![]() ![]() While the lawsuit works its way through the courts, development of Rune 2 has continued with a new developer, Studio 369, which was formed after the game's launch in order to ensure its continued support. On the other hand, it has strengthened our resolve to give our fans a fun game that they can enjoy for years to come."īethesda Softworks has declined to comment on the matter. "On one hand, it is shocking and disappointing to realize the lengths they went to sabotage Rune 2. ![]() ![]() "Since filing this lawsuit, we have learned new details that have dramatically strengthened our case," Candler said. Since filing this lawsuit, we have learned new details that have dramatically strengthened our case Rune 2 executive producer Matt CandlerĬandler said the behavior of both Human Head and ZeniMax before and after the launch of Rune 2, as alleged in the amended lawsuit, is evidence that there's more to the matter than simply acquiring a new studio: Human Head provided ZeniMax and Bethesda with unauthorized preview access to the game before it launched, the Human Head team became Bethesda employees more than a week before Rune 2 went live, and the dissolution of Human Head was kept secret from Ragnarok Game until the press announcement rolled out. "There is no doubt that Human Head pitched a game concept and plan to us (Ragnarok Game LLC) that intended to peel market share away from Skyrim by offering a comparable experience but with coop functionality." And after apparently very little diligence, Bethesda and Zenimax acquired Human Head in such a way that it was impossible for Human Head to deliver the game it promised to us and to the fans," Candler said in an email. "In our situation, Bethesda took a sudden interest in Human Head only after playing an early version of the Rune II. Candler told us that much of the "mountain of evidence" bolstering his claim remains confidential and can't be shared outside of the court, but added that ZeniMax and Bethesda have a "long track record" of underhanded behavior when it comes to dealing with competitors, and that he looks forward to "exposing the truth." If the $100 million figure is strategic, Ragnarok isn't letting on. Ultimately, it's this alleged motive that the claim uses to explain this conduct." Why go through the alleged plotting and planning, prior to release, and the very real risk of a lawsuit (as seen here) just to acquire a development team unless there’s a material benefit to Bethesda, beyond just the team? Most defunct studios are not of significant value to justify structuring the purchase in a way so as to risk an expensive lawsuit, regardless of the merits of that suit. "The claim that Rune 2 was a 'threat to Skyrim franchise' adds to the claim's narrative by providing an underlying motive for all the other alleged conduct. ![]() Many cases ultimately don’t go to trial so seeking a large amount for damages provides a good starting point for a settlement, which would most likely be a smaller amount. Plus, any damage award that large would likely be challenged on appeal. "The fact that they are seeking damages of $100 million is just an ask-real payout depends on the jury finding in their favour and agreeing with the damage amount sought. "When the defendants have deep pockets, it makes complete sense to seek a large amount as damages," Voyer wrote in an email. Still, it's a point that Ragnarok Game leaned into in its updated lawsuit, saying that after ZeniMax and Bethesda were able to play a pre-release build of Rune 2, they decided that it posed a "threat" to Skyrim, and The Elder Scrolls as a whole. With respect to everyone involved, it seems like a real stretch: Skyrim is part of The Elder Scrolls series, one of the biggest and most successful RPG game series of all time, and it's also now nine years old and well past the point where it needs to hustle for top spot. It seems like a lot of money over complications with the launch of a Viking brawler, but part of the foundation for that figure likely arises from comparisons between Rune 2 and Bethesda's storied, multi-million-selling RPG Skyrim. It's a very strange case to say the least-you can get a more in-depth look at what's going on in our July interview (opens in new tab) with Rune 2 executive producer Matt Candler and Ragnarok general counsel Sam Goldberg-and it left us with a lot of questions, one of the most obvious being where Ragnarok came up with the $100 million figure. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |