Injunctions and Statutes (36:50) The Lawsuit - History Lesson (47:56) The Lawsuit - Statistics and Circumstance (1:07:07) The Lawsuit - Typicality and Class (1:11:19) The Lawsuit - Causes of Action (1:14:17) Conclusion (and Party Statements)
Tue, February 01, 2022
BUNGIE, SONY, MICROSOFT, AND MORE | Questions and Answers (VL618)
null (0:00) Opening (37:11) Will this Sony Deal for Bungie Help Microsoft in Their Arguments with Regulators the Competition Is Strong in the Industry (40:04) Do You See Bungie Functioning Similarly to Sony Online Entertainment Now Spun Off as a Daybreak Game Company (42:24) If Sony Bought Square Enix
Tue, February 01, 2022
FTC TO REVIEW MICROSOFT x ACTIVISION | Big Deal or Overblown? (VL619)
null (0:00) Opening (6:40) Anti-Competitive Mergers (8:41) Toughen Merger Reviews (10:05) Antitrust Concerns
Mon, January 31, 2022
BUNGIE BOUGHT?! | A Legal Look at Sony + PlayStation's Riskiest Bet Yet (VL617)
null (0:00) Introduction/Bitcast (2:09) Bungie in Virtual Legality (5:31) The Deal As Announced (25:01) Bungie's Take (34:28) Conclusion
Fri, January 28, 2022
CRYPTO'S CREED | Ubisoft's Revealing Interview on NFT, Digits, and More (VL616)
null
Wed, January 26, 2022
TOEI STORY | Totally Not Mark, YouTube, and Avoiding a Copyright Catastrophe (VL615)
null
Tue, January 25, 2022
PEELING THE UNION? | Activision Reorganizes Raven QA Workers (VL614)
null
Sat, January 22, 2022
Politics at Play | Regulation Concerns for Microsoft x Activision (VL612)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:19) The Ambiguities of Antitrust (6:33) Some Very Certain Analysts (16:50) A Changing Political Landscape (26:47) Congressional Antitrust Bills (30:45) Conclusion
Fri, January 21, 2022
Schrödinger's Labor Union | On Activision, Raven, and Bad Reporting (VL611)
null
Thu, January 20, 2022
Wait, How Much Does it Cost to Break-Up? | MICROSOFT x ACTIVISION (VL609)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:48) Merger Summary (23:14) What Reps Do (and Don't) Do (31:40) Conclusion
Thu, January 20, 2022
Call of Duty to Remain on PlayStation | MICROSOFT x ACTIVISION (VL610)
null
Wed, January 19, 2022
Did Microsoft Play Activision Dirty? (Or just Bobby Kotick?) (VL608)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:38) Whither Bobby Kotick (4:19) A Questionable Timeline (Wall Street Journal) (12:08) Discounting Big Bets (17:12) Deny, Deny, Deny (18:38) Phil Spencer Talks Activision (22:23) Microsoft's Own Shareholder Revolt (26:39) Buying the Press (28:35) Conclusion
Tue, January 18, 2022
BUYING LOW | A Legal Look at Microsoft's Stunning Activision Acquisition (VL607)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:18) Microsoft Talks to Gamers (11:52) The Deal Described (Buying Low) (21:14) Microsoft Talks to Its Employees (24:44) Acquisitions and Antitrust (Horizontal Mergers) (38:42) Conclusion
Mon, January 17, 2022
Robed Figures Convene to Worsen Vaccine Mandate Law | A SCOTUS STORY (VL606)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:01) The OSHA Opinion (18:39) The OSHA Concurrence (Major Questions) (27:43) The OSHA Dissent (32:34) The Healthcare Workers Decision (47:16) Pulling the Purse Strings (South Dakota v Dole) (56:40) The Healthcare Dissent (Major Questions; Notice and Comment) (1:00:29) Conclusion
Mon, January 17, 2022
Robed Figures Convene to Worsen Vaccine Mandate Law | A SCOTUS STORY (VL606)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:01) The OSHA Opinion (18:39) The OSHA Concurrence (Major Questions) (27:43) The OSHA Dissent (32:34) The Healthcare Workers Decision (47:16) Pulling the Purse Strings (South Dakota v Dole) (56:40) The Healthcare Dissent (Major Questions; Notice and Comment) (1:00:29) Conclusion
Tue, January 11, 2022
"Snorlax Just Popped!" | How to Get Fired from the LAPD (VL605)
null
Mon, January 10, 2022
Take Two to Buy Zynga? | Understanding the Deal (and Market) (VL603)
null
Mon, January 10, 2022
TWITCH BANS | Pokimane, Hasan, and the Limits of Largesse and Fair Use (VL604)
null
Wed, January 05, 2022
Activision Sues Cheat Merchants | A Legal Look at the Lawsuit (VL602)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:52) The Lawsuit (Overview) (14:04) Establishing Jurisdiction (16:39) The Facts Alleged (22:00) Revenge of the DMCA (23:14) Interfering with Contracts (Unfair Competition) (31:35) Enforcing Judgment Abroad (33:25) Conclusion
Tue, December 28, 2021
Riot Settlement Has BIG Implications for Activision Blizzard (and California) (VL601)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:22) The Kotaku Article (6:53) A Private Action (9:11) California Intervenes (15:24) Riot's $100M Settlement (Washington Post) (24:10) Settlement Terms (Echoes of Activision) (31:53) Conclusion
Wed, December 22, 2021
Read. Your. Contracts. | A Look at What Can Hide in Fine Print (NZXT) (VL600)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:40) The NZXT Partner Program (7:31) Diving into the Program Terms (17:09) Licensing Your Content (29:22) Mandatory Arbitration Issues (33:15) Conclusion
Tue, December 21, 2021
Let's Talk About NFTs | Ubisoft Quartz, OpenSea, and the DMCA (VL599)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:35) Ubisoft's Vision of the Future (6:56) Ubisoft's Reality of the Present (Quartz and Digits) (18:05) Securities Law Issues (23:04) Negative Reactions Abound (27:11) The Problem of Infringement (OpenSea) (34:05) Understanding the DMCA (42:45) Conclusion
Fri, December 17, 2021
Cyberpunk 2077 Cyber-Settlement | CD Projekt to Settle Investor Class Action Lawsuit (VL598)
null (0:00) Intro (0:31) Cyberpunk 2077 (1:45) Investors Lawsuit (2:04) Lawsuit Details (6:06) Management Board Report (7:33) Settlement Term Sheet (15:56) Cyberpunk 2077 Hype (17:33) Support the Channel (17:44) Final Announcement (17:57) Top 10 Games of 2020 (18:30) Outro
Thu, December 16, 2021
Final Fantasy XIV Endwalker | Wait Times, Sales Stoppages, and the Law (VL597)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:35) Legality and FF XIV's Terms of Service (17:27) Square Enix Pulls FF XIV Sales and Ads (29:43) Conclusion
Wed, December 15, 2021
CALIFORNIA DENIED | Cannot Stop EEOC/Activision Settlement (VL596)
null
Tue, December 14, 2021
Trademarks & Tribulations | (New) TSR Sues Wizards of the Coast (VL595)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:38) The Indiegogo Campaign (12:48) Wizards Sends Cease and Desist (17:40) The Game Wizards and Cancellation (23:22) An Odd Set of Trademark Applications (26:01) Abandonment and TSR's Lawsuit (38:50) Discretion and More Red Flags (40:58) Conclusion
Mon, December 13, 2021
Hoisted By Their Own Bungie Cord | A Close Look at IGN's Exposé (VL594)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:48) Bungie Jumps Into the Fray (6:34) IGN's Exposé - An Overview (10:04) Dysfunction Junction (13:57) Setting the Narrative (41:20) Assholes All Around (45:36) Severance and Non-Disparagement (50:25) Hostile to Women (57:19) Medical Maladies (1:00:44) Setting the Goalposts (1:04:47) Responding to the Issue (1:08:13) Conclusion
Sat, December 11, 2021
Union Busting? | Activision Responds to CWA Card Check Drive (VL593)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:09) Activision Responds (Responses to the Response) (6:56) CWA Calls for Neutrality (12:16) IGN and Understanding Illegality (21:06) Analyzing the Response (35:43) Conclusion
Thu, December 09, 2021
APPLE WINS | Paused Injunction Means Total Victory...For Now (VL592)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:04) Court Decision (2:18) Court Decision Analysis (4:06) The Situation Now (4:51) Binary Outcome (6:30) Coalition for App Fairness (8:50) Virtual Legality (9:36) Outro
Thu, December 09, 2021
STRIKE! | Activision Faces Biggest Union Push in Industry History (VL591)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:54) A Better ABK Calls for Strike (10:07) A Risky Proposition (17:27) Authorizing a Union (25:20) Conclusion
Wed, December 08, 2021
Totally Not Mark's Toei Takedowns | YouTube's Content ID is Failing (VL590)
null
Tue, December 07, 2021
APPLE'S TIME IS ALMOST UP | Will Epic's Injunction Win Be Paused? (VL589)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:09) Apple Requests a Stay from the Ninth Circuit (18:05) Epic Opposes Apple's Request (25:46) CAF Tries to File as a "Friend" (28:22) Apple Redoubles Its Efforts (34:25) Conclusion
Mon, December 06, 2021
"Navigating" Activision Blizzard | From PlayStation Stings to Game Awards Things (VL588)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:20) The ESA Speaks (4:37) Microsoft Shareholders Ask for Transparency (8:26) A Better ABK Loses A Leader (11:19) State Treasurers Pressure Activision (21:30) The Game Awards Navigates Controversy (30:49) Raven Layoffs and Walkout (42:35) PlayStation Executive Gets Stung (48:01) Conclusion
Fri, December 03, 2021
RUST and the Abdication of Responsibility | The Ballad of Alec Baldwin (VL587)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:25) Real Legal Risk (6:31) Why Talk At All (9:39) Setting the Scene (13:00) It Wasn't Me (17:07) The Blame Game (Victim and Gun) (23:05) The Blame Game (Armorer) (25:26) The Blame Game (Other Producers) (29:23) The Blame Game (First Responders, Odds) (30:44) A Better Way (32:25) Abdication of Responsibility (36:27) Conclusion
Thu, December 02, 2021
Sony's Gender Discrimination Lawsuit | Reckoning or Wreck? (VL586)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:49) Sony Sued (5:35) The Complaint (Overview) (6:43) Why Not the DFEH? (13:04) Alleging Systematic Discrimination (21:33) The Facts Presented (39:09) A Host of Legal Claims (44:04) Conclusion
Wed, December 01, 2021
Take Two: Trademark Police | Can You Own the Word 'Rockstar'? (VL585)
null (0:00) Intro (1:10) Take Two Trademark Police (5:30) What Does Take Two Mean (16:13) Take Twos Response (17:46) Art of the Piano (22:29) Conclusion
Tue, November 30, 2021
Twitter Declares War on Independent Media (and almost Everyone Else) (VL584)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Twitter's new Private Media Policy. He explains the rule itself, delves into Twitter's blog explanation, and answers some common queries about it. The episode concludes with his analysis of the policy's implications. (0:00) Introduction (2:32) Enter the Private Media Policy (5:25) Twitter's Blog Explanation (15:16) The Rule Itself (30:15) Answering a Few Questions (35:13) Conclusion
Mon, November 29, 2021
JACK STEPS DOWN! But Will New CEO Parag Agrawal Cost Twitter? (VL583)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:50) Jack Dorsey Leaves Twitter (2:34) Parag Agrawal Announced as New CEO (4:18) CDA 230 Revisited (12:00) CDA 230 Under Attack (13:41) Agrawal on Free Speech (18:06) Agrawal and Healthy Conversation (28:17) Agrawal and the Appeal of Authority (34:50) Agrawal and Steering the Conversation (37:02) Congress Bides its Time (37:48) Conclusion
Fri, November 26, 2021
Are Gaming Industry Refund Policies REALLY Illegal? Not so fast... (VL582)
null
Tue, November 23, 2021
NIGHT MOVES | Activision Board Looks for Solutions by Committee (VL581)
null
Mon, November 22, 2021
DISLIKE: Lies, Damn Lies, and YouTube (VL579)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:15) YouTubes Statement (9:40) YouTubes Response (13:03) YouTubes Framing (16:23) What YouTube Has Done (19:55) Conclusion
Mon, November 22, 2021
Kotick Stepping Down? | Activision and the Art of Saying Nothing (VL580)
null
Sun, November 21, 2021
Will Xbox or PlayStation Actually ACT Against Activision Blizzard? (VL578)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:38) Employees Petition for Kotick's Removal (5:05) Girls Who Code Turns Down (Potentially) Millions (8:20) Xbox Joins Sony in Condemnation (10:29) Will Sony or Xbox Actually DO Anything? (19:17) Conclusion
Thu, November 18, 2021
Activision Under Fire | PlayStation, ABK Employees Demand Answers (VL577)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:03) Sony Speaks (12:13) A Parsing Aside (14:35) Zero Tolerance for Thee (20:03) Conclusion
Wed, November 17, 2021
Activision Aftermath: Pressure on Bobby Kotick Grows (VL576)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:02) The Board's Vote of Confidence (8:15) Walkouts and A Better ABK (14:13) Jen Oneal Speaks on Pay Disparity (22:16) Shareholder Group Calls for Resignation (27:12) Conclusion
Tue, November 16, 2021
ACTIVISION BOMBSHELL | WSJ - "Bobby Kotick Knew" (VL575)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:38) WSJ - Bobby Knew (9:54) Corporate Dysfunction? (22:28) Jen Oneal Speaks Out (Internally) (27:42) A Preview of Corporate Defenses (31:23) More Data Points - Painting a Picture (38:26) Bobby's Bad Acts (44:12) Co-opting Frances Townsend (46:10) Conclusion
Sun, November 14, 2021
Epic vs Apple | Apple Denied and Running Out of Time (VL574)
null
Fri, November 05, 2021
Square Pegs in GAAS-Holes | Lessons from Square Enix and The Avengers (VL573)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:56) Pay to Win (9:45) The Square Peg of Crystal Dynamics (11:11) Apology Mistakes (16:41) Reflection and Square Enix's Annual Report (24:55) Conclusion
Fri, November 05, 2021
Square Pegs in GAAS-Holes | Lessons from Square Enix and The Avengers (VL573)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:56) Pay to Win (9:45) The Square Peg of Crystal Dynamics (11:11) Apology Mistakes (16:41) Reflection and Square Enix's Annual Report (24:55) Conclusion
Thu, November 04, 2021
SQUID GAME! | A Legal Look at the World Surrounding the Phenomenon (VL572)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:59) Copyright Largesse and Imitators (12:18) Stealing Your Marbles - SQUID and Cryptocurrency (17:48) Losing Your Name to Squids (29:19) Conclusion
Wed, November 03, 2021
ACTIVISION STOCK TUMBLES | Jen Oneal Out as Blizzard Co-Head (VL571)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:30) Exit Jen ONeal (14:23) Delays, Delays, Delays (25:41) Conclusion
Tue, November 02, 2021
Major Biden DOJ Lawsuit! | The Changing Face of Antitrust Enforcement (VL570)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:41) The Penguin Random House Acquisition (3:49) The DOJ Press Release and Consumer Welfare (8:45) The Lawsuit (Overview) (19:39) The Parties and Background (25:40) Setting the Market (35:10) The Horizontal Merger Guidelines (44:15) Anti-Competitive Effects (55:03) Conclusion
Mon, November 01, 2021
A Better ABK? Workers Alliance Begins Activision Union Push (VL569)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:47) A Better ABK (5:30) National Labor Relations Act (9:41) National Labor Relations Board (12:26) Voluntary Recognition
Thu, October 28, 2021
BIG Activision Blizzard Lawsuit Update! Kotick Caps Comp, EEOC Strikes Out (VL568)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:55) Bobby Kotick's Letter (Opening) (10:44) Activision's Five Changes (20:11) Kotick Reduces Pay (25:01) The EEOC Gets Struck (32:25) Conclusion
Wed, October 27, 2021
Mocked? Taunted? A Legal Look at *Those* Far Cry 6 Emails (VL567)
null
Mon, October 25, 2021
ACTIVISION DENIED: California Lawsuit to Continue...For Now (VL566)
null
Wed, October 20, 2021
"MERITLESS" - California Hits Back on Activision Lawsuit Ethics Charges (VL565)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:27) DFEH's Counsel Declaration (10:03) Are You Conflicted? (21:12) The "Conflict" Attorneys' Declarations (25:16) Screenings and Emails (29:57) DFEH's Opposition to Activision's Request (32:46) A Problem of Timeliness (35:42) A State of Emergency? (39:02) Some Additional Facts (Dates of Transfer) (45:19) A Stay Would Hurt The Employees (That's Why We Just Asked for One) (48:35) Sharing is Caring (51:42) Handwaving An Ethics Issue (Rule 4.3) (54:30) Conclusion
Wed, October 20, 2021
SOLD SEPARATELY: Destiny's Content Cannibalization Quest Continues (VL564)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:15) Dungeon Disparity (11:01) The Cost of Trust (16:26) Conclusion
Tue, October 19, 2021
Checkmate, Lawyers? Dbrand's Defiant, But Sony Got What It Wanted (VL562)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:17) Publishing Issues (6:50) A Change in Design (11:21) Checkmate, Lawyers (19:36) Making Guarantees and Disparaging the Base Product (24:04) Controller Patent (25:10) A New Lawsuit? (26:45) Conclusion
Tue, October 19, 2021
EEOC FALLOUT: Activision Seeks Ethics Review of ENTIRE CA Lawsuit (VL563)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:10) Activision's Motion - An Overview (13:12) Background on the EEOC's Claims (16:28) Legal Argument - Conflict of Interest (28:05) Legal Argument - Advice to Not Seek Counsel (38:21) Conclusion (Impact; Disqualification)
Mon, October 18, 2021
Dbrand Delisted: Sony PS5, Darkplates and Design Infringement (VL561)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:05) Poking the Bear (3:30) Pulling Down the Store (5:42) PlateStation version 2 (8:28) Understanding Design Patents (16:15) Sony's Cease and Desist Letter (29:25) Dbrand Responds (33:26) Aftermarket Parts and Product Configuration (43:08) Conclusion
Fri, October 15, 2021
Labor Union Intervenes in Activision Blizzard Lawsuit - A Legal Look (VL560)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:00) The CWA Intervenes (6:43) Notice and Waivers (1-2) (15:47) Damage Caps and California (3-4) (22:35) Scope, Definitions, and Non-Admissions (5-10) (30:51) Consultants, Claimants, and Complaints (11-15) (35:55) A Problem of Privilege (16) (38:13) Input, Input, Input (17-21) (43:28) Lawyers are Expensive (22) (47:16) More Input and a Section 7 Parade (23-28) (55:23) Training and Understanding (29-31) (57:13) Conclusion
Wed, October 13, 2021
Destiny's Defunct Design - Can Bungie REALLY "Vault" Your Stuff? (VL559)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:09) The Destiny Content Vault (7:34) An Expansion Forsaken (16:05) License Terms and Live Content (28:38) Good Faith and Fair Dealing (34:10) Conclusion
Tue, October 12, 2021
Activision Lawsuit - California Calls EEOC Liars, Union Joins Fight (VL558)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:55) Escalating Correspondence (24:32) Lies, Damn Lies, and Worksharing (36:32) A Question of Dates (44:03) A Lack of Candor (50:08) A New Challenger Approaches (57:15) Conclusion
Mon, October 11, 2021
Did the EEOC Just DESTROY California's Activision Blizzard Lawsuit? (VL557)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:35) California Challenges the EEOC Settlement (Consent Decree) (10:32) EEOC Standards and Misreporting (24:11) EEOC Fights Back (Merits Objection) (42:14) Understanding Conflicts of Interest (58:27) EEOC Brings the Thunder (Conflict, Ethics Violations) (1:15:50) Conclusion
Sat, October 09, 2021
Epic v Apple: Apple Appeals Injunction, Lays Cards on Table (VL556)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:00) Apple Asks Court to Stay Injunction (Overview) (18:12) Apple Argues It is Harmed (20:23) Poor Reporting and Poor Paddle (33:04) Apple Argues It Will Win Appeal (42:53) How Does the Injunction Help Epic, Exactly? (44:53) An Expansive View of California Law (51:06) Waiting For Things to Settle (53:34) Conclusion (Wait for Ninth Circuit)
Thu, October 07, 2021
Twitch Data Breach Leaks Source Code, Streamer Earnings, and More (VL555)
null (0:00) Introduction/Twitch Leak (5:45) Reporting, Streamer Earnings, and Largesse (12:40) Federal Hacking Law (15:32) Reporting a Breach (20:03) A Californian Example (25:01) Conclusion
Tue, October 05, 2021
Licensing Lessons w/ Sora, Smash Brothers, Disney, and More (VL554)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:43) Who Owns What (11:19) Practical Business (13:24) A Tricky Collaboration (16:00) The Licensor Review Process (Nomura) (18:23) A Distinct Lack of Disney (25:38) Sora Fans Speak/Conclusion
Mon, October 04, 2021
Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen: A Difficult Legal Case (VL553)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:41) The 60 Minutes Interview (14:52) SEC Complaints and Whistleblower Protection (25:52) Facebook's Response (32:07) CDA 230's Liability Shield (35:07) Whistleblower Awards (39:10) The Defend Trade Secrets Act (44:05) Conclusion
Fri, October 01, 2021
SETTLEMENT! Scarlett Johansson and Disney End Black Widow Feud (VL552)
null
Thu, September 30, 2021
Nintendo Denies Switch 4K Rumors...Or Does It? (VL551)
null (0:00) Intro (1:02) Bloomberg Article (3:22) Why Nintendo Denies (4:06) Nintendo 4K Kits (4:56) Nintendo Investor Relations (7:24) Nintendo Investor Call (7:39) Nintendo Announces New OLED Model (7:50) Nintendo 3DS Redesign (8:11) Nintendo Statement (9:28) Microsoft (9:36) Flat Denial (10:19) Nintendos Response (12:13) Zyngas Response (12:36) Bloomberg Response (14:23) Nintendo 4K (17:17) Outro
Wed, September 29, 2021
