MMOs are big business for game companies, but it can also be the cause of large contract disputes and issues between developers and publishers. The latest business partnership to stumble into these problems is Turbine, which filed a lawsuit on August 24 against Atari claiming a breach of a licensing agreement for Dungeons & Dragons. According to Courthouse News, the complaint which was filed in New York County Court alleged six counts against Atari in their business dealings for the past six years, such as consistent breaches of contract to take advantage of Turbine's properties, a lack of promotion and distribution of Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach and attempting to gain additional money from Turbine's licensing of the D&D properties. Furthermore, Turbine claims that many of the maneuvers by Atari were designed to either undercut the upcoming launch of Dungeons & Dragons: Eberron Unlimited or help Atari launch its own competing MMO.
Turbine is seeking damages based on the various breaches in contract, negligent representation and other issues listed in the suit, as well as pre-judgment interest and court costs. We contacted Turbine's lawyer but received no word at the time this piece was published. A spokesman for Atari said that the company had no comment regarding the lawsuit at this time.
Update: Atari has issued IGN the following statement:
QUOTE "Last week, with no warning, Turbine filed what can only be viewed as a frivolous lawsuit against Atari. This action can ultimately do a great disservice to D&D fans and to the MMO community at large. Turbine's actions also appear intended to divert attention from the contractual obligations that Turbine owes to Atari. In response, today Atari served a motion to dismiss the entirety of Turbine's lawsuit. Atari also filed a separate complaint to recover monies owed to Atari resulting from an independent third party audit of Turbine. While Atari hopes for a quick and fair resolution, it remains fully committed to the D&D communities worldwide and will vigorously protect the franchise and its own integrity in this matter."
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Turbine is seeking damages based on the various breaches in contract, negligent representation and other issues listed in the suit, as well as pre-judgment interest and court costs. We contacted Turbine's lawyer but received no word at the time this piece was published. A spokesman for Atari said that the company had no comment regarding the lawsuit at this time.
Update: Atari has issued IGN the following statement:
QUOTE "Last week, with no warning, Turbine filed what can only be viewed as a frivolous lawsuit against Atari. This action can ultimately do a great disservice to D&D fans and to the MMO community at large. Turbine's actions also appear intended to divert attention from the contractual obligations that Turbine owes to Atari. In response, today Atari served a motion to dismiss the entirety of Turbine's lawsuit. Atari also filed a separate complaint to recover monies owed to Atari resulting from an independent third party audit of Turbine. While Atari hopes for a quick and fair resolution, it remains fully committed to the D&D communities worldwide and will vigorously protect the franchise and its own integrity in this matter."
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