Battle Over Bots
Skillz files lawsuit against rivals Voodoo over alleged "straight-out lies", bots, and rigged tournaments
Their latest suit claims Voodoo has falsely advertised Blitz - Win Cash and harmed Skillz market share
Gambling Crackdown
Northern Ireland’s APG wants "stringent, legally mandated regulations" imposed on loot boxes
The group has called for gambling mechanics in games to be "severely limited" now that the results of a public health inquiry are in
Legal Advice
Epic's Fortnite fine: The precedent and potential consequences of in-game purchases in the Netherlands
Epic Games were hit with a €1m+ bill for "deceiving children", but what can devs and publishers do to avoid being hit with similar legal action?
Platform Party
Eggy Party to expand onto console with crossplay Nintendo Switch release
NetEase’s hit party game is releasing on Nintendo Switch on July 19th
Legal Advice
How to stay legal, safe and secure in the wild west of web3
From the ownership of digital goods to user data and privacy, the world of web3 is filled with new legal precedents and pitfalls. Here's our guide to keeping your business and your users safe
Legal Upset
Apple on track to fall foul of DMA legislation with a potential penalty of $50M per day
Leaks suggest that Apple has failed to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, costing the firm 5% of its daily global revenue
Legislation Looming
Fortnite and The Epic Games Store will be arriving on iOS in Japan in 2025
The Epic Games Store will be available as an alternative to Apple’s App Store in Japan next year, based on new legislation
Latest Lawsuit
Google hit by £13.6 billion lawsuit over alleged "self-preferencing" and anticompetitive behaviour
Ad Tech Collective Action LLP is taking Google to court, though a date has yet to be set
Legal Advice
DMCA vs user-generated content: The case of Nintendo vs Garry's Mod
When your users can create anything they want in your game world, having rock-solid Terms of Use becomes a vital necessity
Lessons In Law
DMCA know-how: How to protect your rights and assets in 2024
Over 25 years after the introduction of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act it's still working to protect rights and ownership. Here's how to wield its power
Futura Focus
Rising star: Why game developers are turning their attention to the UAE
Futura Digital dives into the business and legal aspects of setting up a business in the UAE
Tiktok Troubles
TikTok files appeal over "unconstitutional" US divest-or-ban law
TikTok claims it cannot separate from ByteDance and any concerns could be addressed less restrictively
Dma Demands
EU ruling gives Apple six months to bring iPadOS into line with DMA demands
Apple’s iPadOS will be held to the same standards as the iPhone operating system after qualitative investigation
Epic Battle
Apple fights back and denies violating US court order on alternative payments
Tech giant claims new rules were implemented "in good faith"
Taking A Bite
US files lawsuit against Apple’s "monopoly power to extract more money from consumers"
It's happened… Apple is accused of driving up prices, withholding information from developers and more
Microsoft Mucks Up
FTC cries foul at Microsoft’s 1,900 layoffs with Activision Blizzard merger under threat
Microsoft counter claim that Activision Blizzard were already planning layoffs before taking them on
Indonesia's Intentions
Publishing in Indonesia? New laws could require you to set up a company there
The Indonesian government is looking to update its legal requirements for game publishers in order to avoid being "just a spectator"
Ip Investigation
The Pokémon Company will "investigate" IP infringement after questions raised around Palworld
Palworld's monster designs are being compared with Pokémon's as questions around IP and copyright swirl
Successful Defence
Homa wins Craft Island court case against Voodoo, ending almost three years of uncertainty
Voodoo had accused Homa of "maintaining confusion" through similarities between Homa's Craft Island and their own Lumbercraft
Epic Response
Epic Games blasts Google's settlement with US states as "no true relief for consumers or developers"
Epic Games has released a settlement following the reveal of Google’s $700 million settlement
Google Grumbles
Google agrees to pay $700 million and change app store rules after antitrust settlement
The results of Google’s loss against 50 US attorneys general are finally revealed
Legal News
Activision Blizzard to pay $55 million in gender discrimination settlement
Agreement puts end to lawsuit filed by the Department of Fair Employment and Houses in 2021
Sweeney's Success
"The end of these ridiculous 30% fees is near." Tim Sweeney crows victory in Epic Vs Google battle
Epic Games’ Tim Sweeney has been taking to social media and more to celebrate his win over Google
Lawsuit Landing
AviaGames accused of using bots to win its own cash prizes
A lawsuit from Big Run Studios and Skillz alleges that AviaGames Bingo Clash not only copied their Blackout Bingo but use bots to deprive winners
Loot Box Laws
South Korea to mandate 'probability displays' and investigate blockchain games on Apple and Google stores
Probability displays for card games will function similarly to the incumbent reveals of gacha and loot box odds
Industry Investigations
India arrests Vivo smartphone executives in latest China retaliation
Vivo has previously come under investigation in a money laundering probe
Chinese App Market
Apple isn’t complying with China’s new app store regulations
The Cyberspace Administration of China has named 26 app stores complying with its new rules
Unity Runtime Fee
Unity removed its terms of service “because the views were so low”
The company’s recent Unity Runtime Fee changes go against the previously established terms of service
Legalities
Unity's Runtime Fee: Is it even legal?