A New World: Amazon, Netflix, Arms Races, and the Metaverse (VL550)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the challenges and potential success of big tech companies like Amazon and Google in the video game industry. He examines Netflix's commitment to gaming and the impact of tech giants' entry into the sector. The episode also explores Tim Sweeney's vision for the gaming future and the legal issues surrounding the metaverse. The shift from passive to interactive entertainment and the influence of branding in gaming are also discussed. (0:00) Introduction and overview of big tech companies in the video game industry (0:47) Discussion on Amazon Games and New World's challenges and potential success (4:12) Google's failed venture into gaming and the difficulty of tech giants breaking into the industry (5:15) Impact and potential benefits of Netflix, Amazon, and Google's entry into the gaming industry (9:21) Examination of Netflix's commitment to gaming and acquisition of Night School Studio (13:22) Discussion on Tim Sweeney's vision for the future of gaming and the metaverse (16:24) Legal issues and role of brands in shaping the metaverse (17:56) Shift from passive to interactive entertainment and influence of branding in gaming experience (19:44) Analysis of the arms race among tech giants in the gaming industry (20:15) Closing remarks and Patreon support request
Tue, September 28, 2021
Activision Blizzard: Sued By EEOC, Settles about an Hour Later (VL549)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:23) The EEOC Lawsuit (14:16) Activision Settles (16:52) Statutory Damage Caps (18:55) The Proposed Consent Decree (Settlement) (25:11) A Release of Claims (27:46) The Settlement Fund ($18 million) (32:11) EEOC Monitoring (The EEO Consultant) (39:35) California Suit Timing Update (43:38) Conclusion
Mon, September 27, 2021
Bungie Stealing Fan Art? Destiny, Derivative Works, and Copyright (VL548)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:35) Bungie Uses Fan Art in Trailer (5:20) Copyright and Derivative Works (11:05) Bungie's Fan Guidelines and Largesse (14:51) A Common Refrain (19:01) Conclusion
Sat, September 25, 2021
Made for Hire? Understanding the "Marvel Method" Copyright Controversy (VL547)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:03) The Controversy (6:43) What is Work Made for Hire? (8:54) Terminating Assignments (14:35) The Marvel Lawsuit (15:58) 1909 and The Marvel Method (Kirby) (20:53) Instance and Expense (28:30) Conclusion
Fri, September 24, 2021
What Even Is Non-Competition? Games Workshop and the Very Odd NDA (VL546)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:36) The NDA (4:14) Ambiguous Definitions (9:54) Some Very Broad Restrictions (16:46) Reputational Harm (19:56) Conclusion
Thu, September 23, 2021
Epic v Apple: APPLE LIED? Fortnite Out for (Much) Longer than a Fortnight (VL545)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:04) Apple's "Lies" (7:01) Epic's "Agreement" (21:10) A Long Appeals Road (25:01) Apple's Rejection (28:29) A Matter of Trust (36:52) Projection on the Opposition (39:34) Conclusion
Wed, September 22, 2021
Did Twitch's NMPA Music Agreement Just Make the DMCA Worse? (VL544)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:11) A Musical History (7:49) The NMPA Agreement (11:40) A New Reporting Process (16:55) Understanding the DMCA (21:31) The Repeat Infringer Problem (30:43) Conclusion
Tue, September 21, 2021
Activision Blizzard: Understanding the SEC and EEOC Investigations (VL543)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:23) The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Investigation (11:29) Do you have to disclose investigations? (23:12) The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Investigation (32:24) Activision and Investors Respond (35:41) Conclusion
Mon, September 20, 2021
Questionable Timing: On Delays to Reviews, Access, and "Day One" (VL542)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:02) Bridge of Spirits (6:22) Doom 2016 (10:00) Lost Judgment (11:03) Game Rant (15:13) Xbox Game Pass
Fri, September 17, 2021
Contempt of Court?! Did Destiny's Composer Steal His Own Music? (VL541)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:50) A Contentious History (15:41) Self-Help and Contempt of Court (21:01) Works Made for Hire and Employer Ownership (26:35) Conclusion
Wed, September 15, 2021
Activision SUED AGAIN?!? Not So Fast... (Understanding the NLRB) (VL540)
null (0:00) Introduction (Special Thanks - NORD) (1:43) Charges (Not Lawsuits) Filed with the NLRB (9:05) What Are Unfair Labor Practices? (14:29) How Does the NLRB Work? (22:56) Rearranging Executive Chairs (26:44) Conclusion
Mon, September 13, 2021
Epic v Apple: ROUND 2! Epic's Appealing an Apple Win (VL539)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:04) Epic Appeals (2:32) Why Appeal? (8:21) When is a Win not a Win? (12:27) Contractual Commissions (Apple and Unreal) (26:30) An Apple Appeal? (28:06) Ninth Circuit and Reversal Stats (32:46) Conclusion
Fri, September 10, 2021
Epic v Apple: Judgment Day - Who Won? Who Lost? ...and Why? (VL538)
null (0:00) Introduction (A Look Back) (2:13) Headline Headscratchers (4:30) The Court on Commissions (8:45) The Decision - Overview (15:20) PART I - FINDINGS OF FACT (16:28) Epic and Fortnite (24:46) Apple and the DPLA (34:59) The Relevant Market (45:51) What is a Video Game? (1:01:52) Market Share and Market Power (1:06:53) Anticompetitive Effects (1:18:17) Procompetitive Justifications (1:35:37) PART II - APPLICATION OF LAW (1:45:15) Apple DOES NOT VIOLATE Federal Antitrust Law (2:00:09) Apple DOES NOT VIOLATE California Antitrust Law (2:02:07) Anti-Steering Rules VIOLATE California Unfair Competition Law (Injunction) (2:16:01) Epic IS LIABLE for Breach of Contract (2:21:32) Conclusion (Responses)
Wed, September 08, 2021
Black Widow's $100 Million Mistake (Scarlett Johansson v Disney) (VL537)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:45) The $100M Question (3:47) Back End Participation (10:07) Black Widow Math (14:00) Conclusion
Fri, September 03, 2021
LAWSUIT! Grand Theft Auto, Copyright, and Reverse Engineers (VL536)
null (0:00) Introduction (Sponsor - FalkusVipus) (1:02) The re3 Project (6:30) Copyright and Fair Use (8:45) Reverse Engineering and the Law (13:55) The Lawsuit (26:28) Infringement and Remedies (33:13) The EULA Problem (36:36) Knowing Falsity? (40:10) Conclusion
Thu, September 02, 2021
Supreme Court's Texas Abortion Law Decision Explained (VL535)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:48) Roe v Wade and the Texas Law (7:18) Ex Parte Young and the Texas Two-Step (12:32) The Shadow Docket (14:25) The Court's Denial (Alito - Standing) (22:08) Roberts Dissent (Pragmatism and Process) (30:08) Breyer Dissent (Delegation Shouldn't Block) (34:12) Sotomayor Dissent (Flatly Unconstitutional) (38:27) Kagan Dissent (Shadow Docket) (41:24) Conclusion (Dobbs)
Wed, September 01, 2021
Epic v Apple: Is Everyone Wrong on South Korea's "Anti-Google" Bill? (VL534)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:57) South Korea's Ban Bill (10:05) Rights and Means (22:32) Conclusion
Tue, August 31, 2021
Starfield Confusion? Blame Microsoft, Not Bethesda Fans (VL533)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:50) Leaving the Door Open? (5:10) The Pete Hines Interview (18:00) Conclusion
Mon, August 30, 2021
Epic vs Apple: Settlements, Concessions, and Termination Failures (VL532)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:55) The Cameron Settlement (18:00) Terminating Termination (28:08) Conclusion
Wed, August 25, 2021
Activision SHREDDING Evidence? (California vs Activision Blizzard) (VL531)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:20) The Amended Complaint - New Factual Basis (11:44) Settlement Agreement Terms (18:33) A New Cause of Action (25:36) Confidential Law Firms and Privilege (32:12) Destroying Documents (35:50) Activision's Response (39:11) Conclusion
Tue, August 24, 2021
Dr. Disrespect Suing Twitch? A Lawyer's Thoughts - Theories and Hurdles (VL530)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:06) Disrespect Says He's Suing Twitch (7:48) Possible Legal Theories (17:15) Black Widows and Arbitration (23:32) Conclusion
Mon, August 23, 2021
Did the Spider-Man No Way Home Leaks Make *You* A Federal Criminal? (VL529)
null (0:00) Introduction (Patreon Sponsors!) (1:15) Spider-Man Leaks (4:11) Copyright Infringement and Takedowns (9:23) Defending Trade Secrets (17:50) The Pokemon Settlements (21:02) Conclusion
Fri, August 20, 2021
Roblox - Exploitation or Opportunity: A Response to Quintin Smith and People Make Games (VL528)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:50) The Underlying Premise (5:46) Overview (6:53) Encouraging Folks to Develop (19:32) Problems of Discoverability (25:07) A Fair Share (36:47) Robux and Suspect Terms (44:57) Understanding Company Scrip (49:59) Bonus Arguments: Children and Activists (57:50) Jumping to Conclusions (1:01:59) My Conclusions (and Emil's)
Thu, August 19, 2021
IGN's Blue Box Interview Disaster - Confidence in the Man (VL527)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:18) The Interview (5:56) An Interesting History (10:08) IGN Takes Up the Cause (18:46) Definitely Not Scammers (25:34) Abandoning Reason (31:14) A Confident Man (32:37) Conclusion
Thu, August 19, 2021
IGN's Blue Box Interview Disaster - Confidence in the Man (VL527)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:18) The Interview (5:56) An Interesting History (10:08) IGN Takes Up the Cause (18:46) Definitely Not Scammers (25:34) Abandoning Reason (31:14) A Confident Man (32:37) Conclusion
Wed, August 18, 2021
Among Us vs Fortnite: "Impostors Welcome" in the World of IP (VL526)
null (0:00) Introduction - About Among Us (1:44) A Challenger (or Impostor) Appears! (4:40) Justified Disappointment (6:50) Maps, Ideas, and Copyright (14:54) Largesse - A Streaming Aside (18:10) The Patent Problem (25:06) Conclusion
Tue, August 17, 2021
Dead by Copyright: DBD Licenses, Netflix, and Stranger Things (VL525)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:53) Stranger Things Removal (8:25) How Copyright License Work (14:04) Netflix's New Strategy (18:05) Conclusion
Mon, August 16, 2021
Apple's New Privacy Stance - What Have You Got To Hide? (VL524)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:07) Apple's "Expanded Protections for Children" (6:30) Legal Requirements (8:43) Scanning Your Phone (12:43) The NCMEC (17:46) Apple's Terms and Policies (20:30) Criticisms (EFF) (23:08) Internal Defensiveness (26:02) Privacy and State Actors (31:32) Government Problems (including the US) (36:28) Conclusion
Thu, August 12, 2021
Investor Demands and Employee Departures (Activision Blizzard Lawsuit) (VL523)
null (0:00) Introduction and Disclaimers (1:03) Investors Demand (2:26) Who is the SOC Investment Group? (7:57) Reading the Letter (18:45) Senate Bill 826 (27:31) Employees Depart (30:42) Conclusion
Tue, August 10, 2021
Dropping the WARHAMMER - Games Workshop, Fan Animations, and IP (VL522)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:21) Copyright Exclusivity (4:17) Warhammer Plus (5:27) Games Workshop's New Guidelines (15:35) Who is Affected and How (21:08) Fair Use? (24:18) Conclusion
Mon, August 09, 2021
xQc vs IOC: The Fair Use, Copyright, DMCA Ban Olympics (VL521)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:47) xQC's Olympic Broadcast and the DMCA (5:48) DMCA Fundamentals (13:08) Fair Use Fundamentals (25:39) The IOC's Position (30:06) Largesse, Games, and Twitch (34:03) Legal Marketing (38:19) Playing Chicken with Livelihoods (41:45) Conclusion
Fri, August 06, 2021
Investor Suits, Proto-Unions, and Other Mutinies (California vs Activision Blizzard) (VL520)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:28) HR Firings and Investor Calls (14:04) A Proto-Union is Formed (28:37) Investor Class Actions (43:16) Unhappy Sponsors (45:17) Conclusion
Tue, August 03, 2021
HEADS ROLL! ABK Takes a Step...Brack (California v Activision Blizzard) (VL519)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:02) Heads Roll - Investor Version (11:48) Heads Roll - Public Version (19:55) Conclusion
Fri, July 30, 2021
Black Widow Lawsuit! A Legal Look at Scarlett Johansson vs Disney (VL518)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:53) The Complaint (11:01) A "wide theatrical release"? (14:13) Good Faith and Fair Dealing (18:00) Email Promises and Merger Clauses (21:45) Deliberately Hurting its own Box Office? (26:50) Two Causes of Action (Breach) (29:51) Disney's Response (31:45) Conclusion
Thu, July 29, 2021
The Devil in the Details (California v Activision Blizzard) (VL517)
null (0:00) Introduction and Disclaimers (1:33) 24 Hours of Trouble (2:53) The Cosby Suite (14:23) The Cosby Timeline - Plausible Deniability (22:05) Cosby Suite Responses (27:47) Hiring Your Own Lawyers to Audit You (31:53) Conclusion
Wed, July 28, 2021
WALKOUT! (California vs Activision Blizzard) (VL516)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:00) Road to a Walkout (6:04) The Walkout Demands (18:28) Bobby Kotick Responds (34:13) Conclusion
Tue, July 27, 2021
Losing on All Fronts (California v Activision Blizzard) (VL515)
null (0:00) Introduction (The Fran Email) (3:18) Losing Employees (5:22) The Open Letter (15:05) Losing the Market (19:19) Conclusion
Mon, July 26, 2021
Activision's Messaging STRUGGLE (California vs Activision Blizzard) (VL514)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:11) Activision's Initial Response (People's Republic of California) (9:24) Presidential Responses (I Feel Your Pain) (18:51) Activision Doubles Down (This is Fine) (30:51) Losing Your Employees (33:33) "Shocked" Ex Leaders (38:33) Conclusion
Thu, July 22, 2021
California vs Activision Blizzard: A Legal Look at the Lawsuit (VL513)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:17) How a DFEH (CA) Complaint Works (6:10) Setting the Groundwork (CA's Introduction) (11:18) Equal Pay: CA's Main Complaint (and Mistake) (16:45) "Cube Crawls" and Harassments (22:40) The CA Laws At Issue (Jury Instructions) (28:01) Prior Complaints and Mediations (Date Issues) (33:38) The Alleged Causes of Action (47:10) CA's Examples (Discrimination) (1:02:00) CA's Examples (Harassment) (1:10:37) Activision's Response (1:16:53) Conclusion
Tue, July 20, 2021
Is Biden Administration Turning Facebook Into Trump's "State Actor"? (VL512)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:17) Previously on... Trump v Facebook (7:50) Press Secretary Psaki's Press Conferences (14:40) Misinformation: An "approved" Case Study (19:12) Killing People and Abiding "Recommendations" (22:55) Accountability in Action: Setting the Record...Straight? (30:00) Conclusion
Mon, July 19, 2021
Nintendo Fires Back at Bloomberg's Switch Reporting! (VL511)
null
Thu, July 15, 2021
Steam Deck: The REAL Nintendo Switch Pro? (VL510)
null
Tue, July 13, 2021
Phil Spencer, Xbox, and the Hunt for Riskless "Risks" (VL508)
null
Mon, July 12, 2021
Is Lost Judgment...the Last Judgment? Celebrities, Mods, and Steam (VL507)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:55) Lost Judgment (6:27) Steam (10:17) Outro
Thu, July 08, 2021
Trump's Big Tech Lawsuit: Facebook As Arm of Government? (VL506)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:02) Venue Issues (4:56) Facebook As State Actor (6:36) Lugar and the State Actor Requirement (8:20) Manhattan Community Access Corporation and Public Forums (12:37) Lugar and Joint Action (13:28) Blum, Regulation, and Coercion (16:05) Prager v YouTube (17:42) CDA 230's Liability Shield (19:20) Trump's Theory of the Case (24:05) Did Congress Coerce Facebook? (28:54) Did Congress Encourage Facebook? (35:42) Did Health Experts Act Jointly with Facebook? (41:20) The Counts (49:25) Requested Relief (Conclusion)
Wed, July 07, 2021
Stow Those Hidden Blades! On Assassin's Creed Infinity Reporting (VL505)
null
Tue, July 06, 2021
Ninten-DOH! New Switch Pro...is Anything But (VL504)
null
Mon, July 05, 2021
The Audacity! The Problem with App's New Privacy Policy (VL503)
null
Fri, July 02, 2021
Just what is a Letter of Intent? On Kojima and Xbox (VL502)
null (0:00) Intro (1:29) Letter of Intent (3:35) Letter of Intent Summary (4:43) Letter of Intent Examples (5:47) Letter of Intent Definition (7:41) Letter of Intent Example (11:05) How to evaluate LOIs (13:04) Outro
Thu, July 01, 2021
Quality over Quantity? Sony, Nixxes, Xbox, and the Ghost of Paywalls (VL501)
null
Tue, June 29, 2021
Episode 500! Sony Buys Housemarque (and many, many thanks are given) (VL500)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:00) Episode 500 (16:54) Sony Buys Housemarque (39:07) Conclusion
Mon, June 28, 2021
A Legal Look at Chris Avellone's Libel Suit: No Winners Here (VL499)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:34) Avellone Tells His Side (8:12) The Lawsuit - What is Libel? (11:17) The First Amendment and Public Figures (16:28) CA Elements of Libel (Jury Instructions) (22:43) The Libel Counts (Opinions and Facts) (39:25) CA and SLAPPs (42:54) Conclusion
Sat, June 26, 2021
Epic v Apple: Why did Apple Just Submit a College Football Case? (Alston) (VL498)
null
Fri, June 25, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part IX: All the Rest) (VL496)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:13) General Provisions (23:50) Conclusion (Signature Blocks)
Fri, June 25, 2021
Pretense Abandoned? On Blue Box, Delays, and...Cyberpunk 2077 (VL497)
null
Wed, June 23, 2021
WB Games Begins Sell-Off: But is it the First...or the Last? (VL495)
null
Tue, June 22, 2021
Avengers Game Introduces Gravest Threat Yet: Doxxing (VL494)
null
Mon, June 21, 2021
Understanding Alston: The Slow-Motion Suicide of the NCAA (VL493)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:33) TLDW (3:50) Alston vs NCAA (8:58) A Background in Money (11:24) The District Court's Holding (25:32) The Supreme Court and the Rule of Reason (32:59) Board of Regents (NCAA Shoots Its Own Feet) (41:44) The Court's Role (52:53) Kavanaugh Questions the Whole Operation (58:24) Conclusion (NCAA Response)
Wed, June 16, 2021
E3 Doesn't Work Anymore - Is Geoff Keighley's Approach the Answer? (VL Extra)
null
Tue, June 15, 2021
Six Months in Exile: Cyberpunk 2077 Returns to PlayStation (VL492)
null
Thu, June 10, 2021
Xbox Widens its Ambitions: A Game Pass in Every Home (VL491)
null (0:00) Introduction (6:12) The Bottom Line (9:39) Competitive Advantage (15:15) Phil Spencer (15:35) Xbox Game Pass (17:15) Xbox on TV (20:23) Cloud Gaming on Browser (22:18) Outro
Wed, June 09, 2021
Ohio Sues Itself: AG Seeks Treatment of Google as "Public Utility" (VL490)
null
Tue, June 08, 2021
Precedent Evil? Capcom SUED for Allegedly Stealing Photos (VL489)
null
Mon, June 07, 2021
"Mediocre and Schlocky": Federal Court takes on The Last Jedi (VL488)
null
Fri, June 04, 2021
Is Earth 2 a Scam? It Takes Land to Build the Pyramids (..or does it?) (VL487)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:25) What is Earth 2? (8:26) Pyramids and Ponzi Schemes (14:23) A Look at Securities Law (21:27) Some Pretty Bad Terms and Conditions (35:22) Crypto Conversions and Bitconnect (39:52) Unlimited Exposure (43:35) Securities Terms (50:00) Conclusion
Thu, June 03, 2021
Making a Mess out of Computer Law: Van Buren, SCOTUS, and You (VL486)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:28) Van Buren v United States (7:32) The Majority Opinion (29:23) The Dissent (39:04) Conclusion
Wed, June 02, 2021
Sony Believes* in Generations (VL485)
null
Wed, June 02, 2021
CD Projekt (in the) Red? A Cyberpunk Dystopia...of Depreciation (VL484)
null
Tue, June 01, 2021
Politics vs "Politics!": The Problem with Requiring Allegory (VL483)
null
Thu, May 27, 2021
Gearbox CEO: Borderlands 3 Crossplay for PlayStation is Being Hobbled (VL482)
null
Wed, May 26, 2021
Bezos Buys Bond! MGM to be Purchased by Amazon (VL481)
null (0:00) Intro (1:20) Amazon buys MGM (9:02) Variety article (11:16) Mergers and Acquisitions (13:25) EON Productions (15:55) Clean Book (18:21) Antitrust Lawsuit (18:52) Amazon Antitrust Lawsuit (19:19) Amazon Prime Video (20:04) Conclusion
Mon, May 24, 2021
Epic v Apple: Endgame (Closing Arguments) (VL480)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:25) Live Tweets - Closing Arguments (Adi Robertson) (2:47) A Sherman Antitrust Act Refresher (8:00) The Relevant Market (25:52) Qualcomm and the Rule of Reason (32:39) A Defense of Apple's Business Model (42:35) What Should a Remedy Look Like? (53:21) Judge's Final Words (and Joke Opinion Date) (55:00) Conclusion (Hoeg's Thoughts)
Mon, May 24, 2021
Hot Tub FINE Machine: Twitch, Amouranth, Tags, and Blacklists (VL479)
null
Fri, May 21, 2021
Epic v Apple: Tim Cook Speaks! Epic Takes One Last Bite out of Apple (Day 15) (VL478)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:43) Day 15 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (2:56) As American as Apple Pie (Cook) (8:33) Malware and Security (Cook) (13:00) Earning A Commission (Cook) (14:41) Digital Cost Reductions (Cook) (18:51) The Best Buy Metaphor and Stickiness (Cook) (24:12) Financials and Epic's Requests (Cook) (27:30) Apple's Pecuniary Interest (Cook - Epic Cross) (34:13) The Fortnite and Unreal Ban (Cook - Epic Cross) (37:46) A Holistic Device and Ecosystem (Cook - Epic Cross) (41:24) The China Problem (Cook - Epic Cross) (46:03) IAP before IAP? (Cook - Epic Cross) (52:45) Great Scott!!! What did the Judge Just Ask? (Cook - Judge Cross) (1:07:05) An Anticlimax (Rubin - Epic Cross) (1:08:06) Conclusion
Fri, May 21, 2021