Top legal companies have offered their thoughts on Unity's unpopular introduction of its proposed Runtime Fee
Unity
Unity closes two offices following death threat
Their controversial pricing change proves to be increasingly unpopular
Licence Locked In
Krafton gains global exclusive licence for a Dark and Darker mobile adaptation
The publisher is excited by the new Ironmace IP but will remain a third party in legal battles
Legislation
South Korea could enforce an approval system for Chinese games
The Game Industry Promotion Law may soon be amended based on overseas practices
Legal
FunPlus face another lawsuit for misleading advertising in King of Avalon
The latest suit is being filed by same firm as the previous suit
Legal
NetEase to sue over Blizzard breakup for $43.5m
The lawsuit comes months after their fallout, attempted make up, and heated disagreements
Buzzfeed Vs. Versusgame
Buzzfeed sues mobile quiz platform VersusGame for $647,000
The website alleges that VersusGame has failed to pay invoices as part of a previous deal agreement
Legal
Yuji Naka admits to insider trading in Tokyo court
The console and mobile developer and producer most famous for Sonic was arrested on suspicion of insider trading
Views Week
Week in Views - What caught our editorial eyes in the last seven days
The Pocketgamer.biz team take their pick of this weeks big news to talk big games moving to mobile, big money being made, and big trouble for some big names
Views Week
Week in Views - What caught our editorial eyes in the last seven days
The Pocketgamer.biz team look forward to the year ahead and ponder player-friendly monetisation
Aiming For Acquisition Approval
The list of nations approving Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition grows
Among the approving nations are Brazil, Serbia and Chile
Alleged Arrest
Yuji Naka reportedly arrested for second time in three weeks over insider trading allegations
Trading investigation relates to Square Enix’s Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy franchises
Views Week
Week in Views - What caught our editorial eyes in the last seven days
The PocketGamer.biz team reflect on a week of hot new games, success stories and legal worries…
Tencent On Trial
Tencent to stand trial in copyright infringement suit tomorrow
The company has been accused of infringing on the rights of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang by Moonton
Company Vs. Consumer
FunPlus and KingsGroup face class action lawsuit for misleading prices
The suit alleges that State of Survival falsely advertises discounted items
Roe Vs. Wade
Mobile games developers come out in support of abortion rights
Niantic, Innersloth, Ubisoft and more speak out, while Activision Blizzard, Apple, Netflix, and others add financial support for affected employees
More Transparency
Apple ATT policies under investigation by Germany’s cartel office
Cartel office proceedings follows investigation against Google in January 2022
To Me To You
Apple requests courts reject Epic Games' appeal
Ongoing dispute sees iPhone firm argue that Epic has not shown any legal error
No Play
No new games were approved for release in China during August or September
Banhammer is swinging
China Syndrome
Mobile Mavens: Reaction to China's new restrictions on children gaming
Only three hours a week
Epic Win
Epic Games wins appeal against Apple in Australia
"This is a positive step forward for Australian consumers and developers”
Got Your Number
China announces a new playtime logging system for all gamers
CCP tightening the screws