Epic v Apple: Who Surveys the Surveyors? (Day 14) (VL477)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:06) Day 14 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (4:21) Epic Wants Another Witness (10:52) Another Survey (Hanssens) (15:44) Exposing Survey Problems (Hanssens - Cross) (21:18) The Value of IP (Malackowski) (33:02) A Non-Credible Witness? (Malackowski - Cross) (40:20) More App Stores Are Trouble (Rubin) (46:28) Does App Review Really Help? (Rubin - Cross) (49:22) Conclusion
Thu, May 20, 2021
Epic v Apple: Losing the Forest for the (Apple) Trees (Day 13) (VL476)
null (0:00) Introduction, Essential Facilities, and Scheduling (8:14) Day 13 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (9:28) Buying Outside the Ecosystem (Schmid) (13:19) The Apple Pitch - Apps (Schmid) (14:27) Helping Epic (Schmid) (20:51) Apple Sign-In, Cross-Platform and...Roblox (Schmid - Cross) (30:38) Defending Apple's Security (Federighi) (36:48) Sideloading and Mac Insecurity (Federighi) (40:41) The Problem with Enterprise (Federighi) (42:12) The Apple Pitch - Ease and Security (Federighi) (44:39) Streaming and Bad Answers (Federighi) (48:41) Poking Holes in Need for Security Features (Federighi - Cross) (57:51) Conclusion
Wed, May 19, 2021
Epic v Apple: Epic's iPhone Teardown (Day 12) (VL475)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:01) Day 12 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (3:26) Schiller's Cross Examination Begins (Schiller) (8:11) Talking About Friction (Schiller) (13:12) Impeaching Schiller's Credibility (Schiller) (20:57) Unwritten Rules and Timelines (Schiller) (24:12) Unspeakable Apps (Schiller) (26:36) Profits and Lowered Commissions (Schiller) (29:53) Did You Know Apple's Being Investigated? (Schiller) (34:54) Giving No Ground to Epic (Schiller) (41:46) Rehabilitating Schiller (Schiller - Redirect) (50:47) Ebooks and Special Rules (Schiller - Cross) (52:18) Conclusion
Tue, May 18, 2021
Epic v Apple: Epic Wraps Up Its Case - Apple Starts Its Defense (Day 11) (VL474)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:46) Day 11 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (8:15) Security, Politics, and iPhones (Mickens - Cross) (23:48) Intermission - Epic Has Called Its Last Witness (26:17) How Apple Built the iPhone (Schiller) (29:27) Security in a Holistic Product (Schiller) (33:08) No Duopoly? (Schiller) (34:34) Opening the App Store (Schiller) (43:35) Defending the Plan (Schiller) (48:38) IAP and Subscription Friction (Schiller) (51:02) Lowering the 30% (Schiller) (52:27) Conquesting, Ad Space, and Anti-Steering (Schiller) (55:43) Roblox and the Store within a Store (Schiller) (1:01:33) xCloud and Arbitrariness (Schiller) (1:05:35) Conclusion
Mon, May 17, 2021
Was WB Games Just Sold? Untangling ATT, WarnerMedia, and Discovery (VL473)
null
Mon, May 17, 2021
All the Wrong Moves: How IGN Turned an External War...Internal (VL472)
null
Sat, May 15, 2021
Epic v Apple: Talking Past Each Other...Frequently (Day 10) (VL471)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:00) Epic Games Store Strategy (Influencer Payments) (6:26) Roblox Gets Out of the Way (11:27) Day 10 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (13:52) A Lack of Baselines (Evans) (15:53) Hitting back at Hitt (Evans) (17:35) Consoles Won't be Affected (Evans) (18:49) Mobile Devices and Essential Facilities (Evans) (21:07) China, Rogue Stores, Steering and more (Evans - Cross) (34:49) Financial Principles (Barnes; Barnes - Cross) (41:15) SSNIP, SSNIP (Rossi; Rossi - Cross) (47:52) Security and the Value of App Review (Mickens) (56:56) Conclusion
Fri, May 14, 2021
Epic v Apple: "No, Your Analysis is Rudimentary!" (Day 9) (VL470)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:09) Day 9 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (2:10) A Successful App Store is a Value Creating App Store (Hitt) (7:13) When Did Apple Use Monopoly Power? (Hitt) (9:23) The Choices of Developers (Hitt) (13:45) Tables and Charts (Hitt) (16:26) The Cost of Friction (Hitt) (19:32) Streaming, Netflix, Patents, and more (Hitt - Cross) (29:16) Substitutes and Complements (Cragg) (32:18) Console Games vs Mobile Games (Cragg) (38:19) What About Other Consoles (Cragg) (39:31) Resumes, Charts, and Rudimentary Analysis (Cragg - Cross) (46:23) Conclusion (Judges judge)
Thu, May 13, 2021
Epic v Apple: Epic's Selling Crackers at the Liquor Store? (Day 8) (VL469)
null (0:00) Introduction (Epic Motions Back) (3:59) Day 8 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (6:01) Gaming Stores on iOS (Athey) (13:20) The (Lack of) Cost of Piracy (Athey) (15:22) A Unity of Markets (Schmalensee) (19:21) Not Just a Payment Processor (Schmalensee) (22:31) We Don't Take American Express (Schmalensee) (23:56) Network Effects Cut Both Ways (Schmalensee) (25:56) The Breadth of an Epic Win (Schmalensee) (28:17) A discussion of Anti-Steering (Schmalensee) (32:47) Free to Play Isn't Free (Schmalensee) (35:46) Apple Hasn't Price Gouged Yet (Schmalensee) (38:32) Essential Facilities (47:36) Market Substitutes and Liquor Stores (Lafontaine) (54:55) App Store is a Massive Success (Hitt) (57:21) Conclusion
Wed, May 12, 2021
Ubisoft: Free-to-Play Ambitions and the Changing Face of Gaming (VL467)
null (0:00) Intro (1:45) Ubisoft (8:25) FreetoPlay Ambition (11:20) Ubisoft and Warzone (13:33) The Future of Gaming
Wed, May 12, 2021
Epic v Apple: The 'Relevant Market' is...Economists (Day 7) (VL468)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:00) Apple Announces Blocked Transactions (3:29) Day 7 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (4:34) Consumer Harms (Evans) (7:10) Market Confusion (Evans) (11:37) iOS and Android Aren't Competitive? (Evans) (14:01) Structuring the App Store (Evans) (21:18) Monopolies and Quality Services (Evans) (23:15) The Call of Duty (Evans) (29:36) The Judge Speaks (Anti-Steering) (Evans) (37:15) Substitutes and Subscriptions (Middleware) (Athey) (46:14) The Judge Speaks Again (Anti-Steering) (Athey) (47:14) Cross Examination (Athey) (52:00) Conclusion
Tue, May 11, 2021
Epic v Apple: Peeling Back the Lawyers (Day 6) (VL466)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:21) Day 6 Livetweets (Adi Robertson) (5:33) Apple as Impersonal Partner (Weissinger) (10:32) Are Consoles Really Subsidized? (Weissinger) (13:52) Slipping on Banana Peels (Weissinger) (15:48) What's in a Game? (Weissinger) (18:21) Project Liberty and CAF (Weissinger) (23:56) Epic Sponsors a Lock-In (Weissinger) (27:26) Beginning the Battle of the Experts (Evans) (29:29) Establishing the Relevant Market (Evans) (34:03) An App Aftermarket (Evans) (43:05) A Single Brand Market (Evans) (44:31) Profit Margins and Developer Unrest (Evans) (48:30) Conclusion (Judge's Questions)
Sat, May 08, 2021
Epic v Apple: Itching for a Fight (Day 5) (VL465)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:38) Apple Motion Against Microsoft Witness (4:47) Day 5 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson, Nick Statt) (6:24) The Blind Alley of Roblox (Kosmynka) (16:00) Is App Review Effective? (Kosmynka) (22:10) Steve Allison - General Manager EGS (23:29) The Cost of Free Games (Allison) (25:54) Security and Fraud at EGS (Allison) (28:53) Making Money with EGS (Allison) (32:05) Warnings and Depositions (Allison) (34:59) Itching for a Fight - Itch.io App Access (Allison) (45:11) Apples, Oranges, and Ooblets (48:44) Conclusion
Fri, May 07, 2021
Epic v Apple: Apple's First Grilling (Day 4) (VL464)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:04) Selling Search Functions (US House) (5:25) Understanding the Closed Xbox Argument (Verge) (8:27) Day 4 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson) (9:36) Payments and Project Liberty (19:01) Apple Exec Grilled (Matthew Fischer) (21:52) Back to Selling Search (22:57) Monopoly Stickiness (Lack of Studies) (25:48) Judge Issues (27:47) A Parade of Unhappy Developers (32:01) Is Apple Arcade a Store? (33:29) Third Parties and Security (35:20) Treatment of Business Partners (47:07) What is a Roblox? (50:37) Making Mistakes (52:36) Conclusion
Thu, May 06, 2021
Epic v Apple: Sony Sued on Epic's "Monopoly" Theory (Day 3 Catch-Up) (VL463)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:11) Concerns About Walled Gardens (Preliminary Injunction) (4:45) Distinguishing iOS (Andrew Grant) (6:17) Sony Sued (14:10) What does Apple Do? (17:59) Does Epic control Access? (23:17) For the Children (26:10) Conclusion
Wed, May 05, 2021
Epic v Apple: Xbox on Trial (and more Sony Crossplay) (Day 3) (VL462)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:47) Another Sony Crossplay Request Email (12:33) Day 3 Live Tweets (Adi Robertson/Lori Wright) (14:16) Is iOS a competitor to Xbox? (19:22) Business Models, Loss Leaders and Walled Gardens (23:51) Apple's Exclusion of xCloud (Netflix) (27:33) Who does Microsoft want to Win? (29:20) Apple's Aggression (33:10) Did Apple Help Microsoft? (37:23) Conclusion (Back to Netflix)
Wed, May 05, 2021
Trumped? Facebook Oversight Board Finds Indefinite Bans "Not Permissible" (VL461)
null
Tue, May 04, 2021
Epic v Apple: Opening Salvos (Days 1 and 2) (VL460)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:18) Rolling Coverage of Day 1 (GameSpot) (7:03) Opening Slides and Day 1 (The Verge) (22:49) Day Two Twitter Thread (Adi Robertson) (23:55) Accidental Disclosures (25:18) Framing FreeFortnite (27:45) Apple v Sony (Crossplay) (29:31) Using Tim Sweeney's Previous Words (30:53) Project Liberty and Sneakiness (35:08) Microsoft and Pricing Requirements (40:58) Assuaging Fears (Console Distinctions) (43:28) Impulse Buys (Sweeney Concludes) (47:06) Additional Witnesses (Simon and Patel) (53:50) Conclusion
Tue, May 04, 2021
Giant Bomb Explodes! Did CNET/Red Ventures Sale Play a Role? (VL459)
null
Mon, May 03, 2021
Is Sony Charging Developers for Adding Crossplay? (VL458)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:04) An Exchange of Emails (11:30) A Crossplay Revenue Plan (21:09) The Global Developer and Publisher Agreement (31:02) Conclusion (Quieting the Discord)
Mon, May 03, 2021
The Last of Us Part 2 Reviewed by...Microsoft? (VL457)
null
Fri, April 30, 2021
"Consumers Losing Out": European Union Comes for Apple's Walled Garden (VL456)
null
Thu, April 29, 2021
EPIC v APPLE: The Story So Far (VL455)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:58) Epic Makes Its Move (2:57) An Epic Lawsuit (14:52) Early Rulings (TRO; Countersuit) (17:50) Political Action (CAF) (20:02) Injunction Junction (24:35) NEW - Microsoft Makes an Epic Move (29:32) NEW - Epic Keeps Fortnite off xCloud (31:26) Conclusion
Tue, April 27, 2021
SHOCKING NEWS: EA Steers Players to...Where It Makes the Most Money (VL454)
null
Mon, April 26, 2021
Are ALL Digital Stores Engaged in Fraud? (Are You "Buying" It?) (VL453)
null (0:00) Introduction (8:00) Apple Lawsuit (10:58) Apple Terms of Service (17:14) California Deceptive Advertising Laws (21:46) What Do You Think (23:53) Outro
Fri, April 23, 2021
Cyberpunk 2077 Refunds - MUCH Higher than Initial Reports (VL452)
null
Thu, April 22, 2021
Respawn vs Polygon: Titans Fall...Too (VL451)
null
Wed, April 21, 2021
Securing the Village: On Sony and Capcom's Purported RE VIII Agreement (VL450)
null
Tue, April 20, 2021
Sony: "We Made the Wrong Decision" - Reverses Course on PS3, Vita (VL449)
null
Mon, April 19, 2021
"BUY IT AT FULL PRICE": Days Gone, John Garvin, and the Gaming Industry (VL448)
null
Fri, April 16, 2021
Is Square Enix For Sale? Depends on Who You Ask (VL447)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:19) Bloomberg Japan Article (6:58) Square Enixs Response (13:19) Why Not Denial (15:47) Japan (19:18) Outro
Thu, April 15, 2021
Activision Sues Over "Warzone" Trademark Infringement...In Reverse (VL446)
null
Wed, April 14, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part VIII: Ending the Marriage) (VL445)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:53) Term and Termination (4:13) A Perpetual Agreement (5:20) Developer's Breach (15:26) Publisher's Breach (23:06) An Alternative Delivery Remedy (27:10) A 12 Month Tail (29:47) Conclusion
Tue, April 13, 2021
EPIC LOOT! On EGS Losses, $1B Raises, and Sony's Big Bet (VL444)
null
Mon, April 12, 2021
Google vs Oracle: The Fair Use Case You NEED to Know (VL443)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:35) On Copyrightability (10:47) Fair Use (13:45) Nature of the Protected Work (19:42) Purpose of the Use (26:59) Amount of the Work Taken (31:48) Effect on the Market (38:49) Conclusion
Fri, April 09, 2021
Blockbusters Only! Are Sony and PlayStation's Glory Days Gone? (VL442)
null (0:00) Intro (0:42) Article (8:23) Sony Bend (14:16) The Problem (17:23) Conclusion
Thu, April 08, 2021
Team Twitch: World Police (VL441)
null
Wed, April 07, 2021
Xbox Steals a Base: On Sony's MLB The Show and Game Pass (VL440)
null
Mon, April 05, 2021
Clock Blocked: The Legal Landscape of Sony's Expiration Date Problem (VL439)
null
Thu, March 25, 2021
The New Censors - Game Developers Attack Six Days in Fallujah (VL438)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:40) Six Days in Fallujah is Back (7:16) Kotaku (10:03) Petition (13:43) Other References (16:41) The ridiculous censurious (17:45) A coming of age moment (19:08) Society Violence in Video Games (22:10) Restraining Trade (24:34) vicarious liability (25:32) group boycott (27:24) mirror image (29:28) book burning (30:45) outro
Wed, March 24, 2021
DC Statehood - Problems and Possibilities: A Legal Discussion (VL437)
null
Tue, March 23, 2021
Microsoft + Discord? Not So Fast... (VL436)
null (0:00) Intro (1:30) Microsoft Discord (5:18) Discord Sale (8:46) Discord CEO (12:53) Funding (15:24) Why (17:51) Discord (19:25) Outro
Mon, March 22, 2021
Are Video Games Headed (Back) to the Supreme Court? (VL435)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:25) The Current Court Decision (3rd Cir.) (8:47) The Cert Petition (Questions Presented) (13:01) The Cert Petition (Overview) (20:45) The Cert Petition (Circuit Split) (33:16) Conclusion (Importance of the Question)
Fri, March 19, 2021
Xbox's BIG Week: A BIG Week for Game Pass, PlayStation (!), and Gamers (VL434)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:38) The Bethesda Deal (4:43) Phil Spencer on Bethesda (11:51) Xboxs BIG Week (18:12) Marvels Avengers (19:15) Smart Delivery (20:51) Outro
Wed, March 17, 2021
Activision, Layoffs, and CEO Bobby Kotick - "The $200 Million Man" (VL433)
null
Mon, March 15, 2021
EAGATE, FIFA, Loot Boxes and the Risk to the Gaming Industry (VL432)
null
Tue, March 09, 2021
Microsoft + Bethesda Is Official! But About Those Exclusive Games... (VL431)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:22) Microsoft Bethesda Deal (3:45) EU Approval (7:02) Xbox Blog Post (11:40) Inclusive Platform (12:17) Exclusive Games (18:39) Bethesdas Future (22:18) Outro
Mon, March 08, 2021
Europe Approves Microsoft + Bethesda! But Reports WRONG on USA (VL430)
null
Fri, March 05, 2021
NOT MERGED YET: On Microsoft, Bethesda, and Securities Law (Form S-4) (VL429)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:37) SEC Form S4 (4:52) Business Combinations (6:16) Form S4 (8:21) What is it for (10:02) Conclusion
Thu, March 04, 2021
Marvel's Avengers: Square Enix Unlocks the Grind Stone (VL428)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:06) NPD Group Inc (1:37) Campaign (4:25) Steam Charts (5:19) Avengers Failure (7:01) Cosmetic and XP Rework (7:42) XP Rework (10:35) Level Up Faster (12:12) Consumer Problem (12:34) Cosmetic Changes (15:40) Cosmetic Rework (18:23) Cosmetic Vendor (19:26) Message (21:36) Conclusion (23:54) Outro
Tue, March 02, 2021
Dr. Disrespect and the Myth of Twitch Transparency (VL427)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:28) The Report to the Report (3:24) Dr. Disrespect and Toronto Ultra (11:48) Transparency as Public Relations (22:07) Cracks in the Foundation (33:22) Conclusion
Mon, March 01, 2021
That Sinking (City) Feeling: Did Publisher Nacon Pirate Frogwares Title? (VL426)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:40) Frogwares Accuses Nacon of Piracy (3:59) The Contract Breach Claim (9:33) The Termination Letter (11:20) Force Majeure (14:35) Frogwares Describes the Hack (28:09) Frogwares Names Names (31:21) Conclusion
Mon, March 01, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part VII: Paying for Problems) (VL425)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:53) Developer's Indemnification Obligation (13:29) Fixing Infringements (20:17) Publisher's Indemnification Obligation (22:38) Conclusion
Thu, February 25, 2021
Grand Theft Legislature: Can Illinois REALLY Ban Violent Video Games? (VL424)
null
Wed, February 24, 2021
Fallout 4 Fallout for Microsoft + Bethesda? (VL422)
null
Wed, February 24, 2021
BioWare, EA, and Anthem's Final Sour Note (VL423)
null
Tue, February 23, 2021
PlayStation News Explosion! PSVR2! PC Ports! Delays! ...and Cyberpunk? (VL421)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:19) PS5 Manufacturing Difficulties (8:42) The 2021 Games Lineup (11:04) Throwing Some Cyberpunk Shade (14:28) Game Delays (16:52) The Future of PSVR (22:00) The PC Future (29:59) Conclusion (Support for Japan)
Fri, February 19, 2021
Epic vs Apple: Did Valve and Steam Just Make Epic's Case? (VL420)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:30) A Subpoena Fight (15:28) The Subpoena Power (20:39) The Importance of Setting the Market (24:42) Conclusion (Valve Makes Epic's Case)
Thu, February 18, 2021
Facebook Cuts Off Australia...or Did Australia Cut Off Itself? (VL419)
null
Wed, February 17, 2021
Epic Fail in North Dakota: Free Fortnite Takes the Fight to Europe (VL418)
null (0:00) Intro (2:02) North Dakota bill fails (2:35) Lobbying (4:34) Tim Sweeney (7:20) Senate Antitrust Bill (12:09) Consumer Welfare (13:52) Antitrust (15:09) Epic vs Apple (20:55) Outro
Mon, February 15, 2021
GameStop, Robinhood, Reddit, and You? Everyone's Being Investigated (VL416)
null
Mon, February 15, 2021
Legislation: Drafted and Paid For By Epic Games (VL417)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:41) Coalition for App Fairness (2:25) Tim Sweeney (2:55) New York Times (6:13) Epic Games (6:32) What Happened (9:48) Why North Dakota (10:21) Outro
Thu, February 11, 2021
Free Fortnite? North Dakota May Just Have Epic's Back (VL415)
null
Wed, February 10, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part VI: Making Promises) (VL414)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:03) Organization and Authority (16:45) Performance and Operation (23:07) Open Source and Legal Compliance (31:55) Confidentiality (35:51) Conclusion
Wed, February 10, 2021
Understanding Mergers: 'No, Microsoft isn't Renaming Zenimax as Vault' (VL413)
null
Tue, February 09, 2021
Cyberpunk Cyberhacked? Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right (VL412)
null
Mon, February 08, 2021
"Business with You is a Liability" - On Terraria and Google Stadia (VL411)
null
Sat, February 06, 2021
Shadow of Law: The WB Games Nemesis Patent Controversy (VL410)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:13) WB Patents the Nemesis System (and Reaction) (3:15) Intellectual Property Types (5:37) Patents in Particular (7:08) A (brief) Look at the Nemesis Claims (13:26) Nemesis Weaknesses - Timing (14:54) Nemesis Weaknesses - Novelty and Obviousness (23:17) Nemesis Weaknesses - Totality Requirement (27:01) Conclusion
Fri, February 05, 2021
Is Fortnite Maker Epic Games REALLY Preparing to 'Go Public'? (VL409)
null
Thu, February 04, 2021
Modern (Legal) Warfare: Did Activision Steal Call of Duty Face? (VL408)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:55) Case Overview (3:37) Establishing Activision's Intent (7:08) Who is Cade Janus? (Factual Background) (15:28) A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words (24:21) The Claims (28:07) Protecting Fictional Characters (33:30) On Reproducing Photography (37:50) Conclusion
Wed, February 03, 2021
Gearbox Bought by Embracer! Why the Top Line Price is Misleading (VL407)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:56) The Headline Price (8:28) Randy Pitchford and Gearbox Independence (14:13) The Embracer Investment Release (21:40) Borderlands and 2K (28:04) Doing the Math (Earn-Outs) (35:31) Conclusion
Mon, February 01, 2021
Valve Sued over Steam: Is "Most Favored Nation" (MFN) Clause Illegal? (VL405)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:40) Overview of the Case (16:48) Antitrust and Economics (26:29) Monopoly and Market (34:57) The Effects of the MFN (42:38) Claims for Violation of Sherman (48:15) A Look at Steam and Steam Keys (54:29) Conclusion
Fri, January 29, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part V: Profit Sharing) (VL404)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:28) A Simple Revenue Share (14:43) Paying Your Fair Share (33:18) Conclusion
Fri, January 29, 2021
GameStop Won't Stop: Robinhood Lawsuit, Margin Calls, and Citadels (VL403)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:09) The Lawsuit (25:28) Capital Regulations, Exposure, and Margin Calls (38:55) Congress, Investigations, and Citadel (46:00) Conclusion
Thu, January 28, 2021
Robinhood Restricts Trading in GameStop (and more) - Can They Do That? (VL402)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:01) Robinhood and its Customer Agreement (10:04) What is the Purpose of the SEC? (14:05) Regulation D and Accredited Investors - A Case Study (23:43) Conclusion - A Rock and a Hard Place
Wed, January 27, 2021
Is "Breaking" YouTube Illegal? Spiffing Brits, Glitches, and Exploits (VL400)
null
Wed, January 27, 2021
GameStop - "WallStreetBets" Booted by Discord, (Briefly) Reddit Private (VL401)
null
Tue, January 26, 2021
Ninja's...Right? By Being Horribly Wrong (VL399)
null (0:00) Intro (2:02) Ninjas Right (8:47) Responsibility (12:15) Politifact
Mon, January 25, 2021
Power to the Players: Reddit and the GameStop Stock Explosion (VL398)
null
Sat, January 23, 2021
Xbox Live Gold Backlash Forces Microsoft to Reverse Course (VL397)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:30) Support for Virtual Legality (2:09) Donations and Tips (6:11) The Problem (8:52) Microsofts Response (14:15) Xbox Live Gold Prices (16:37) Corporate Messaging (16:48) Worst Messaging of the Year (18:29) Outro
Fri, January 22, 2021
Microsoft Hikes Price of Xbox Live Gold - Bad Messaging or the Worst? (VL396)
null (0:00) Intro (1:03) Xbox Wire Blog Post (4:59) Bad Messaging (11:39) Hiding the Ball (14:43) Xbox Game Pass (16:31) Virtual Legality (20:25) Outro
Fri, January 22, 2021
Parler Loses! Court Denies Injunction Against Amazon (VL395)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:23) The Court's Overview (13:25) Parler is NOT Likely to Win its Antitrust Claim (18:26) Parler is NOT Likely to Win its Breach Claim (22:09) Parler is NOT Likely to Win its Tort Claim (24:20) Parler MAY be Irreparably Harmed (27:51) A NInth Circuit Look at Serious Questions and Hardships (30:14) Editorializing on Equities and the Public (34:19) Conclusion
Thu, January 21, 2021
Ironic! YouTube Censors Our Legal Video...on Tech Censorship (VL394)
null
Wed, January 20, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part IV: Funding) (VL393)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:38) Advancing the Money (10:18) Adjusting Things (17:18) Halting Your Advance (Termination) (19:56) Repaying the Publisher (29:39) Conclusion
Tue, January 19, 2021
CD Projekt Sued...Again - Let's Talk Cyberpunk Class Actions (VL392)
null
Mon, January 18, 2021
Parler's Legal Response to Amazon - Stretching the Truth (VL391)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:02) Parler's Opening Statements (7:02) Did Amazon Breach its Agreement? (24:00) Did Amazon Interfere with Other Agreements? (25:25) Did Amazon violate Antitrust Law? (28:45) Misreading CDA 230 (37:38) Finishing Strong (42:00) Conclusion (The Future of Parler)
Thu, January 14, 2021
Amazon Answers Parler Lawsuit! "No More Than A Meritless Claim" (VL390)
null (0:00) Introduction (6:38) Amazon's Overview (15:27) The Facts (as Amazon Sees Them) (32:31) Amazon: Parler Will Not Win (43:23) Amazon: Fairness/Public Interest Supports Us (48:39) Amazon: Parler Will Not Suffer Irreparable Harm (49:50) Conclusion
Wed, January 13, 2021
CDPR on Cyberpunk: Commitment to Quality or...Avoidance of Liability? (VL389)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:27) Mr. Iwinski's Opening Statement (8:56) Defending Against Securities Fraud (11:43) A View from the Inside (Creating Sympathy) (14:54) Throwing Old Gen (and QA) Under the Bus (18:51) Explaining Away Late Review Access (23:09) Deflecting with COVID (24:31) A Blurry Future (31:28) Conclusion
Wed, January 13, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part III: Marketing) (VL388)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:07) Marketing (20:52) Crediting (23:30) Servicing (and Spending) (30:15) Conclusion
Wed, January 13, 2021
Star Wars Freed! EA Loses Exclusivity, Lucasfilm Hires Ubisoft/Others (VL387)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:00) A Decade of Exclusivity (6:01) Rumblings of Change (11:31) The Return of Lucasfilm Games (12:43) The Return of Indiana Jones (14:45) Massive (and Ubisoft) News for Star Wars (22:55) Conclusion
Tue, January 12, 2021
The Parler vs Amazon Lawsuit: Do They Have a Case? (VL386)
null (0:00) Introduction (6:03) The Lawsuit (8:15) The Amazon Letter and Buzzfeed Leak (11:43) The Regulatory Environment (14:30) Comparisons to Twitter (16:59) Antitrust Law (20:02) The Facts (according to Parler) (33:02) Strange Bedfellows (36:15) Parler's Legal Complaints (37:57) Looking at the Contract for Breach Claims (52:40) The Problem with Ambiguous Tort Claims (56:30) Conclusion
Mon, January 11, 2021
Presidents, Pensions, and Protection: Just What Could Trump Lose? (VL385)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:35) Impeachment and Timing (4:40) The Former Presidents Act (15:38) The FPA and Secret Service Protection (19:33) Conclusion
Fri, January 08, 2021
Legal Trump Cards? Understanding XXV, Impeachment, and Self-Pardon (VL384)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:20) Removing a President (25th Amendment) (10:29) Impeaching a President (14:25) Pardoning a President (23:10) Words from the Federalists (33:08) Conclusion
Thu, January 07, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part II: Delivery) (VL383)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:09) Quick Review (4:56) Reporting on Progress (16:52) Final Delivery (28:28) Post-Release Support (36:55) Conclusion
Wed, January 06, 2021
Capcom's New Video Sharing Policy - Good, Bad, or...Other? (VL382)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:43) Opening - On Copyright and Software Licenses (11:20) The New Capcom Video Policy (36:59) Conclusion
Tue, January 05, 2021
A Lawyer Reads...A Game Publishing Agreement! (Part I: Ownership) (VL381)
null (0:00) Introduction (7:31) Opening Recitals (11:10) Definitions (23:13) Good Faith (and Fair Dealing) (26:07) Licensing the IP (32:48) Owning the Game (35:39) Competing with the Publisher (39:53) Selling the Sequel (47:25) Conclusion
Mon, January 04, 2021
A Cyberpunk Ghost Story: Fighting Censors or Fighting for Marketing? (VL380)
null
Mon, December 28, 2020
CD Projekt Sued Over Alleged Cyberpunk Lies! Let's Read the Lawsuit! (VL379)
null
Wed, December 23, 2020
Nintendo Ninjas: The Ethics and Law of Watching Folks at Home/Work (VL378)
null
Tue, December 22, 2020
Updates! Dragonlance, Felony Streaming, Duke Nukem, and More! (VL377)
null (0:00) Introduction and Thank You (30,000) (1:51) Dragonlance Case Dismissed (5:54) Gearbox Settles with Duke Nukem Composer (13:49) Felony Streaming Passed by Congress (22:25) Epic Sends Free Fortnite Swag to Influencers (25:25) Conclusion
Mon, December 21, 2020
Cyberpunk 2077: Will CD Projekt (CDPR) be Sued for Fraud? (VL376)
null
Fri, December 18, 2020
Microsoft Splits From Sony, Defends CDPR and Cyberpunk! (But w/Refunds) (VL375)
null
Thu, December 17, 2020
Activision Strips Warzone Players of Paid-For Battlepass Benefits (VL373)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:59) Modern Warfare Double XP Tokens (5:16) The Battlepass Was Combined (8:14) Activision Explains the Battlepass (11:47) End User License Agreement (12:58) Service Provided Content (15:10) Activision License (17:41) Legal Obligations (18:38) Unfair Methods of Competition (19:20) Deceptive Advertising (21:31) Video Game Unfair Practices (21:58) Class Actions (22:45) Outro
Wed, December 16, 2020
A Devotion...to China? The Missteps of CD Projekt, Cyberpunk, and GOG (VL372)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:06) Context (8:55) Devotion to China (12:51) Devotion to GOG
Tue, December 15, 2020
CDPR's Cyberpunk Damage Control Call: Corpos Searching for Answers (VL371)
null
Mon, December 14, 2020
How NOT to Make an Apology: A Cyberpunk Story (By CDPR) (VL370)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:42) The Apology (1:47) Digital Foundry (3:38) Context (5:00) Apology (8:36) Patches (11:11) Refunds (12:40) Digital Refunds (15:23) PlayStation Network Refunds
Fri, December 11, 2020
Streaming a Felony? On Twitch and Copyright Infringement (VL369)
null
Thu, December 10, 2020
FTC Sues to Break Up Facebook! A Lawyer Reads the Lawsuit (VL368)
null
Wed, December 09, 2020
YouTube Threatens Strikes on Trump v Biden Election Videos (VL367)
null
Mon, December 07, 2020
Is CDPR Abusing Copyright Law to Protect Cyberpunk 2077? (VL366)
null
Fri, December 04, 2020
BioWare Leaderless? EA Statement Leaves More Questions Than Answers (VL365)
null (0:00) Intro (8:17) Anthem (12:29) Aaron Flynn (13:11) Casey Hudson (19:09) Conclusion
Thu, December 03, 2020
Cyberpunk v Early Streamers: A Legal (Cyborg) Leg to Stand On? (VL364)
null (0:00) Intro (1:20) Cyberpunk vs Early Streamers (8:40) Cyberpunk End User License Agreement (16:17) Other Legal Issues (17:06) Nintendo (20:29) Twitch (24:20) Outro
Tue, December 01, 2020
Twitch, Copyright, Cyberpunk, and More - Talking with Legal Bytes (VL363)
null (0:00) Opening (27:04) Cyberpunk (35:29) Emotion To Strike (37:35) Violation of Twitch's Freedom of Speech (43:55) Patreon
Mon, November 30, 2020
PS2 Games Running on Xbox? Developer Mode, Emulation, and Law (VL362)
null
Wed, November 25, 2020
Minecraft Moderators Now Have the Banhammer - What Could go Wrong? (VL361)
null (0:00) Opening (6:19) Minecraft Realms (21:22) Treat Other Community Members with Respect (27:20) Minecraft Services Agreement and the Xbox Community Standards (27:45) Offensive Language
Tue, November 24, 2020
Spider-Man vs The Chrysler Building: Nope, it's not Copyrighted (VL360)
null
Mon, November 23, 2020
Nintendo: Animal Crossing Doesn't Need Your Sales Pitch (or Politics) (VL359)
null
Fri, November 20, 2020
Alan Dean Foster vs Mickey Mouse (Disney) (VL358)
null (0:00) Opening (14:33) The Future of Comics (19:59) Acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney (26:11) Asset Sale (27:28) Asset Purchase Agreement Samples (29:39) Excluded Liabilities
Fri, November 20, 2020
A Legal Look at Nintendo's Shut Down of "The Big House" SSB Tourney (VL357)
null (0:00) Intro (1:27) What Happened (2:45) Nintendos Statement (5:33) Reddit Post (9:34) Emulator Legality (12:55) Game Genie (14:56) Microstar vs FormGen (21:10) Are Game emulators legal (23:45) The rubber hits the road (30:27) Why did Nintendo move on
Thu, November 19, 2020
Ready for More Ads? Let's Read YouTube's New Terms of Service (VL356)
null
Wed, November 18, 2020
Is Epic...Beating Apple? On Australian Lawsuits, Fee Cuts, and More (VL355)
null (0:00) Opening (7:33) Epic Games brings its Fortnite fight with Apple to Australia (10:29) Epic vs Apple (AU) (29:41) Apple announces App Store Small Business Program
Mon, November 16, 2020
Launch Issues? Let's Talk PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X (VL354)
null (0:00) Intro (7:02) PS5 Launch Problems (13:18) Toms Guide (13:36) USB and LAN (14:32) External Hard Drive (16:30) PS5 Issues (17:18) Quick Resume (18:34) Gray Filter (21:57) Price Gouging (23:14) Executive Orders (24:07) Michigan Executive Order (26:40) Cost of PS5 (28:35) The Problem (29:33) The Future (30:11) Conclusion
Thu, November 12, 2020
Twitch is in SERIOUS Trouble (Can't Stop The Music...Claims)(VL353)
null (0:00) Opening (1:21) Understanding Dmca Takedowns (6:09) Review of What the Dmca Actually Is (30:36) Review Your Allegedly Infringing Content
Wed, November 04, 2020
Trump Sues in Michigan: Let's Look at the Complaint (VL352)
null
Mon, November 02, 2020
SONY: Plate Has Its Limits (Legal Threats Against Plate Customizer) (VL350)
null
Wed, October 28, 2020
Is Watch Dogs Overheating Xboxes? A Legion of Risks (VL348)
null (0:00) Intro (1:10) Shop Promotion (1:40) Ubisoft (2:29) Watch Dogs Legion (8:25) Terms of Service (16:22) Outro
Tue, October 27, 2020
CYBERPUNKED: CDPR Just Can't Stop Delaying Cyberpunk 2077 (VL347)
null
Mon, October 26, 2020
The Worst Terms in Gaming? The Unhappy Marriage of Facebook and Oculus (VL346)
null (0:00) Intro (1:12) Facebook and Oculus (4:35) Oculus Terms of Service (9:15) Oculus Response (15:32) Facebook Community Guidelines (17:48) Facebook and Oculus Response (20:38) Twitch Example (22:26) Conclusion
Fri, October 23, 2020
Is that Stadia Director Actually Right? Why Streamers Should Worry (VL345)
null
Thu, October 22, 2020
Understanding DMCA Takedowns (amidst Twitch's Recent...Troubles) (VL344)
null (0:00) Intro (2:15) Twitchs Response (8:30) Is Streaming Among Us Illegal (9:40) Is Twitch Violating the DMCA (11:20) DMCA Safe Harbor
Wed, October 21, 2020
The Google/DoJ Antitrust Lawsuit: A Virtual Legality Deep Dive (VL343)
null (0:00) Introduction (10:59) A Background on Antitrust (15:50) An Overview of the DoJ's Case (27:55) United States vs Microsoft (Overview) (35:39) Exclusionary Contracts and Default Settings (57:05) Market Definitions (1:01:54) Allegations of Anticompetitive Conduct (1:15:42) Legal Claims/Request for Relief (1:19:30) Google Response and Conclusion
Tue, October 20, 2020
A Lawyer's Deep Dive into the Dragonlance/WoTC Lawsuit (VL342)
null (0:00) Introduction/Dragonlance IP (9:02) Lawsuit Overview (21:40) The Alleged Facts (40:00) The Authors' Legal Claims (Breach, Good Faith, Interference) (53:43) Conclusion (Request to Finish the Trilogy)
Mon, October 19, 2020
How Sony's Terms Permit PS5 Voice Recordings (and how to change it) (VL341)
null
Thu, October 15, 2020
Who Censors the Censors? On Facebook, Twitter, Biden, and the NY Post (VL340)
null (0:00) Opening (23:02) President Trump's Taxes (24:45) Twitter Safety (31:48) Cda Section 230
Wed, October 14, 2020
GameStop WILL Share Xbox Digital Revenue...Apparently (VL339)
null
Tue, October 13, 2020
Epic's Unreal Uncertainty Creates Opportunity for Unity (VL338)
null (0:00) Opening (5:14) Unreal Engine (15:00) The Game Growth Program (23:16) Growing Your Game
Mon, October 12, 2020
Microsoft Marketing: Missing Master Chief (VL337)
null
Sat, October 10, 2020
Injunction Disjunction: Epic Loss for Fortnite/Epic Win for Unreal! (VL336)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:44) Background Facts (12:23) Standard for Injunctions (Serious Questions) (13:40) Could Epic Win on the Merits? (25:55) What is the Relevant Market? (32:42) Epic's Theory Would Affect ALL Walled Gardens (38:00) Is Distribution and IAP Illegally Tied? (50:38) Harms - Irreparable and Self-Inflicted (1:05:32) Unreal Equities (1:08:57) Injunction and Conclusion
Fri, October 09, 2020
Microsoft's "Big" Moves: On Gamestop, Epic, and App Fairness (VL335)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:51) On GameStop (11:14) On Epic and the Coalition for App Fairness (CAF) (32:47) Conclusion
Thu, October 08, 2020
What's Actually IN those New PlayStation Network (PSN) Terms? (VL334)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:48) The Agreement (6:03) An Updated Privacy Policy (10:53) Definitions (12:10) Accounts and Honesty (13:53) Child Accounts (Responsibility) (15:59) The Code of Conduct (Ambiguity) (29:54) User Content (Unexpected Assignments) (36:22) Wallets, Stores, and Refunds (45:04) The Software License (Restrictions) (50:57) Termination of Account Rights (55:29) Arbitration and Class Action Waivers (57:12) Warranties and Amendments (58:23) Conclusion
Wed, October 07, 2020
Some Epic Help! Congress Finds Apple Abusing "Monopoly Power" (VL333)
null (0:00) Opening (0:25) Investigation of Competition in Digital Markets (6:58) Facebook Has a Monopoly Power in the Market for Social Networking (14:37) Apple's Mobile Ecosystem Has Produced Significant Benefits to App Developers and Consumers (30:59) Apple's Monopoly Power over Software Distribution on Ios Devices (33:20) Commissions and in-App Purchases (50:29) Epic versus Apple (1:11:44) Recommendations (1:15:00) The Antitrust Laws (1:23:42) Monopoly Leveraging
Tue, October 06, 2020
Is Streaming Among Us...Illegal? (VL332)
null (0:00) Opening (5:38) Twitch Charts (6:40) Is Streaming among Us Illegal (8:03) Exclusive Rights in Copyrighted Works (15:37) League of Legends Terms of Service (16:44) Twitch Terms of Service (17:07) Section 8
Mon, October 05, 2020
Targeting Dr. Disrespect: Do Twitch Changes Pose Legal Issues? (VL331)
null (0:00) Intro (5:16) Twitch Changes Policy (8:25) The Problem (15:08) Twitch Isnt Alone (16:03) California Law (18:28) What Twitch is Doing (21:32) What is Unfair
Fri, October 02, 2020
Agent of the Nein: Spoiling the Latest Bungie/Microsoft Rumors (VL330)
null
Thu, October 01, 2020
Dr. Disrespect Explains Twitch Ban? Let's Talk "Three New Cadets" (VL329)
null
Wed, September 30, 2020
Cyber Crunch? Workplace Culture, CDPR, and Cyberpunk 2077 (VL327)
null
Wed, September 30, 2020
The Amazing Spider-Men? Insomniac Picks a Pair of Peter Parkers (VL328)
null (0:00) Opening (0:29) Spider-Man Remastered Edition (1:55) Recast the Face of Peter Parker (13:12) Peter Parker Face Model
Tue, September 29, 2020
"A Brutal Hearing for Epic"?: Let's Talk Injunction Oral Arguments (VL326)
null
Mon, September 28, 2020
Epic v Apple: What You Need to Know Pre-Injunction (in 20 Minutes!) (VL325)
null (0:00) Opening (3:00) Epic's Injunction Request Apple Can't Remove Fortnite Apple Can't Adjust Fortnite Apple Can't Terminate Contracts with other Epic entities (Unreal) (4:03) Standard for Injunction Likelihood of win Irreparable Harm Balance of Equities Public Interest (8:17) LEGALITY Epic's Strongest Arguments Apps/IAP "aftermarket" Lack of Breach (Unreal) Retaliation (13:26) Apple's Strongest Arguments Clear Curable Breach Not a Monopoly: Integrated "Fair" Offering "Hotfix" Method (Security) (19:13) Potential Outcomes Most Likely Conclusion: TRO Epic Unlikely to Win on Fortnite Apple Could Win on Unreal Based on Contract Rights Any Apple "win" Could Require Fortnite/Unreal Restoration if
Fri, September 25, 2020
A Problem of "Fairness": Epic Forms a Coalition to Fight Apple (VL324)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:03) The Announcement of the Coalition (18:00) The Ten Regulatory Principles (28:23) Apps and Anti-Competitive Policies (35:09) The 30% App Tax (40:10) Freedom, Speech, and Storefronts (44:06) Amazon, End-arounds, and Conclusions
Thu, September 24, 2020
More Liability for Big Tech? DOJ Proposes CDA 230 Revisions (VL323)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:23) CDA 230: An Overview (10:55) Trump's Executive Order (15:06) DOJ Summarizes its Position (20:48) The Proposed Revisions (Publishers and Platforms) (25:10) Moderation and Otherwise Objectionable (30:10) Defining Good Faith (36:18) Bad Faith, Actual Notice, and Exclusions (44:26) Broadening the Scope of Liability (Civil Actions) (48:53) Conclusion
Wed, September 23, 2020
What's In a Name? Xbox Series X, Amazon Ranks, and Confusion (VL322)
null
Tue, September 22, 2020
Epic's Final Push: "Half-truths and Outright Falsities" (VL321)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:46) Epic's Response (Overview) (22:30) Half-truths and Outright Falsities (31:17) Epic Tries to Show Likelihood of Success (44:08) A look at iOS Security (48:17) Software Integration, Antitrust, and Microsoft (1:09:35) Sherman, Breach, and Termination (1:36:25) The Problem with Aspen Skiing (1:40:52) Public Interest and Conclusion
Mon, September 21, 2020
What Microsoft and Bethesda's Big Deal Means For Xbox And Gaming (VL320)
null (0:00) Opening (3:53) Market Capitalization of Microsoft (7:19) Regulatory Approvals (37:11) Why the Change
Fri, September 18, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Reasonable Minds, and the Future of the Country (VL319)
null
Fri, September 18, 2020
What's Beyond Beyond Good and Evil? Michel Ancel Retires (VL318)
null (0:00) Opening (6:40) Rabbids (10:13) Ubisoft Today Released an Update on beyond Good and Evil 2's Development (13:53) Update On beyond Good and Evil 2
Thu, September 17, 2020
Apple Goes After Epic's Unreal Engine: A "Trojan Horse" (VL317)
null (0:00) Introduction (9:00) Apple's Opposition to Injunction (Overview) (22:43) Apple Presents a Holistic View of the iPhone (27:37) Attention Video Game Companies (31:12) Apple's Rules of the Road (36:32) Litigation as Fortnite Marketing (40:58) Unreal Benefits from Fortnite Breach (46:57) Apple on the Antitrust Case (Monopoly, IAP, Tying) (1:01:40) Epic as Saboteur (Irreparable Harm) (1:06:02) Marketing is Not Harm (1:07:45) Think of the Children (Balance of Equities) (1:13:09) The Trojan Horse Revealed (1:19:06) Conclusion
Wed, September 16, 2020
Epic v Everyone: "Reckoning" with Linus Tech Tips and Apple (VL315)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:27) Epic Win Will Boost Developers (6:38) End of the Walled Garden (10:09) The Nature of Monopoly (16:19) An Unreal Petty Threat (21:07) 70% Is Not Free (23:50) Apple's Profits (26:04) Does General Computing Matter (33:26) Disparate Treatment of Developers (36:48) Epic and Special Treatment (38:24) Pounding the Table (43:37) The Garden of Apple (50:00) Conclusion
Wed, September 16, 2020
PlayStation 5: Prices, Pre-Orders, and Prevarications (VL316)
null (0:00) Opening (20:05) See the Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales new gameplay demo (29:48) Sony has finally announced the price and release date of the PlayStation 5 (PS5)! (29:58) When will ps5 pre-orders start?
Tue, September 15, 2020
Microsoft to Buy Bungie? When is a Denial Not Really a Denial? (VL314)
null
Mon, September 14, 2020
Too Similar? Monster Energy Kills Ubisoft's "Gods and Monsters" (VL313)
null (0:00) Opening (4:14) Do Trademarks Copyrights and Patents Protect the Same Things (5:06) When Does the Uspto Reject a Filing for Trademark (8:46) Common Law Rights
Fri, September 11, 2020
Losing CONTROL of the Narrative: 505 Games and Legalese (VL312)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:00) Reset Error (8:07) Control Ultimate Edition (10:37) Upgrade Path (14:47) Conclusion
Thu, September 10, 2020
Oscars So Wishy-Washy: On the Academy's New Inclusion Requirements (VL311)
null
Tue, September 08, 2020
Apple Sues Back! "Epic Undertook its Conduct with Malice and Fraud" (VL310)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:39) Apple's Opening Statement (Bringing the Fire) (27:03) Apple's Answers to Epic's Complaint (38:50) Apple's Laundry List of Defenses (42:30) Apple's Counterclaims (Introduction) (44:22) Intersection w/Apple v Pepper (49:53) The App Store Team/Apple's Letter to Epic (56:10) Epic Goes a Step Farther (1:02:54) Apple's Counterclaims (Legal Descriptions) (1:09:58) Apple Asks for Permission to Cutoff Unreal Engine (1:15:30) Conclusion
Tue, September 08, 2020
Xbox Finally Sets a Next-Gen Price (Series S Confirmed) (VL309)
null (0:00) Intro (1:00) Series S Price (4:18) Xbox Series X Price (9:37) Xbox Series S Leak (11:40) Microsofts Business Model
Sat, September 05, 2020
Epic v Apple: Epic Makes Its Strongest Case Yet, But Is It Enough? (VL308)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:42) The Requested Injunction (6:10) Epic's Overview of the Issues (28:29) The Effect of Apple's Termination (30:26) Epic Makes Its Strongest Antitrust Case Yet (37:39) Aftermarkets and Kodak Copiers (47:28) Epic Tying Claims (1:00:45) The Subjectivity of the Rule of Reason (1:08:30) Fighting Against Free (Walled Gardens) (1:11:00) Game Consoles Don't Count (1:14:30) Unclean Hands, Irreparable Harm, and the Public (1:22:38) Conclusion
Fri, September 04, 2020
How Australia is Changing Facebook's Terms of Service (VL306)
null
Fri, September 04, 2020
CAN Buy Me Love: MatPat, The Game Theorists, and Epic Games (VL307)
null (0:00) Opening (0:05) VIRTUAL (2:57) An Epic Story CHAPTER (13:19) EPIC GAMES
Thu, September 03, 2020
Disney Wars: John Boyega Strikes Back (VL305)
null (0:00) Introduction (Background) (4:25) The Boyega Interview (British GQ) (7:34) On Star Wars and Race Generally (11:27) On Marketing Star Wars (18:32) On Sidelining/Others Getting More "Nuance" (24:55) Rian Johnson and The Last Jedi (31:52) On How Race Impacted His Experience (35:08) Conclusion
Wed, September 02, 2020
Sale Off? WB Games Appears to Have Struck Out (VL304)
null
Tue, September 01, 2020
Dr. Disrespect Speaks! The Anxiety of the Unknown (VL303)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:48) Dr Disrespects Words (10:09) Dr Disrespect vs Twitch (11:27) Jury Instructions (14:48) Supplementals (15:35) Outrageous Conduct (17:44) Severe Emotional Distress (18:41) What Youve Got (19:28) Drop Potential Claims (21:04) Silence (21:18) Big Ticket Council (21:27) Outro
Mon, August 31, 2020
Activision: Protecting its Warzone from Cheats...with the Law! (VL302)
null (0:00) Intro (0:35) Activision Lawsuit (4:56) Activision Terms of Use (8:42) Activision Security Enforcement Policy (12:15) Warzone Cheaters (16:22) Section 1201 (20:04) Penalties
Sun, August 30, 2020
A Lawyer Responds to "The Game Theorists" on Epic vs Apple (VL301)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:14) Payment Processing (8:25) Monopolies and Monopoly Power (14:44) Apple v Pepper (21:15) Brilliant Moves and...Sweating (26:20) Second Order Effects (33:00) Conclusion
Fri, August 28, 2020
Apple's Had Enough - Terminates Epic Games iOS Account (VL300)
null (0:00) Opening (1:21) Fortnite Antitrust Lawsuits (3:07) Apple Has Terminated Epic Games App Developer Account (9:43) Blocking Fortnite Updates on Ios Devices
Thu, August 27, 2020
Say Halo...to Infinite's New Project Leads (VL299)
null (0:00) Intro (0:37) Halo Community Update (4:35) Halo Infinite Project Leads (10:40) Halo Infinites Future
Wed, August 26, 2020
TikTok Sues Trump: Do They Have Any Chance of Success? (VL298)
null (0:00) Introduction (7:56) TikTok v Trump (Overview) (11:15) Tiktok's Legal Claims (Overview) (18:25) Tiktok's Factual Background (37:15) Due Process Clause Claim (39:13) There is No National Emergency (42:02) ByteDance Wasn't Implicated (43:42) EO Covers Exempt Materials (45:14) IEEPA itself Is Unconstitutional (47:34) Takings Clause Claim (48:38) Code as Free Speech (50:38) Conclusion
Tue, August 25, 2020
Epic v Apple: "Fortnite Out, Unreal In!" Reading Between the Lines (VL297)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:48) The Judge's Order (Overview) (10:17) The Standard For Granting a TRO (13:31) Epic Fails to Establish Likelihood of Success (16:28) Epic Shoots Its Own Foot (Irreparable Harm) (23:41) Balance of Equities (No Free Epic Games) (27:34) The Passionate Fortnite Fan (Public Interest) (32:33) The Restraining Order (and Issues) (37:55) Conclusion
Sun, August 23, 2020
Epic Fires Back At Apple: "Unlawful Flexing of Monopoly Power"(VL296)
null (0:00) Opening (1:46) Violations of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement (21:46) Xcode and Apple Sdks Agreement (43:45) Epic's First Response
Fri, August 21, 2020
Apple Fires Back at Epic: "It is Hard to Think of a Case Less Worthy" (VL294)
null (0:00) Introduction (6:30) Apple Files Its Opposition (Introduction and Overview) (27:40) App Store as Business (34:40) Apple Argues For Security (36:31) Epic's Breach (The Sweeney Letters) (52:06) Apple's Legal Arguments (53:58) Apple: No Irreparable Harm (57:55) Apple: Epic Will Lose It's Antitrust Case (1:06:27) Apple: Injunction is Not In The Public Interest (1:10:49) Conclusion
Fri, August 21, 2020
Epic vs Everyone: Federal Lawsuit as Marketing Campaign (VL293)
null
Thu, August 20, 2020
505 Games Issues CONTROL Upgrade "Non-Apology" (VL292)
null
Wed, August 19, 2020
Vampire: The Masquerade Fires Creative Leads, Dilutes Bloodlines (VL291)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:34) Bloodlines 2 Delayed (2:54) Organizational Changes (6:09) Brian Matsumoto Fired (8:15) Paradox Statement (15:06) Consulting Agency (15:57) Dramaturg
Tue, August 18, 2020
Epic Wants Apple's Support - By Force of Law (VL290)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:00) Request for Restraining Order (Overview) (13:45) Factual Background (What Actually Happened) (18:43) Apple's First Notice (21:28) Apple's Second Notice (Termination Right) (29:55) Epic's Argument (35:24) A Circus of Values (38:34) The Difficulties of Microtransactions (40:50) iPhone as Essential Facility (48:00) Fortnite's Importance to the Public Interest (53:49) Conclusion
Mon, August 17, 2020
Epic's CEO Just Called Me Out: A Response (VL289)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:50) Epics Warpath (2:55) Tim Sweeneys Response (5:49) Tims Response (7:47) Hypocrisy (14:21) The Philosophy (17:10) Free Fortnite (21:42) Freedom (23:46) Rights (27:04) Money (29:57) Apple (32:19) Outro
Sat, August 15, 2020
#FreeFortnite: Epic's Unethical Hashtag Mob (VL288)
null
Fri, August 14, 2020
Rd. 2! A Lawyer Reacts to Epic's Google Lawsuit (VL287)
null (0:00) Introduction (Background) (8:40) Epic vs Google (Overview) (11:36) Epic's Theory of the Case (19:55) Google Market Power Examples (OnePlus) (31:15) Epic's Best Argument (Licensed OS Market) (37:05) Google's Alleged Anti-Competitive Behavior (46:16) A Discussion of Tying (52:50) Conclusion
Thu, August 13, 2020
Epic Declares War on Apple/Google...with Fortnite (VL285)
null (0:00) Opening (1:13) Epic Direct Payment on Mobile (1:23) Epic Direct Payment (3:38) Fortnight Mega Drop (20:52) Facebook Gaming (20:58) Standalone Facebook Gaming App
Thu, August 13, 2020
It Was A Trap!!! A Lawyer Discusses Epic vs Apple (Fortnite Lawsuit) (VL286)
null (0:00) Introduction (Background) (2:09) Apple Strikes Back (3:50) Epic Springs Its Trap (5:15) Epic Games vs Apple (Overview) (13:45) Epic's Theory of the Case (22:15) Monopolizing Its Own Product (35:14) A Tour of the Sherman Act (Setting the Market) (43:10) Epic's Claims (48:44) Conclusion
Wed, August 12, 2020
Dr. Disrespect: Lifting Twitch's Shroud (VL284)
null
Tue, August 11, 2020
Halo Infinite Delayed! Microsoft's "X"-Rated Disaster (VL283)
null
Tue, August 11, 2020
Mutiny! EA's Shareholders are NOT Happy (VL282)
null
Mon, August 10, 2020
Despite Reports, WB Games Is Still Very Much For Sale (VL281)
null
Sat, August 08, 2020
Dr Disrespect Returns! Along With Irresponsible Speculation (VL280)
null
Fri, August 07, 2020
No, The White House Didn't Just Ban All Tencent Games (VL279)
null
Wed, August 05, 2020
Patreon Loses! What It Means for Dr. Disrespect and Twitch (VL278)
null
Tue, August 04, 2020
No One’s Forced To Work For Blizzard: The Hard Truth About Salaries (VL277)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:30) Article Overview (7:46) The Story (11:30) How Many People Work At Blizzard (11:48) Blizzard Salaries (17:58) Discussion Points (30:19) Outro
Mon, August 03, 2020
From Spider-Man to PS5 Controller, Sony Is Selling Exclusivity (VL276)
null
Thu, July 30, 2020
Can Trump Delay a Federal Election? The Dangers of Weakening "The Law" (VL275)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:40) Trumps Tweet (5:10) Protections (7:47) Police Power (12:00) Injunctive Relief (12:39) Chief Justice Roberts (20:20) The Rule of Law (22:56) A Man for All Seasons
Wed, July 29, 2020
Forget Halo Infinite, Has Sony Been Lying about Spider-Man? (VL274)
null
Tue, July 28, 2020
No Power? After Halo Infinite, Microsoft Changes its Message (VL273)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:55) The Guardian Article (3:29) Series X Preamble (5:57) Series X Game Pass (7:22) Halo Infinite Graphics (8:23) No Longer Defined by Technology (13:36) Halo Infinite Twitter Debate (15:27) Game Pass (17:11) Digital Delivery (20:04) Xbox Game Pass (25:45) Phil Spencers Tweet (27:14) Conclusion
Mon, July 27, 2020
Gigaleak! What Nintendo's Huge Breach Could Mean for Gaming (VL272)
null (0:00) Opening (11:24) Copyright Infringement (12:09) Fair Use (24:15) The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy
Fri, July 24, 2020
The Messaging Disaster of Microsoft's Xbox Series X Showcase (VL271)
null
Thu, July 23, 2020
Dr Disrespect, the Law, and Knowing What's "Out of Your Hands" (VL270)
null
Wed, July 22, 2020
Twitter vs QAnon: Big Tech Censorship, CDA 230, and Streisand (VL269)
null (0:00) Intro (1:15) Twitter Statement (9:44) QAnon Ban (16:53) Streisand Effect (24:06) Outro
Tue, July 21, 2020
Ubisoft Expose: Bad People, Good Businessmen, and Bad Business (VL267)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:50) Overview (9:01) Ubisoft's Response (14:33) A Litany of Allegations (26:53) Bad People Make Bad Business Decisions? (39:36) Conclusion
Thu, July 16, 2020
Dr. Disrespect Speaks! A Lawyer Looks at What He Said (and Didn't)(VL266)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:20) Washington Post Interview (28:30) PC Gamer Interview (39:40) Conclusion
Wed, July 15, 2020
Red Dead Online: Want an Effective Protest? Send in the Clowns (VL265)
null (0:00) Intro (0:33) Article (4:45) Discussion
Tue, July 14, 2020
Dr. Disrespect and the Secret of Frivolous Arbitration (w/ Patreon)(VL264)
null
Mon, July 13, 2020
The Business and Law of Sony's EPIC Investment (VL263)
null (0:00) Opening (3:45) What Is a Strategic Investment (11:11) Fiduciary Duty (13:22) 1 the Standard of Care Required of Directors (17:22) Management Rights Letter (18:21) Why Is Sony Really So Interested in Epic
Thu, July 09, 2020
Next Gen Games Pricing: $70 is Only Part of the Story (VL262)
null (0:00) Intro (2:05) ArsTechnica Article (5:40) Next Gen Games Pricing (9:05) Avoiding Low Priced Bargain Bin Games (12:00) ARS Technica (13:14) Pricing History (16:47) Its Time (20:38) Hard to Swallow (23:03) Competition
Wed, July 08, 2020
BabyZone vs IGN: Stealing, Plagiarism, and Copyright Infringement (VL261)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:09) Stealing (2:44) IGN Stealing (3:24) IGNs Response (10:36) DMCA Process (12:15) Deep Fake Videos (16:13) Infringement (17:47) IGNs apology (18:45) Deepfake technology (19:41) Outro
Tue, July 07, 2020
Twitch Bans Dr. Disrespect - No News is NOT Bad News (VL260)
null (0:00) Intro (3:25) Article (6:50) Speculation (11:45) Forbes Article (15:45) No Leaks (19:45) Dr Disrespect Goes Silent (24:30) Criminal Investigation (30:05) Conclusion
Mon, July 06, 2020
SCOTUS Briefs: Hamilton, Veep, and the Electoral College (VL258)
null
Mon, July 06, 2020
Pressing Pause on Microsoft/WB Games Rumors (VL259)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:28) MicrosoftWB Rumors (6:25) Analysis (13:30) Outro
Thu, July 02, 2020
Making Things Worse: Reddit Changes The Rules...Again (VL257)
null
Wed, July 01, 2020
Ethics Issues: Created and Developed by Naughty Dog (TLOU2) (VL256)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:46) Leak Control (DMCA) (9:30) Embargo Orders (12:42) Keeping Control (False Advertising Questions) (16:17) Crossing Ethical Lines (Games Journalism) (23:20) Circling the (Journalist) Wagons (27:41) Conclusion
Tue, June 30, 2020
Reddit Rule 1: Hate is Wrong...But Not THAT Hate (VL255)
null
Mon, June 29, 2020
Twitch Bans Dr. Disrespect - A Lawyer's Take On What We Know (VL254)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:28) Dr Disrespect Ban (2:56) Slasher Tweet (7:23) The Deal (10:08) The Fork (11:21) Permanent Ban (13:07) Dr Disrespect Sponsors (15:21) Twitch Scandals (16:17) Ninja and Shroud (18:40) Exclusivity Agreement (19:37) Terms and Conditions (26:50) Twitch Community Guidelines (29:43) Conclusion
Fri, June 26, 2020
Lawsuit! Is Twitch REQUIRED to Enforce Its Terms of Service? (VL253)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:36) Background (4:03) The Claim (6:13) The plaintiff (10:03) Twitchs Terms of Service (11:58) Claims in Harm (13:47) Additional Claims (17:07) Generalized Claim (19:26) Second Issue (26:52) Potential Claim
Wed, June 24, 2020
Scandal at Ubisoft! Assassin's Creed Valhalla Director Out! (VL252)
null
Tue, June 23, 2020
Scandal! Did IGN Force Reporters to Publish Falsehoods? (VL251)
null
Mon, June 22, 2020
Microsoft Closes Mixer! Understanding the Fallout (VL250)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:58) Microsoft To Close Mixer (11:54) Facebook Gaming and xCloud Integration (13:20) Exclusivity Questions (19:46) Impact of Recent Accusations (22:15) Conclusion
Thu, June 18, 2020
A Lawyer Breaks Down the DACA Ruling: What it Says...and Doesn't (VL249)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:24) DACA - The Heart of the Case (5:12) DAPA - An Illegal Program? (9:53) DHS Moves to Rescind DACA (11:44) SCOTUS: DHS MAY RESCIND DACA (12:41) The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (15:16) Kavanaugh Dissents to Kicking the Can (17:35) Discretionary Authority is Unreviewable (18:29) DACA is Reviewable (More than Forbearance) (20:35) Rescission is Arbitrary and Capricious (24:15) Reliance on DACA Benefits (28:41) Roberts Tells DHS to Try Again (30:50) The Thomas Dissent (Lead Dissent) (35:28) Conclusion
Wed, June 17, 2020
Duke Diligence: Did Lawyers Fail Gearbox/Nukem? (VL248)
null
Tue, June 16, 2020
Will WB Games Really Be Sold? A Corporate Lawyer's View (VL247)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:40) WB Games Rumors (7:35) WB Games Portfolio (8:45) In Licenses (16:22) Conclusion
Mon, June 15, 2020
SCOTUS in Brief: LGBTQ Discrimination Declared Illegal (Bostock) (VL246)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:29) Opinion Introduction (5:49) Civil Rights Act of 1964 Text (42 USC 2000e-2(a)) (6:38) The Case at Hand (7:35) The Meaning of "Sex" in 1964 (10:55) On "But-For" Causation (12:02) Legal Reasoning (THE CRUX OF THE DECISION) (16:39) A Textualist Reading? (18:25) Dissent (Alito and Thomas) (23:28) Dissent (Kavanaugh) (29:06) Conclusion
Fri, June 12, 2020
Sins of Omission? PS5, Spider-Man, and Miles Morales (VL245)
null
Wed, June 10, 2020
Keemstar Demonetized! YouTube, Harassment, and Vague Rules (VL244)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:26) Keemstar and Tipster Demonetized (3:50) What's Old is New Again (6:06) Let's Read YouTube's Harassment Policy (13:25) Rule of Blog (17:38) Conclusion
Tue, June 09, 2020
Contract Law: Good Faith, Fair Dealing, and...Penguins (VL243)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:23) The Unusual Origin of Penguins Cretins (6:23) The Right to Modify (11:07) Taking Things to Extremes (14:18) Good Faith and Fair Dealing (18:35) The Problem with Early Access (22:42) Conclusion
Mon, June 08, 2020
Twitch Under DMCA Attack: Let's Talk Legalities (VL242)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:08) Game Streaming and Infringement (7:20) Music Labels Come for Twitch (13:03) The DMCA (More Harm than Good?) (17:21) The Problem with Twitch's Guidelines (20:28) Takedowns and the Statute of Limitations (22:31) Terms, Music, and Putting Legal Compliance on Users (27:06) Licensing Music (Compulsory v Sync) (29:53) Copyright Office: Infringement Doesn't Need to be Real (34:45) Conclusion
Fri, June 05, 2020
A Lawyer Looks at the Charges Against Jake Paul (VL241)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:00) Jake Paul's Side of the Story (2:15) Jake Paul Charged (5:18) The Arizona Revised Statutes (5:39) Unlawful Assembly; Riots (13:13) Criminal Trespass (16:25) First Amendment; Freedom of the Press (19:15) Conclusion
Thu, June 04, 2020
TLOU2: On Compulsory Song Licenses And Cover "Theft" (VL240)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:48) The Kestner Claim (2:08) IGN and Source Material (5:49) The Compulsory Music License (11:18) Limits on Compulsory Covers (15:00) Conclusion
Wed, June 03, 2020
Lawsuit! Are Digital Libraries Actually Copyright Pirates? (VL239)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:30) Controlled Digital Lending (CDL) (4:40) First Sale Analysis (7:10) Fair Use Analysis (10:58) Enter the National Emergency Library (12:38) LAWSUIT! (14:40) Lawsuit - Initial Claims (20:50) Lawsuit - Background (29:43) Lawsuit - CDL Analysis (39:24) Conclusion
Thu, May 28, 2020
Section 230 Executive Order SIGNED! A Lawyer Re-Reviews Trump's Plan (VL238)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:00) A Comparison (Draft to Final) (2:45) Description of Policy (6:05) Interpreting CDA Section 230 (19:48) Marketing, Making Law, and Collecting Information (26:00) Conclusion
Thu, May 28, 2020
Section 230 Executive Order! A Lawyer Reviews Trump's Plan (Draft) (VL237)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:34) The President Gets Fact Checked (9:30) Hoeg's Anticipated EO Approach (13:38) The Executive Order (Draft) (14:12) Section 1. Policy (19:48) "Section 2. Arbitrary Restrictions" (CDA Section 230) (31:40) Section 3. Prohibitions on Spending (32:55) Sections 4 and 5. False Advertising and the FTC (41:00) Conclusion
Wed, May 27, 2020
Did Sony Just DMCA Strike Its Own Video? Evidence Points to 'Yes' (VL236)
null
Tue, May 26, 2020
Ubisoft May Not Own Your Soul, But We've Got Plenty Of Questions (VL235)
null (0:00) Opening (8:43) Rules of Conduct (23:06) The Minecraft End User License Agreement (33:08) Ubisoft's Big Mistake
Mon, May 25, 2020
Guinness Sets a World Record...for Ludicrous Content ID Claims (VL234)
null (0:00) Opening (4:57) How Content Id Works (7:57) Legacy Scan (16:24) The Fair Use of a Copyrighted Work Is Not an Infringement of Copyright
Sun, May 24, 2020
US Copyright Office: "The DMCA? It's Too Tough...On Sony/Disney" (VL233)
null (0:00) Opening (3:24) What Does the Copyright Office Mean by Unbalanced (4:34) Section 512 (16:32) Repeat Infringer Policies (19:34) Knowledge Requirements
Fri, May 22, 2020
TLOU Finale (Pt. 2): Rebuffed at YouTube, Sony Turns to Twitter (VL232)
null
Thu, May 21, 2020
Legal Myth Busting: No One (inc. Suzy Lu) Can Copyright Their Face (VL231)
null
Wed, May 20, 2020
Area F2 Surprise Termination! A Lawyer Discusses (VL229)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:41) Ubisoft Lawsuit (2:04) Leonard French (6:53) The Termination (13:50) Refund
Wed, May 20, 2020
A Lawyer Reads Ubisoft's New Terms (No, They Don't Own Your Soul) (VL230)
null
Tue, May 19, 2020
They’re Suing Who? A Lawyer Looks at Ubisoft's Siege of Google/Apple (VL228)
null (0:00) Opening (9:34) Copyright Does Not Protect Facts (17:02) Claim of Copyright Infringement (19:48) Extrinsic Test (27:29) Intrinsic Tests (30:41) Can You Prove Secondary Infringement (31:40) The Copyright Act Does Not Provide an Explicit Discussion of Secondary Liability for Infringement
Mon, May 18, 2020
Last of Us Copyright Claim Finale: Sony Surrenders (VL227)
null
Fri, May 15, 2020
Destiny, Doom, and Denuvo: Making the Things You Love…Worse! (VL225)
null (0:00) Opening (1:33) Destiny 2 and Doom (2:59) Legendary Gear Infusion (6:27) Planned Obsolescence (8:34) End-User License Agreement for Destiny (18:25) Anti Cheat Tools
Thu, May 14, 2020
Sony’s New Strategy? Have YouTube Run Out the Clock (VL224)
null (0:00) Intro (3:01) What is Content ID (8:41) Fair Use Concepts (10:31) Dispute Process (16:00) Conclusion
Wed, May 13, 2020
Suzy Lu, Copyright, and the Law's Problem with "Reactions" (VL223)
null (0:00) Opening (13:02) Factors in Evaluating a Question of Fair Use (16:24) Hassan Zeta versus Klein (18:20) The Law's Problem with Reactions (25:43) Substantiality of the Effect on the Market
Tue, May 12, 2020
Sony: How to Spin a Web (WITHOUT even lying) (VL222)
null
Mon, May 11, 2020
Sony, Muso, and Angry Joe: Last of Us Leak Legalities (Pt. 5) (VL221)
null (0:00) Opening (5:38) Agency Theory (6:36) Dmca Takedown (13:55) Agency Principle Theory of Law (14:13) Agency Principal Law
Fri, May 08, 2020
How Expectations Doomed Inside Xbox (VL220)
null (0:00) Opening (6:36) Assassin's Creed Valhalla Trailer (10:40) Smart Delivery (10:57) Xbox Smart Delivery
Wed, May 06, 2020
Facebook's Paying Someone Else To Take the Blame (VL219)
null
Tue, May 05, 2020
Last of Us Leaks (Pt. 4): DMCA Deficiencies and Manual Claim Madness (VL218)
null
Mon, May 04, 2020
Last of Us Leaks: Counters, Fair Use, and Unpublished Works (VL217)
null (0:00) Opening (4:35) Fair Use Analysis (19:40) Nature of the Copyrighted Work (29:48) The Fourth Factor Effect on the Market
Sat, May 02, 2020
Last of Us Leak Follow-Up: A History of Legal Violence (VL216)
null
Thu, April 30, 2020
Is Sony Illegally Using the DMCA to Muzzle Last of Us Leaks? (VL215)
null
Wed, April 29, 2020
Universal Trolls AMC: A Lawyer's View (VL214)
null
Tue, April 28, 2020
YouTube and Authoritative Sources: A Seductive Fallacy (VL213)
null
Mon, April 27, 2020
No, Disney Doesn't Own Your Star Wars Tweets (VL212)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:13) What Happened (3:18) Whats Happening on Twitter (9:11) Poor Language (12:47) Disneys Terms (18:34) Outro
Mon, April 27, 2020
Fortnite and Travis Scott in "The Metaverse": Fraction of the Future (VL211)
null (0:00) Opening (11:34) 12 Million People Watched Travis Scott's Performance Live (13:34) Chapter 1 What Is the Meta Verse (16:58) Definitions for the Metaverse (21:10) The Witcher
Fri, April 24, 2020
YouTube's Self-Certification Program: A Dangerous Proposition (VL210)
null
Thu, April 23, 2020
5G, Coronavirus, and the Expanded Role of Big Tech “Judgment” (VL209)
null
Tue, April 21, 2020
How Facebook's COVID Protest Bans May Violate the Constitution (VL208)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:20) Bad Legal Takes (12:18) CNN Article (17:24) Politico Article (23:56) COVID Protests (24:09) Social Distancing Practices (29:46) Bad Facts Make Bad Laws (35:03) The New York Post Article (37:00) The Guardian Article (39:49) The Wickersham Case
Mon, April 20, 2020
Who Fact Checks the Fact Checkers? (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter) (VL207)
null (0:00) Opening (29:28) Twitter (31:38) Us Surgeon General (33:14) Cdc Recommends Public Wear Face Masks
Thu, April 16, 2020
Cooking Mama's Legal Saga (Hoeg Law) (VL206)
null
Mon, April 13, 2020
Royalty Row Revisited: Borderlands Director Responds to Kotaku (VL205)
null
Thu, April 09, 2020
A Show of "No Confidence" in the ESA: The End of E3? (VL204)
null
Tue, April 07, 2020
On Wisconsin (VL203)
null (0:00) Opening (16:20) Powers during an Emergency (24:01) Is It Appropriate for a Federal District Court To Act as the State's Chief Health Official (24:56) Extension of Deadline for Receipt of Absentee Ballots (28:37) Merits
Mon, April 06, 2020
How Call of Duty Used the Humvee Trademark w/o a License - Legally! (VL202)
null
Thu, April 02, 2020
Paycheck Protection: The Loan Program Every US Business Needs to Know (VL201)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:58) Paycheck Protection Program Application (5:34) Paycheck Protection Program Summary (13:28) What Do I Need to Apply (17:58) How to Request Forgiveness
Wed, April 01, 2020
Borderlands Bonus Brouhaha: Upside Is Down (VL200!)
null
Tue, March 31, 2020
Reading Final Fantasy VII's Streaming Restrictions (VL199)
null (0:00) Opening (1:00) Release Date (6:03) Material Usage License (8:47) Fair Use (11:09) Streaming Copyright Infringement and Fair Use (13:00) Final Fantasy 7 Remake Material Usage License (14:00) Usage License (16:09) Define the Works (21:00) Can You Have a Sponsored Video (26:31) Additional Constrictions Restrictions Concerning Music and Songs
Mon, March 30, 2020
Lawyer: Can the President Force GM to make Ventilators? (DPA) (VL198)
null (0:00) Opening (22:48) General Provisions (32:29) Examples of Dod's Use of Title 1 Priorities (56:51) List of National Emergencies in the United States
Fri, March 27, 2020
Lawyer: Is Spreading Coronavirus a Federal Crime? (VL197)
null
Tue, March 24, 2020
Is Copyright Broken? A Lawyer Responds to Tom Scott (Virtual Legality #196)
null (0:00) Opening (7:14) What Copyright Law Is (23:37) Moral Rights (29:28) Age of the Influencer (36:52) The Dmca (44:00) Updating the Law (50:52) Shortening the Copyright (51:02) Shorten How Long Copyright Lasts (55:50) Grandfathering
Mon, March 23, 2020
A Lawyer Reads "EARN IT" aka "How to Threaten the Internet!" (Virtual Legality #195)
null
Sat, March 21, 2020
A Nintendo Nightmare: Copyright and "Dreams" (Virtual Legality #194)
null
Fri, March 20, 2020
"Essential Retail"? The Legalities of GameStop's Claim (Virtual Legality #193)
null (0:00) Opening (16:19) California Governor Issues Statewide Order To Stay at Home (17:04) Critical Infrastructure Sectors (18:59) What Is a Commercial Facility (19:32) The Commercial Facilities Sector
Thu, March 19, 2020
Animal Crossing, Delays, and Digital Revolutions (Virtual Legality #192)
null
Wed, March 18, 2020
Too Exotic? Is PS5 the Next PlayStation 3? (Virtual Legality #191)
null (0:00) Opening (7:01) The Technical Specifications of Playstation 5 (12:53) Specs (19:52) Boost Mode (21:05) How Does Boost Work (27:40) Solid-State Drive
Tue, March 17, 2020
YouTube: Broken Robots and Broken Promises (Virtual Legality #190)
null
Mon, March 16, 2020
Coronavirus: Can Gaming Save Lives? (Virtual Legality #189)
null
Tue, March 10, 2020
No, NFL 2k is NOT Back (at Least Not Yet) (Virtual Legality #188)
null (0:00) Intro (4:00) Press Release (8:15) EA Press Release (9:37) EAs 2004 Press Release (18:37) EA Statement (19:35) Conclusion
Mon, March 09, 2020
Has SCOTUS Already Ruled on GeForce Now? (Virtual Legality #187)
null (0:00) Introduction (6:00) What is GeForce Now?/Copyright Overview (10:40) Complaint Highlights - Greed/ Lawsuits (15:00) Forbes/PC Gamer Dueling Articles (29:50) Complaint Highlights - Same as a PC/Nvidia is Not Infringing/Remote Play (37:15) Licenses, Licenses, Licenses (Steam, Bethesda/Zenimax, GeForce Now) (45:25) ABC v Aereo Inc. (Opinion) (1:06:40) ABC v Aereo Inc. (Dissent) (1:09:55) Conclusion
Thu, March 05, 2020
Copyright Strikes for Explaining Copyright Law? (Virtual Legality #186)
null (0:00) Opening (7:40) The Takedown (12:08) Copyright Counter-Notification Basics (18:10) Copyright Strikes (18:44) Copyright Strike (21:01) Copyright Strikes May Affect Your Ability To Monetize (21:54) Three Ways To Resolve a Copyright Strike (25:19) Multiple Strikes on a Single Video (26:05) Appeal (38:43) Youtube Is Reacting to the Way the Dmca Is Written (39:25) The Content Id System
Wed, March 04, 2020
Netflix: "Choose Your Own Adventure" is Too Generic to Live (Virtual Legality #185)
null
Tue, March 03, 2020
"The Long Dark" of Licensing: Nvidia's GeForce Now (Virtual Legality #184)
null (0:00) Opening (3:56) What Geforce Now Is (5:31) Hardware Virtualization (11:34) Why Are We Seeing Developers Kind Of Pull Back from Geforce Now (20:14) Steam Eula
Fri, February 28, 2020
Subscription Gaming - Fears of the Future (Virtual Legality #183)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:18) Netflix of Gaming (4:54) Game Pass (6:16) More Options (13:00) Paychecks Dont Last Forever (17:37) This Is How Competition Looks (25:19) You Can Still Buy Things (26:09) The Music Industry (29:09) Conclusion
Wed, February 26, 2020
YouTube, Free Speech, and You - A PragerU Story (Virtual Legality #182)
null (0:00) Introduction (4:03) Source Material (16:07) Background (19:07) Restricted Mode (24:36) YouTube v You (28:13) State Actors (31:26) Public Function (34:44) Marsh (36:33) YouTube (37:31) Public Forum (42:40) False Advertising (44:57) NonActionable Opinions (46:27) Conclusion
Wed, February 26, 2020
Courts, Clarence, COPPA, and Consistency (Virtual Legality #181)
null
Tue, February 25, 2020
Anonymous Games Journalist Speaks Out! More Cliques and Conformity (Virtual Legality #180)
null
Mon, February 24, 2020
Smart Delivery: Xbox's Bid to End the Console War (Virtual Legality #179)
null (0:00) Introduction (5:05) Xbox as an Ecosystem (6:45) The Future of Gaming (9:00) Xbox Series X (10:47) Power (16:55) Smart Delivery (23:38) Competition is Adam Smith (29:07) Network Effects (31:24) Matt Piscatella (32:54) From the Verge
Thu, February 20, 2020
Games Journalism, Cliques, and Conformity (Virtual Legality #178)
null
Wed, February 19, 2020
Streaming, Copyright Infringement, and Fair Use (Virtual Legality #177)
null
Tue, February 18, 2020
What YouTube Quitting Apple Means for iOS and Beyond (VL176)
null
Mon, February 17, 2020
Does Microsoft Have Sony’s ($450) Number? (VL175)
null
Fri, February 14, 2020
Geoff Keighley, Drew Karpyshyn, E3, and Bioware: Reading Between the Lines (VL174)
null
Wed, February 12, 2020
The Unusual Sentencing of Roger Stone (VL172)
null (0:00) Opening (0:19) Disclaimer (0:42) The Federal Sentencing Guidelines (2:33) Roger Stone (26:50) Supplemental Memorandum (34:16) The Statutory Sentencing Factors (37:39) The Court Must Avoid Unwarranted Sentencing Disparities (39:21) Federal Prosecutors Quitting the Case
Wed, February 12, 2020
IGN's Journalistic Malpractice: Games, Politics, and Lies (VL173)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:54) Hollywood Reporter Article (3:45) Dice Summit Article (5:07) Sweeneys Speech (7:05) IGNs Framing (9:47) Games and Politics (13:08) The Tweet (14:14) The Article (16:00) Pause (18:09) Marketing as Political (21:02) Re paraphrasing (27:50) Politics in Games (32:29) Outro
Tue, February 11, 2020
Did Nintendo Settle With Portuguese Pokemon Leakers? (VL171)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:30) Article (8:58) NonDisclosure Agreement (11:53) Eurogamer (12:15) Nintendo Statement (15:40) F Nintendo Statement
Mon, February 10, 2020
Oscars vs Iowa: Did Tactical Voting help Parasite (and Mayor Pete)? (VL169)
null
Mon, February 10, 2020
Bioware's Anthem: Back to the Drawing Board (VL170)
null
Fri, February 07, 2020
Will the Coronavirus Delay PS5 and Xbox Series X? (VL168)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:32) PS5 Website (2:07) PS5 Messaging (4:30) Coronavirus (18:54) Outro
Thu, February 06, 2020
Reviewing Blizzard’s Warcraft 3 Reforged “Apology” and Refund Policy (VL167)
null
Wed, February 05, 2020
A Lawyer Reads Twitter’s New “Manipulated Media” Policy (VL166)
null
Mon, February 03, 2020
Why “Baby Nut” Just Got Planters Accounts Suspended from Twitter (VL165)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:38) Twitter Bans Planters (3:10) Planters engineered a viral Superbowl moment (4:13) Meme pages (6:21) How this all got figured out (7:25) Twitters rules and policies (9:16) Who can be suspended from Twitter (9:48) Platform Manipulation and Spam Policy (13:18) Insider Article (16:45) Who Wasnt Suspended
Fri, January 31, 2020
Is This YouTube’s Craziest DMCA Abuse Story Yet? (VL164)
null (0:00) Opening (4:06) The Cnn Democratic Primary Debate in Iowa (11:30) Contest a Copyright Strike (15:40) How the Youtube Notification Process Works
Mon, January 27, 2020
TOO BROAD: How a Recent Holding On Civil Rights (and Runescape) Got Misreported (VL162)
null (0:00) Intro (0:27) Article (7:54) Analysis (15:43) Vice article (16:45) PC Gamer article (18:33) Conclusion
Thu, January 23, 2020
Are ALL Google Ads Now “Deceptive”? Why Advertisers Should Be Concerned (VL161)
null
Mon, January 20, 2020
Joe Biden Wants to Break the Internet (and Video Games) (VL160)
null
Thu, January 16, 2020
Jukin Media STRIKES Again: Tyrone Magnus and the DMCA’s Difficulties with Parody/Fair Use (VL159)
null
Wed, January 15, 2020
23andMe Just Sold Your Genetics: Why You Won’t Be Getting a Cut (VL158)
null (0:00) Intro (1:57) Bloomberg Article (4:15) Science Alert Article (8:30) Terms of Service (12:35) User Representations (13:34) Privacy Statement (18:29) Partnerships
Mon, January 13, 2020
Making COPPA More Harmful: YouTube and “PROTECT Kids” (VL156)
null
Mon, January 13, 2020
Dropping Out: Sony, The ESA, and Two Competing Visions for E3 (VL157)
null
Fri, January 10, 2020
YouTube’s “MxR Plays”: Fair Use, Extortion, and the Muddy Middle of Copyright (VL155)
null (0:00) Opening (1:38) Disclaimer (5:13) Media Settlement Fees (9:33) Fair Use (17:01) Limitations on Exclusive Rights (18:56) Balancing Test (21:47) Transformative Uses (23:48) Nature of the Copyrighted Work (30:03) Why Does Unlawful Threat Matter
Tue, January 07, 2020
If You Love PlatinumGames, Tencent is Nothing to Fear (VL154)
null (0:00) Intro (1:50) PlatinumGames (6:15) Contacts (8:30) What Platinum Said (12:30) What Does That Mean (19:34) Financing
Thu, January 02, 2020
Release the JJ Cut? What Star Wars Rumors Can Tell Us About Media Messaging in the 2020s (VL151)
null
Fri, December 13, 2019
The Other Side: A Lawyer Looks at the Arguments of COPPA’s Strongest Advocates (VL149)
null (0:00) Opening (1:02) The Ftc Finished Its Comment Period on Coppa (6:15) The Ftc's Inadequate Enforcement Is Illustrated by the Ftc's Recent Action against Youtube (11:52) The Ftc Is Not Congress (26:43) The Potential Burden That Strict Liability Places on Child Directed Content Providers (28:27) The Copper Rule
Mon, December 09, 2019
YouTube Comments On COPPA: Their “#1 Priority” is Responsibility…Making Sure It’s Yours! (VL147)
null (0:00) Intro (0:46) YouTube Comments On COPPA (4:13) What is COPPA (10:53) YouTube is a good thing (17:50) You should treat adults as adults (20:33) YouTube has gone too far (27:16) What is made for kids
Mon, December 09, 2019
LegalEagle’s Wrong About (Parts of) COPPA: On Age Gates, Mixed Audiences, and YouTube (VL146)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:46) The Mixed Audience Exception (6:52) The Mixed Audience Exception doesnt exist (8:11) The FTC complaint is not concerned with mixed audiences (13:26) LegalEagles description of events (16:42) Mixed Audiences
Fri, December 06, 2019
Why the Publisher of Rune II Just Sued A Defunct Studio (and why Bethesda could Be next) (VL145)
null
Wed, December 04, 2019
EA, Respawn, and ResetEra (?): A Primer on Intellectual Property Assignment (VL144)
null
Sun, December 01, 2019
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool…”: A Ninja Story (VL142) (Hoeg Law)
null
Mon, November 25, 2019
Is Google Stadia’s Marketing Fraudulent? Or Just Extremely Deceptive? (VL141)
null (0:00) Intro (1:35) Eurogamer Article (8:22) Stadia FAQ (12:20) Wire Fraud (19:59) Googles Response
Sun, November 24, 2019
COPPA: Is the FTC really going to target your YouTube channel? (comments from FuturisticHub) (VL140)
null
Fri, November 22, 2019
COPPA Complications: YouTube Responds (also - No, they don’t have to train you) (VL138)
null (0:00) Opening (3:04) Mixed Audience Channels (11:48) Channel Owners Are Obligated To Designate Such Content as Directed to Children (15:13) Channel Owner
Fri, November 22, 2019
How the FTC’s Latest Guidance on COPPA Fails YouTube Content Creators (but not the FTC) (VL139)
null (0:00) Opening (3:38) How Do I Know if My Channel Is Directed to Children (10:21) How Coppa Applies to Channel Owners (10:35) How Does Coppa Apply to Channel Owners Who Upload Their Content to Youtube (13:37) How To Comply with Coppa (13:41) Six Step Compliance Plan (14:07) Determine if Their Content Is Directed to Children (16:26) Rules of Thumb (18:51) The Simpsons
Thu, November 21, 2019
Not Just an FTC Problem: How YouTube’s COPPA Inaction Puts Content Creators At Risk (VL137)
null
Mon, November 18, 2019
A “Commercially Viable” Follow-Up! On Comments to our YouTube Terms of Service Episode (VL134)
null
Wed, November 13, 2019
COPPA Cabana: On YouTube’s “Legal Requirement” Deception (VL133)
null (0:00) Intro (1:33) YouTubes Deception (6:47) FTC YouTube Settlement (10:11) COPPA
Fri, November 08, 2019
Too Big to Fail? On Ninja’s Repugnant Defense of Cheating in Fortnite (VL131)
null
Thu, November 07, 2019
Influencing the Influencers: A Walkthrough of the FTC’s new Social Media Guide (VL130)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:06) FTCs new Social Media Guide (3:48) The Age of the Influencer (8:44) Disclosures 101 (12:01) When to disclose (15:56) Dont mix disclosures (19:31) Use simple clear language (21:24) You cant lie
Wed, November 06, 2019
Bears, Birds, and Acquisition Terms: Microsoft ISN’T Buying Playtonic Games (VL129)
null
Mon, November 04, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash (Pt. 9): World of Wordcraft (VL128)
null (0:00) Introduction (3:45) Article (14:24) PC Gamers Questions (17:19) Taiwanese Casters (20:51) Chinese Influence (23:12) Blizzards Response (25:56) Overwatch League Coach (27:32) Chilling Effect (30:37) Conclusion
Sat, November 02, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash (Pt. 8): Doing the Con Con (VL127)
null (0:00) Opening (0:09) Introduction (4:01) Apology (7:53) Analysis (30:38) Concluding Remarks
Fri, November 01, 2019
Fallout Down Under: Why Australia Just Ordered Refunds for Fallout 76 (VL126)
null
Wed, October 30, 2019
Kotaku’s NOT Dead and NCAA Football’s NOT Back: Adventures in Re-reporting (VL125)
null
Tue, October 29, 2019
DnD Roll Critical Failure: Alarm Bells for Disney and Star Wars (VL124)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:32) Rian Johnson (7:23) DnD Rant (9:07) Star Wars Rant
Mon, October 28, 2019
Epic Games Sues Fortnite Chapter 2 Leaker: A Lawyer’s View (VL123)
null
Fri, October 25, 2019
Why Google’s Latest Stadia Gaming Pitch Seems So Precarious (VL122)
null
Fri, October 25, 2019
Why Google’s Latest Stadia Gaming Pitch Seems So Precarious (VL122)
null
Wed, October 23, 2019
Copyright Reform and the DMCA: A CASE Study (VL121)
null (0:00) Introduction (0:37) The Case Act (7:36) Article (11:52) Premise (20:08) The DMCA
Mon, October 21, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash (Pt. 7): China vows Retribution (VL120)
null
Fri, October 18, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash (Pt. 6): Enter the Government (VL119)
null
Thu, October 17, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash (Pt. 5): On Bans, Baselines, and Belling Cats (VL118)
null
Tue, October 15, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash (Pt. 4): Switching it Up Before Blizzcon (VL117)
null
Sat, October 12, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash (Pt. 3): On Blizzard’s Troubling Response (VL116)
null (0:00) Introduction (2:17) Blizzards Response (8:47) How These Values Apply (14:33) Political Statements (15:34) The Response (19:56) What Could Blizzard Have Done Better (27:21) Conclusion
Thu, October 10, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash (Pt. 2): Can Blitzchung Sue Blizzard? (VL115)
null
Tue, October 08, 2019
A Blizzard of Backlash: On China, Freedom of Speech, and Terrible Contracts (VL114)
null
Fri, October 04, 2019
Randy Pitchford and Gearbox Exonerated?! What it All Means (VL113)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:25) Gearbox Lawsuit (6:38) Exonerated (14:40) Bobby Prince (15:55) What Happened (19:10) Conclusion
Thu, October 03, 2019
Video Games and UK Taxes – More Than Meets the Eye (VL112)
null (0:00) Opening (7:01) Video Games Tax Relief (18:00) The Corporation Tax Act of 2009 (18:14) Corporation Tax Act of 2009
Tue, October 01, 2019
Scandal in Ukraine! No, not that One. The Frogwares One. (VL111)
null
Fri, September 27, 2019
Spider-Man Rejoins the MCU (and Even More) (VL110) (Hoeg Law)
null
Thu, September 26, 2019
Kevin Feige Joins Team Star Wars: What It Means (and what it Doesn’t) (VL109)
null
Wed, September 25, 2019
No Gamestop, No Problem: Sony wants you to Buy Direct (VL108)
null
Tue, September 24, 2019
Bob’s Bombshells: Disney CEO Iger on Star Wars and Disappointing George Lucas (VL107)
null
Tue, September 24, 2019
Tactical Empathy Action: Assuming Good Faith (w/ Hideo Kojima!) (VL106)
null
Mon, September 23, 2019
Joycon Drift Issues hit the Switch Lite? Not Time to Panic (Yet) (VL105)
null
Thu, September 19, 2019
Steam Ordered to Allow the Resale of “Purchased” Games?! The Legal Ramifications (VL104)
null
Tue, September 17, 2019
E3 Succumbs to the Age of the Influencer – What you Need to Know (VL103)
null
Fri, September 13, 2019
The Surprise Mechanics of the UK’s Troubling New Loot Box Gambling Report (VL101)
null (0:00) Opening (3:25) Fifa Packs and Loot Boxes Are Not Gambling (22:44) Why Loot Boxes Should Be Exempt from the Gambling Act (29:59) Long-Term Effects of Gambling
Wed, September 11, 2019
The Gig is Up! Why California’s AB-5 Might Just Kill its Gaming Industry (VL100)
null (0:00) Intro (3:00) Gizmodo Article (5:15) CPA Journal Article (7:55) Prior Factor Tests (14:50) Balancing Test (17:10) AB5 Text (22:16) AB5 Rule (26:55) Exceptions (30:02) Professional Services (33:33) Business to Business (36:20) Referral Agencies (38:20) Disposable Workers
Sat, September 07, 2019
Massaging the Message: Rian Johnson, Star Wars, and Spider-Man (VL99)
null (0:00) Introduction (1:34) Rian Johnson (4:10) Knives Out (6:51) Star Wars (11:37) SpiderMan (14:03) Variety Article (20:33) Letter of Intent (25:09) Conclusion
Wed, September 04, 2019
YouTube’s doing what?! On Unintended Consequences, COPPA, and the FTC (VL98)
null
Fri, August 30, 2019
Announcing…the NBA 2k20 Casino! But is it illegal? (VL97)
null
Thu, August 29, 2019
He’s Holding a Thermal…Sprite Bottle? The Law behind the Latest TSA Ban (VL96)
null
Wed, August 28, 2019
Telltale Games Revived! What Does that Mean…Legally? (VL95)
null (0:00) Disclaimer (0:42) Introduction (1:13) Telltale Games (4:03) Article (10:31) What You Should Know (11:20) IGN Article (12:16) Game Daily Biz Article (14:43) The Main Takeaway (16:46) Toys R Us (18:48) Conclusion
Tue, August 27, 2019
An Epic Commission! Why the FTC should probably pay attention to Borderlands 3 (VL94)
null
Mon, August 26, 2019
Hell Hath no Ion Fury: Public Relations in the 21st Century (VL93) (Hoeg Law)
null
Sat, August 24, 2019
PSA: Spider-Man’s MCU Future is Still Very Much Up in the Air (VL92) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Intro (1:14) IGN Tweet (3:38) IGN Article (5:18) The State of Play (9:40) The Future (16:09) Conclusion
Wed, August 21, 2019
Sony, Disney, Spidey, and Feige: A Study in Brinksmanship (VL91) (Hoeg Law)
null
Tue, August 20, 2019
Apex Legends: Why Respawn’s Weak Apology Does More Harm than Good (VL90) (Hoeg Law)
null
Mon, August 19, 2019
On the DARQ side of Epic Exclusivity or “Don’t Publish Those E-mails!” (VL88)
null
Mon, August 19, 2019
Sony Buys Insomniac! Why the Acquisition Wars are Cause for Celebration (VL89)
null (0:00) Intro (6:50) Sony buys Insomniac (15:15) Acquisition cost (16:57) Quotes (22:56) Conclusion
Thu, August 15, 2019
For Your Consideration: The Case of G2A.com and the Missing $300,000 Contract (VL87)
null (0:00) Intro (0:42) What is G2A (3:36) The Problem (12:40) Elements of a Contract (18:25) The Story Continues (19:31) Conclusion
Fri, August 09, 2019
Failure is a Ladder: How Corporate Structure Explains Benioff and Weiss' $200M Payday (VL85)
null
Wed, August 07, 2019
Never Tell Me The Odds: Loot Boxes on Trial with the FTC (VL84) (Hoeg Law)
null
Tue, August 06, 2019
Total Bust? Why Mixer's Clothing Rules May Be Better than the Alternative (VL83) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Intro (2:15) IGN Article (5:26) Mixer Article (10:32) Twitch Article (17:36) Conclusion
Mon, August 05, 2019
The Perils of Intellectual Property Consent (feat. Solid Snake w/ Tekken) (VL82)
null (0:00) Intro (1:22) Solid Snake in Tekken (6:09) Mark Man 23 (11:14) David Hayter (17:02) Conclusion
Sat, August 03, 2019
Unforced Error: A Lawyer's View on the ESA's Doxxing of 2000+ E3 Attendees (VL81)
null (0:00) Opening (18:41) Business Information (23:24) The Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (25:07) Definitions (33:22) The General Data Protection Regulation the Gdpr (38:39) Remedies
Fri, August 02, 2019
Epic, Mixer, Ooblets, and Ninjas: A Lawyer's View on Exclusivity and Messaging (VL80)
null
Wed, July 31, 2019
Colin Moriarty, Sacred Symbols, and broken PAX Promises: A Lawyer's View (VL79) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (2:22) Disclaimer (7:20) Colin Moriarty (15:25) Promissory Estoppel
Fri, July 26, 2019
When Gambling isn't Gambling: The Legality of GTA V's Diamond Casino (VL78) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (10:35) The Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act (11:30) California Business and Professions Code (15:51) Rockstar Games Terms of Service (18:02) The Rockstar Games End-User License Agreement
Tue, July 23, 2019
FIFA Furor! Why the UK may have just stopped Loot Box Bans (VL77) (Hoeg Law)
null
Fri, July 19, 2019
NINTENDO SUED! What You Need to Know from the Joy-Con Drift Lawsuit (VL76) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (5:07) Class Action Lawsuit against Nintendo (6:12) Class Action Complaint (10:32) Jurisdiction and Venue (16:30) Switch Owners Have Publicly Complained about the Joy Kahn Defect and Drift (20:57) Violation of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (21:39) Warranty (21:43) Nintendo Warranty Coverage (22:37) Limited Hardware and Gaming Accessory Warranties (23:50) Implied Warranties (26:25) Did Nintendo Actually Breach Its Warranty (28:08) Breach of Express Warranty (29:03) Breach of the Implied Warranty of Merchantability (29:44) California Law (32:19) Violations of the California Unfair Competition Law (32:48) California Warranty Act
Thu, July 18, 2019
Age-Old Controversy? A Lawyer Reads the FaceApp Terms of Use (VL75) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (1:25) What is FaceApp's AI ageing filter, and how do you use it? (3:45) This is standard in policies where end users are allowed to share... (7:06) Exclusive rights in copyrighted works (10:52) Definition of "Adhesion Contract" (14:00) FaceApp Terms of Use (23:29) Instagram Terms of Use (43:41) FaceApp Privacy Policy (49:38) FaceApp Responds to Privacy Concerns
Wed, July 17, 2019
Is Ubisoft "Exploiting" a Legion of Watch Dogs Artists with HitRecord? (VL74) (Hoeg Law)
null
Mon, July 15, 2019
Did Kickstarter give this fully funded campaign a RAW Deal? (VL73) (Hoeg Law)
null
Fri, July 12, 2019
Social Media, Liability Shields, and You: The State of CDA Section 230 (VL72) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (0:58) The Communication Decency Act Section 230 (3:37) Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (9:09) Policy (13:47) What Is an Information Content Provider (15:24) Civil Liability (19:02) Ending Support for Internet Censorship Act (21:25) Bill Ending Support for Internet Censorship Act (26:38) Fairness Doctrine (29:27) The Fairness Doctrine (30:45) Politically Biased Moderation (33:00) Exception for Business Necessity
Wed, July 10, 2019
Death Threat Approved? Facebook's About-face (VL71) (Hoeg Law)
null
Wed, July 03, 2019
Shenmue 3, Refunds, and the Power of Market Pressure (VL70) (Hoeg Law)
null
Mon, June 24, 2019
Randy Pitchford's $12 Million Magic Trick: A Lawyer's View (VL69) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (10:22) Duty of Loyalty (32:27) Texas Statutes (32:56) Section 101 Point 255 Contracts or Transactions Involving Interested Governing Persons or Officers
Mon, June 17, 2019
$100 for Minecraft?! Telltale & The Dark Side of Digital (VL68)
null
Thu, June 13, 2019
How "Violent" was E3 2019? The Study that Definitely Won't Tell You (VL67)
null
Tue, June 11, 2019
Shenmue 3: The Legal Hurdles to Seeking a Refund (VL66)
null (0:00) Intro (2:50) Steam Keys (7:27) Analyzing the Kickstarter (12:18) Kickstarter Terms and Conditions (14:28) Kickstarter Payment Terms (21:52) Kickstarter 2012 Terms (24:51) Conclusion
Fri, June 07, 2019
First YouTube, Now Twitter?! A Lawyer Reads the New "Rules" (VL65)
null
Wed, June 05, 2019
Carlos Maza, Steven Crowder, and Arbitrary YouTube "Guidelines": A Lawyer's View (VL64)
null (0:00) Opening (9:26) Community Guidelines (11:17) New York Times Article (13:26) Removing Violative Content (19:39) Limit Recommendations of Borderline Content and Harmful Misinformation (23:48) Google Is Facing an Imminent Antitrust Investigation from the Us Justice Department (25:37) Continuing To Reward Trusted Creators and Enforcing Our Monetization Policies
Tue, June 04, 2019
Are Indie Games Really "Stagnant"? Unbraiding the Words of Jonathan Blow (VL63)
null (0:00) Opening (6:42) Braid (7:21) The Witness (21:12) Days Gone
Fri, May 31, 2019
Infringement?! A Lawyer Looks at "Iron Maiden v Ion Maiden" (VL62)
null (0:00) Opening (9:50) The Purpose of a Trademark (11:59) Trademark (19:01) Balancing Test (19:56) Trademark Dilution (21:25) Iron Maiden Holdings Limited versus 3d Realms Entertainment (23:19) The Iron Maiden Mark (30:45) Iron Maidens Page for Legacy the Beast (40:03) Common Law Trademark and Trade Name Infringement (43:38) Statutory Damages for Use of Counterfeit Marks (45:11) What a Counterfeit Mark
Wed, May 29, 2019
Should Greg Miller and Andrea Rene *Really* be Hosting for Electronic Arts (EA)? (VL61)
null (0:00) Intro (2:10) EAs Tweet (5:57) Whats Good Games (9:30) FTC Endorsement Guidelines (13:00) Financial Connection (16:27) Endorsement Guides (22:17) Conclusion
Fri, May 24, 2019
The Many (many) Problems with the Loot Box Bill: A Lawyer's View (VL60)
null (0:00) Opening (10:57) Section B (22:01) Definitions (25:36) Digital Game Distributor (29:31) What Is a Minor Oriented Game (31:27) The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (34:49) Subject Matter of the Product (39:33) Coppa (43:12) Definition of Add-On Transaction (56:43) Loot Boxes the Loot Box Definition (58:23) Hearthstone (1:02:08) The Federal Trade Commission
Tue, May 21, 2019
A Real Lawyer's Take on the Tfue and Faze Clan Lawsuit (VL59)
null (0:00) Intro (4:10) Article (10:18) Tfue (11:43) The Complaint (13:38) eSports is Big (17:03) Faze Clan (21:10) Talent Agency Act (25:10) Abstract (26:10) Declaratory Relief (29:25) Faze Clan Response (30:10) Sponsorships (31:05) Material Breach (32:20) Breach of Contract (33:52) Breach of Agreement (38:22) Kick Out the Contract (39:10) Section 16600 (42:02) California Attorney Blog (46:45) Exclusivity (47:16) Talent Agency Contracts (48:45) Restraint of Trade (49:40) Right of First Refusal (51:55) Money Have Received (53:02) Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Thu, May 16, 2019
Azure Dreams: A Lawyer's Thoughts on the Microsoft/Sony Gaming Alliance (VL58)
null (0:00) Intro (1:17) The News (2:52) The Press Release (7:10) What is Azure (8:12) Cloud Computing (11:30) Press Release (12:51) Memorandum of Understanding (19:10) quid pro quo (26:25) conclusion
Wed, May 15, 2019
Did Ubisoft Deceptively Advertise The Division 2? A Lawyer's View (VL57)
null (0:00) Opening (16:06) The Federal Trade Commission Act (17:48) What Makes an Advertisement Deceptive (19:21) How Does the Ftc Determine if an Ad Is Deceptive (21:41) Company Can Support the Ad (22:02) How Does the Ftc Decide What Cases To Bring (24:01) What Penalties Can Be Imposed (26:55) Corrective Advertising Disclosures
Mon, May 13, 2019
Did the Supreme Court Just Kill Console Games? A Lawyer Reads Apple Inc v Pepper (VL56)
null
Fri, May 10, 2019
Virtual Legality #55 - MT Words: The Legal Issues Posed by Senator's Proposed Microtransaction Ban
null
Wed, May 08, 2019
Virtual Legality #54 - Could Playing a Game before Release Cost You Your Xbox Live Account?!
null (0:00) Opening (2:30) Electronic Arts says the old way of releasing games doesn't work anymore (19:07) Xbox Live’s new standards try to define acceptable trash talk (22:43) Community Standards for Xbox (28:25) Microsoft Services Agreement (56:15) Electronic Arts "Legal" Terms
Wed, May 01, 2019
Virtual Legality #53 - No, "Games as a Service" Isn't Fraud: A Response to Accursed Farms (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (3:03) "Games as a service" is fraud. (12:28) You own the software that you purchase, and any claims otherwise are urban myth or corporate propaganda (30:23) EU Court: When You Buy Software You Own It (32:20) Exclusive rights in copyrighted works (35:51) No, you don’t own it: Court upholds EULAs, threatens digital resale (40:51) SUPREME COURT BOOSTS RIGHT TO RESELL COPYRIGHTED GOODS (47:07) Impression Products v Lexmark (51:04) Definition of "Fraud" (52:32) Vudu Terms and Conditions (56:00) "The Division" Box (57:39) Ubisoft EULA (1:37:53) Unfair methods of competition unlawful; prevention by Commission
Wed, April 24, 2019
Virtual Legality #52 - Lost Without a Map: Anthem and Deceptive Advertisement (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (2:00) 'Anthem' Delays Its Entire Roadmap, Hasn't Fixed Loot And This All Feels Very, Very Bad (5:47) Anthem's biggest upcoming features are all being delayed until god knows when (8:15) Update on Anthem from the Development Team (18:08) Anthem Year 1 Roadmap (21:45) Anthem – our Live Service begins (34:20) Advertising FAQ's: A Guide for Small Business
Tue, April 16, 2019
Virtual Legality #49 - What to Expect When You're Expecting...PlayStation 5 (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (2:50) EXCLUSIVE: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SONY'S NEXT-GEN PLAYSTATION (21:54) Mid-April is an odd time to share even small details for the new Playstation. (26:31) Curious why it's odd to tease now? (30:06) They've got the Pepsi vs Coke advantage in their market. (34:00) Rumors on the street are still Q3 2020 for mass production of the chips (34:53) By publicly acknowledging this product in an 'official' capacity...
Thu, April 11, 2019
Virtual Legality #48 - This Video Will Be Demonetized: Weedcraft Inc. vs The Tech Giants (Hoeg Law)
null
Tue, April 09, 2019
Virtual Legality #47 - Gizmodo Group Sold! What is "Private Equity" Anyway? (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (0:58) The Gizmodo Media Group (2:18) Gizmodo Media Group Is Sold to a Private Equity Firm (11:24) Toys-R-Us Bankruptcy (24:26) What Private Equity Firms Are (27:55) Understanding Private Equity (31:42) Advantages of Private Equity (32:43) The History of Private Equity (34:18) Distressed Funding (37:32) About Us Page (43:35) Holding Period
Mon, April 08, 2019
Virtual Legality #46 - Epic's Exclusive Problem: Borderlands 3, Review Bombs, and Steam's Response
null
Thu, April 04, 2019
Virtual Legality #45 - The Difficult Case of Easy Mode: Shadows Never Die? (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Disclaimer (0:42) Introduction (3:32) Kotaku Article (8:10) Easy is a Dirty Word (12:33) Difficulty is the Point (14:57) The Case for Easy Mode (16:26) The Problem with Easy Mode (22:32) Easy Mode Has Never Ruined a Game (24:11) Should All Games Have Difficulty Settings (25:52) Miyazaki on Difficulty (26:37) Easy Mode vs Film (28:13) Ulysses (30:19) The Medium (32:05) The Search (37:58) Outro
Tue, April 02, 2019
Virtual Legality #44 - Kotaku Adds Another Note to Bioware's Discordant Anthem (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (2:45) How BioWare's Anthem Went Wrong (42:56) Anthem Game Development
Mon, April 01, 2019
Virtual Legality #43 - It Belongs in a Museum! DriveClub and the War for Gaming's Future
null
Fri, March 29, 2019
Virtual Legality #42 - Borderlands 3: Magic, Messaging, and the State of the Industry (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (1:03) Borderlands 3 (10:12) Borderlands 3 Announcement (10:47) Borderlands 3 Trailer (12:29) Battlefield 5 Announcement
Fri, March 29, 2019
Virtual Legality #42 - Borderlands 3: Magic, Messaging, and the State of the Industry (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (1:03) Borderlands 3 (10:12) Borderlands 3 Announcement (10:47) Borderlands 3 Trailer (12:29) Battlefield 5 Announcement
Wed, March 27, 2019
Virtual Legality #41 - EA and Activision Lay Off Hundreds: A Study in Messaging (Hoeg Law)
null
Mon, March 25, 2019
Virtual Legality #40 - Apple Arcade: Will Pay-Per-Minute Spell Doom for Mobile Games? (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Intro (0:42) Apple Arcade (5:23) Apple Arcade Details (6:58) Matt Piscatellas Thoughts (11:33) Daily Gab (14:57) Matts Baseline Tweet (18:28) Matts Response (26:49) What It Means for Game Development
Mon, March 25, 2019
Virtual Legality #40 - Apple Arcade: Will Pay-Per-Minute Spell Doom for Mobile Games? (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Intro (0:42) Apple Arcade (5:23) Apple Arcade Details (6:58) Matt Piscatellas Thoughts (11:33) Daily Gab (14:57) Matts Baseline Tweet (18:28) Matts Response (26:49) What It Means for Game Development
Sun, March 24, 2019
Virtual Legality #39 - Games Stopped: What Sony's Retail Cut Off means for Gaming's Digital Future
null (0:00) Disclaimer (0:42) Introduction (4:53) GameStop memo (6:12) Questions (7:50) What will happen (9:35) How does this affect guests (10:46) What does this mean (12:03) Data Privacy (12:46) Impact on Customers (15:17) Gamestop Digital Downloads (16:23) Reddit Reset Area (17:08) Does Epic Have Keys (18:36) Will Sony Offend Game Stop (20:06) New Game Stop CEO (22:03) GameStop 20 (24:12) The Future of Retail (26:02) The Digital Future (28:34) Corporate Decisions
Wed, March 20, 2019
Virtual Legality #38 - Lucasfilm Games, Electronic Arts, and the Future of Star Wars (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (1:09) Star Wars Franchise (1:41) The Electronic Arts License Agreement with Disney (2:41) Resurrected Lucasfilm Games (5:59) Indiana Jones (9:29) Ea and Disney Sign Exclusive Deal for Rights To Star Wars Games (12:31) Ea's Trouble Decade of Star Wars Games (15:14) Lucasfilm Approval (19:06) Qualifications (21:02) Exclusive Intellectual Property License (31:01) Future of Star Wars
Tue, March 19, 2019
Virtual Legality #37 - Google Announces Stadia - Is it Really "The Future of Gaming"? (Hoeg Law)
null
Sun, March 17, 2019
Virtual Legality #36 Red-Handed! How Epic's Privacy Policy Gave It Permission to Snoop (Hoeg Law)
null
Wed, March 13, 2019
Virtual Legality #35 - Sony to Buy Rockstar (and Take Two)? The Legalities of Acquisition (Hoeg Law)
null
Tue, March 12, 2019
Virtual Legality #34 - Indictment! The Unexpected Marriage of RICO, Fraud, and College Athletics
null
Mon, March 11, 2019
Virtual Legality #33 - Amy Hennig, Specialization of Labor, and Outsourcing's Uncharted Future
null
Wed, March 06, 2019
Virtual Legality #32 - Steam, "Rape Day", and the Chilling Effect of Vague Standards
null
Mon, March 04, 2019
Virtual Legality #31 - Refunds for Anthem? (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (2:30) Sony is apparently refunding PS4 owners their Anthem digital purchase due to midgame crashes and complete shutdown. (4:12) This is the only game that causes a complete PS4 shutdown (7:08) PSA to Playstation Anthem Players (11:00) "PSN Terms of Service and User Agreement (22:49) ELECTRONIC ARTS USER AGREEMENT (27:16) What are EA's Warranty Policies? (29:49) Patch The Process
Fri, March 01, 2019
Virtual Legality #30 - Bungie's $150M Bet (and how it might be monetized) (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (3:05) Bungie-Activision contract (7:30) Tweets from Daniel Ahmad (14:20) Activision Blizzard 10-K Filing (18:15) Tweets from PC Games Insider (22:18) THIS WEEK AT BUNGIE – 2/28/2019 (27:50) Tweets from Skill Up (30:23) Limited Software License Agreement
Thu, February 28, 2019
Virtual Legality #29 - Overkill! Is Starbreeze now one of the Walking Dead? (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Intro (3:32) Starbreeze Statement (11:58) Insider Trading (13:11) Reconstruction (21:46) Extended Reconstruction Period (25:30) Skybound Ends Contract with Starbreeze (27:28) Contractual Promises (30:51) Termination (33:26) Bungie Contract (39:33) Conclusion
Tue, February 26, 2019
Virtual Legality #28 - Winnie the Pooh, Red Candles, and Steam's Devotion to China
null
Sat, February 23, 2019
Virtual Legality #27-2 Update: Sponsored by EA? (Hoeg Law)
null
Fri, February 22, 2019
Virtual Legality #27 - Game Changer! Did EA force influencer to violate False Advertising Laws?
null
Thu, February 21, 2019
Virtual Legality #26 - The Shoe Head 'Round the World: Zion Williamson, Nike, and Contract Law
null
Tue, February 19, 2019
Virtual Legality #25 - Scalebound on Nintendo? IP, Contract, and Trademark Law (Hoeg Law)
null
Wed, February 13, 2019
Virtual Legality #24 - Let Me Call You Sweetheart: Necco in Bankruptcy (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Intro (2:40) Sweet Heart Candies Hard to Find (9:33) Spengler Backs Out of Deal (15:01) Round Hill Buys Necco (20:35) Spangler Buys Necco (23:15) Sweet Hearts
Wed, February 06, 2019
Virtual Legality #23 - Does Steam hold the "Keys" to Epic's Game Store Kingdom? (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (2:03) Comments (6:48) Authorized Digital Retailers (14:25) Steam Keys (15:25) Ftc Guidelines on Advertiser Standards (16:40) Overview of the Steam Key Guidelines (17:53) Types of Keys
Mon, February 04, 2019
Virtual Legality #22 - Apex Legends: Running Afoul of FTC Advertiser Guidelines? (Hoeg Law)
null (0:00) Opening (3:52) What is Apex legends available on?
Thu, January 31, 2019
Virtual Legality #21 - How a Simple Enterprise License Led to a Tech Civil War (Hoeg Law)
null
Wed, January 30, 2019
Virtual Legality #20 - Metro's Epic Exodus (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg analyzes Epic Game Store's exclusivity strategy and its impact on the gaming industry. He explores consumer preferences, Valve's response to competition, and the effects of review bombing. The legal aspects of game companies and the future of PC gaming are also discussed. (0:00) Introduction and disclaimer (1:15) Analysis on Epic Game Store's exclusivity strategy and its impact on the gaming industry (7:28) Consumer preferences and the impact of price difference between Epic Game Store and Steam (10:01) Examination of Valve's response to competition and Metro Exodus's exclusivity (13:07) Assessment of Epic Game Store's business strategy (15:34) Exploring the organizational structure and legal aspects of game companies (19:54) Deep dive into the concept of review bombing and its impact on developers (26:08) Analysis of review bombing on Steam and its effect on the Metro Trilogy games (33:23) Consumer perspective on game distribution platforms and game pricing (38:48) Promotion of Virtual Legality on various platforms (40:09) Future of Epic Game Store, Steam, and the PC gaming industry
Tue, January 29, 2019
Virtual Legality #19 - GameStop Not for Sale?! (And More for 2019) (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg examines GameStop's business model, discusses key 2019 video game lawsuits, and explores the role of judges in IP disputes. He also delves into DMCA abuse, the Star Control IP battle, and predictions for the gaming industry. Richard further discusses GameStop's potential buyout, its failed sale, and the impact of the Toys R Us bankruptcy on its situation. The episode concludes with the challenges a future GameStop CEO might face. (0:00) Introduction and Topic Overview (1:32) State of GameStop and its Business Model (2:51) Video Games 2019 Lawsuits, Streaming, Child Safety, and Dying Retail (6:41) Role of Judges in Intellectual Property Disputes (11:00) DMCA Abuse and the Star Control Intellectual Property Battle (15:23) Predictions for the Gaming Industry in 2019 (17:08) Examination of GameStop's Struggles and Potential Buyout (21:21) Role of Private Equity in the Gaming Industry (25:04) GameStop's Failed Attempt to Sell the Company (31:21) Impact of Toys R Us Bankruptcy on GameStop's Situation (34:54) Challenges Faced by the Future CEO of GameStop (37:08) Conclusion and Request for Audience Feedback
Sat, January 26, 2019
Virtual Legality #18 - Metroid Prime 4 vs Anthem: A Tale of Two Messages (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dissects the legalities around Metroid Prime 4's development updates for Nintendo Switch and the launch at Nintendo E3 2017. He also discusses the controversies surrounding EA's Anthem pre-order page and the VIP Demo update from BioWare’s Head of Live Service, as well as EA Help Twitter. (0:00) Opening (4:08) Metroid Prime 4 - First Look - Nintendo E3 2017 (5:00) Development Update on Metroid Prime 4 for Nintendo Switch (15:20) Electronic Arts Anthem Pre-Order Page (17:58) Anthem VIP Demo: an update from BioWare’s Head of Live Service (24:29) EA Help Twitter
Fri, January 25, 2019
Virtual Legality #17 - Gamestop and Kingdom Hearts: Broken (Pre-Order) Promises (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the legalities surrounding Gamestop and Kingdom Hearts. He explores the availability section, discusses a Polygon article, analyzes a Kingdom Hearts article, and concludes with his final thoughts. (0:00) Intro (1:43) Gamestop and Kingdom Hearts (9:55) Availability Section (13:21) Polygon Article (14:04) Kingdom Hearts Article (20:11) Final Thoughts
Wed, January 23, 2019
Virtual Legality #16 - Copyright and "Dreams" (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses user-created Silent Hill and Dead Space content in Dreams, answers Twitter questions, shares insights from a Media Molecule interview, and scrutinizes PlayStation's Terms of Service, Community Code of Conduct, and DMCA issues. (0:00) Intro (2:05) Silent Hill in Dreams (8:08) Dead Space in Dreams (10:43) Twitter Questions (19:26) Media Molecule Interview (25:06) PlayStation Terms of Service (25:31) Community Code of Conduct (29:06) DMCA
Wed, January 16, 2019
Virtual Legality #15 - Red Dead Redemption 2 vs The Pinkertons: A Legal Deep Dive (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the First Amendment and Trademark Act, discussing false designations of origin and dilution of trademark rights. He explores the cease and desist letter, the historical accuracy of Red Dead 2, and the guns of Red Dead Redemption. He also examines launch trailers, Pinkerton references in media and popular culture, nominative fair use, and 15 Usc 1 1 1 5. (0:00) Opening (10:55) The First Amendment (12:51) Trademark Act (13:12) False Designations of Origin and Dilution of the Trademark Rights (26:39) The Cease and Desist Letter (27:36) Historical Accuracy of Red Dead 2 (31:19) Guns of Red Dead Redemption (38:43) Launch Trailers (39:46) Pinkerton References in Media and Popular Culture (50:52) Nominative Fair Use (58:53) 15 Usc 1 1 1 5
Mon, January 14, 2019
Virtual Legality #14 - Securities Law, Executive Compensation, and Activision (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the new CFO at Activision Blizzard, Jason Schreyer. He delves into the role of CFOs, the alleged fraud at Activision, and what the recent SEC filings reveal about the company's state. (0:00) Introduction (1:08) Activision Blizzard (8:34) New CFO (11:00) Jason Schreyer (15:22) CFOs (16:05) Activision (18:08) Activision Fraud (21:00) SEC Filings (24:28) Activision Filing
Thu, January 10, 2019
Virtual Legality #13 - Realizing Their Destiny: Bungie splits from Activision (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Activision's plans to transfer publishing rights for Destiny to Bungie, delving into contract law and intellectual property ownership. The episode concludes with a discussion on Halo Reach and termination. (0:00) Opening (3:58) Plans for Activision To Transfer Publishing Rights for Destiny to Bungie (12:49) Law of Contracts (21:51) Intellectual Property Ownership (32:46) Halo Reach (38:50) Termination
Mon, January 07, 2019
Virtual Legality #12 - Rules of the Game: The 30 Yard "Incompletion" (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the intricacies of what constitutes a catch in video games, discussing the third step rule, Rule 15 Section 2, and Article 5. He also analyzes the on-field ruling of a dead ball as an incomplete forward pass and the coach's challenge. (0:00) Opening (5:42) What Constitutes a Catch and Why (6:32) The Third Step Rule (7:26) Rule 15 Section 2 (8:02) Article 5 (8:33) On-Field Ruling of a Dead Ball as an Incomplete Forward Pass (16:00) Coach's Challenge
Tue, January 01, 2019
Virtual Legality #11 - Star Control: Origins, Stardock, and the DMCA (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Star Control Origins, providing an in-depth look at copyright laws, infringement, and the rights of a copyright owner. He also delves into Section 102, the DMCA, safe harbor provisions, and procedures for notification of claimed infringement along with potential penalties. (0:00) Opening (0:56) Disclaimers (16:46) Star Control Origins (23:25) What Is Copyright (24:09) Copyright (24:12) Infringement of Copyright (25:26) What Are the Rights of a Copyright Owner (25:43) Section 102 (33:17) The Dmca (34:57) Safe Harbor (38:10) Notification of Claimed Infringement (41:30) Penalties (43:05) Materiality Qualifier (49:29) Summary
Fri, December 28, 2018
Virtual Legality #10 - What Can Far Cry 5 and Assassin's Creed Odyssey tell us about the Industry?
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the analysis of Steam's top grossing games, discussing the rise of free-to-play games with a focus on Warframe. He explores changes in the gaming industry, touching on controversies like loot boxes and platform exclusivity. He also looks into the business aspects, Valve's responsibilities, and Epic Games' strategies. Lastly, he discusses future predictions for digital game store contracts and recaps the year for Virtual Legality. (0:00) Introduction and overview of today's topic - Analysis of Steam's top grossing games (2:25) The rise of free-to-play games and the success story of Warframe (5:23) The changing landscape of the gaming industry: Multiplayer games and longevity of older games (10:19) Controversies in the gaming industry: Loot boxes and platform exclusivity (14:08) The business side of gaming: Valve's fiduciary responsibility and Epic Games' market strategy (19:13) The competitive digital game store landscape: Threats and challenges for Steam (21:32) Future predictions for digital game store contracts (23:32) Recap of the year and future plans for Virtual Legality
Thu, December 20, 2018
Virtual Legality #9 - Battlefield V and EA Stock Price (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into EA's guidance cut, exploring its implications. He also discusses the politics surrounding Battlefield V and EA's response. Further topics include the provision of guidance, discounting strategies, and monetization in digital spaces. (0:00) Introduction (2:24) Analysis (8:04) EA Guidance Cut (9:41) Battlefield V Politics (11:39) EAs Response (16:20) Guidance Provision (24:36) Discounts (26:50) Monetization
Mon, December 17, 2018
Virtual Legality #8(a) - Marvel's Spider-Man: "Raimi Suit" Q+A (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the controversy surrounding Insomniac Games' policies and the Ramey Suit. He discusses the legal implications of premature information sharing, game DLC value, and licensing terms for various types of games. The episode also explores the Sony-Marvel relationship, community management challenges, and the legal complexities of Spider Man's Ramey Suit rights. It concludes with speculation on future DLCs. (0:00) Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode (1:43) Audience Feedback and Comments (2:16) Insomniac Games' Policies and the Ramey Suit Controversy (4:30) Legal Implications of Premature Information Sharing (5:45) Audience Feedback and Game DLC Value (7:13) Licensing Terms for Movie Tie-in Games vs Independent Games (10:05) Sony-Marvel Relationship and Company Position Changes (13:20) Community Management Challenges and Audience Feedback (15:33) Game Developers, Financial Teams, and Rights of Spider Man Ramey Suit (20:11) Lawyer's Interpretation Impact on Contract and IP Rights (24:10) Speculation and Response on Suit Inclusion in Future DLCs (26:19) Closing Remarks and Viewer Engagement
Thu, December 13, 2018
Virtual Legality #8 - Marvel's Spider Man: Licensing and the "Raimi Suit" (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the legal complexities surrounding the "Ramey suit" in Marvel's Spider Man game. He discusses Insomniac Games' response to fan criticisms, the Marvel-Sony alliance, and the business aspects of adding the suit. The episode concludes with listener feedback and appreciation. (0:00) Introduction and Marvel's Spider Man game overview (2:33) Insomniac Games' stance and response to fan criticisms (3:56) The complexity of licensing and contract for the "Ramey suit" (7:16) The Marvel-Sony alliance and its impact on the game (9:44) Business considerations of adding the "Ramey suit" to the game (12:41) The importance of negotiation leverage in the gaming industry (14:28) Intellectual property and contracts in the gaming industry (15:27) Closing thoughts and the reasoning behind Insomniac's actions (16:07) Listener feedback and appreciation: Closing the episode
Wed, December 12, 2018
Virtual Legality #7 - Gaming, Government, and You (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the topic of regulation in the video game industry. He analyzes congressional hearings, Google's impact, and political grandstanding. He critiques lawmakers' tech understanding and discusses the risks of government intervention. The episode concludes with a discussion on the balance between regulation and freedom, and the importance of self-regulation. (0:00) Introduction and Discussion on Regulation in the Video Game Industry (2:04) Analysis of Congressional Hearings and Google's Impact (4:10) Political Grandstanding and Regulatory Infrastructure (7:18) Effectiveness and Critique of Congressional Hearings (9:18) Implications of Lawmakers' Lack of Tech Understanding (11:08) Government Regulation in the Video Game Industry: Risks and Advice (14:05) Worst-Case Scenario of Government Intervention in Tech Industries (14:38) Balance Between Regulation and Freedom in the Gaming Industry (15:52) Role and Importance of Self-Regulation in the Gaming Industry (16:43) Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Mon, December 10, 2018
Virtual Legality #6 - Epic Excluding Steam?! (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the launch of the Epic Game Store and its impact on the gaming industry. He explores how Fortnite profits are fueling Epic's rivalry with Steam, discusses Epic's aggressive strategy, and analyses its potential long-term success. He also examines the effect of Epic's revenue split on game developers, and the removal of Infinity Blade games from the iOS Store. (0:00) Introduction and episode overview (1:38) Epic Game Store's launch and its impact (2:49) How Fortnite profits are fueling Epic's competition with Steam (7:22) Benefits and challenges of Epic's market disruption (9:53) Analysis of Epic's aggressive strategy and its potential long-term success (13:00) Epic's revenue split and its impact on game developers (15:30) The impact of the Epic Game Store on the gaming industry (18:40) The role of Epic in competitive pricing and recommendations (20:43) Removal of Infinity Blade games from iOS Store and Epic's shift in focus (22:35) Conclusion and closing remarks
Thu, December 06, 2018
Virtual Legality #5 - Epic Lawsuit! Does Fortnite Infringe on Dancer's Rights? (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the legal controversies surrounding Epic Games' use of dances in 'Fortnite', including the lawsuit from rapper 2 Milly. He delves into the Ferguson v Epic Games case and explains the intricacies of the US Copyright Act, particularly focusing on choreography and pantomime registration. (0:00) Opening (0:36) Rapper 2 Milly sues Epic Games for using his dance in 'Fortnite' (2:50) Ferguson v Epic Games (14:48) The United States Copyright Act (17:02) Copyright Registration of Choreography and Pantomime (25:02) Fortnite takes heat from rappers, actors on monetized dance moves
Wed, December 05, 2018
Virtual Legality #4 - An Epic Fail for Steam?
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the business models of Steam and Epic Games, analyzing their revenue share tiers and impact on indie developers. He examines the disruption caused by big games like Fortnite and the Epic Game Store's developer-friendly approach. Richard speculates on the future of digital game marketplaces and the potential threat Steam faces from Epic's new model. (0:00) Introduction and discussion on Steam's business model and shortcomings (7:23) Analysis of Steam's revenue share tiers and their impact on indie developers (10:16) Discussion on the impact of big games like Fortnite and Epic's disruption of the digital video game ecosystem (15:23) Examination of the Epic Game Store's operating principles, revenue split, and developer-friendly approach (20:10) Epic's cost analysis compared with Steam's and the sustainability of the 88.12 revenue split (25:10) Speculation on the future of digital game marketplaces, Steam's potential response, and the advantages of Epic's model (31:06) Discussion on Steam's potential threat from Epic's new model and Richard's optimism about Epic's impact on the industry (32:01) Richard's closing remarks and invitation to follow him on Twitter
Fri, November 30, 2018
Virtual Legality #3 - IGDA Calls the Industry to Act on Loot Boxes (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses loot boxes in video games, examining the IGDA's call for child protection and FTC's investigation. He delves into the history and regulation of the industry, ESRB's approach, and potential solutions like credit card payments and system-level requirements. (0:00) Introduction and discussion on loot boxes (1:32) Call for child protection and examination of IGDA's statement (3:12) FTC's investigation and analysis of loot box laws (5:11) History and regulation in the video game industry (7:34) ESRB's approach and potential FTC regulation (9:31) IGDA's call to action and launching an education campaign (11:23) Disclosure of loot box odds and marketing ethics (14:32) Realism of marketing to children and industry defense (15:24) Potential solutions: Credit card payments and system-level requirements (17:22) Industry discussions on the issue and closing thoughts (18:19) Request for feedback and appreciation for listeners
Wed, November 28, 2018
Virtual Legality #2 - Will the FTC *Really* Ban Loot Boxes? (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, providing a comprehensive summary and discussing the legal definition of a bet or wager. (0:00) Opening (8:20) Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (8:31) Summary of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (9:39) What Constitutes a Bet or Wager
Tue, November 27, 2018
Virtual Legality #1 - Refund Fallout 76 (Hoeg Law)
In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into an article concerning ZeniMax's terms, discusses defined terms in legal agreements, explores the concept of limited license, and examines the implications of limited liability in the digital realm. (0:00) Intro (0:45) Article (11:20) ZeniMax Terms (13:18) Defined Terms (15:10) Limited License (22:35) Limited Liability
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