Technology Supports Digital Resale

AUG. 13, 2012 • Back on July 3rd the European Union’s Court of Justice ruled in UsedSoft GmbH v Oracle International Corp. that software distributed by digital download could indeed be resold to a third party. “Where the copyright holder makes available to his customer a copy – tangible or intangible – and at the same time concludes, in return form payment of a fee, a license agreement granting the customer the right to use that copy for an unlim.....

Epic Games Gives Big Huge Game Employees New Home

Aug. 10, 2012 • While most of the fallout from the demise of 38 Studios earlier this year was concentrated in Rhode Island, the bankruptcy also cast adrift the Big Huge Games team based in Maryland. As is now coming to light, Epic Games came to the rescue in June and picked up a good number of the Big Huge Games team to launch Impossible Studios in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Heading up Impossible is Sean Dunn, who was studio general manager at Big Huge Games. Althou.....

Korean Game Publishers Post Financial Results

Aug. 9, 2012 • Financial results are in for several Korean game publishers.  Nexon Co., Ltd. saw its total revenue increase 12% to ¥22,876 million ($291 million) during the second quarter ending June 30. The bright spot was results from China, which saw an increase in revenue of 38% to ¥10,737 million ($136.7 million). Revenue in Korea and North America remained unchanged compared to the same period last year at ¥6,251 million ($79.6 million) and ¥1,515 mil.....

Electronic Arts Star Wars: The Old Republic Goes Free-to-Play

AUG 1, 2012 • Electronic Arts described its road map for transforming Star Wars: The Old Republic into a free-to-play MMO. Starting Aug. 6, the game’s MSRP is being reduced to $14.99 to spur new sales. In November, the first 50 levels of the MMO will be free to play with restrictions on new content and high-level character options. “The pivot to free-to-play is really about opening up the top of the funnel and getting more players through and startin.....

Zynga Financial Results Disappoint

July 25, 2012 • Zynga Inc. posted bruising second quarter financial results that threw into question whether the social games powerhouse now faces declining fortunes ahead. The publisher posted a loss of $22.8 million for the quarter, with $332 million in revenue. Analysts had expected revenue of $343 million for the period. During the same quarter a year ago, Zynga turned a profit of $1.4 million. In worse news, Zynga cut its forcast for 2012 bookings, which is.....

World of Warcraft Mists of Pandaria Release Set

JULY 25, 2012 • Blizzard Ent. has set Sept. 25 as the release date for the new Mists of Pandaria expansion to World of Warcraft. The base package will be available at retail and digitally for $39.95. A $79.95 Collector’s Edition will also be available at retail. What is somewhat novel is that Blizzard is marketing a $59.95 Digital Deluxe version for $59.95 that includes all of the in-game virtual items from the more expensive retail edition. The most popul.....

Electronic Arts Antitrust Football Suit Settled

JULY 20, 2012 • Electronic Arts has reached a proposed settlement in a case where its EA Sports division was accused of violating antitrust and consumer protection laws in the overcharging of consumers for Madden NFL, NCAA and Arena Football League games. In each case EA had secured exclusive licenses to produce and market “official” third-party titles for the two professional leagues, and college football teams. The claim against EA Sports was that .....

Bigpoint Drops Mobile Development

JULY 19, 2012 • Bigpoint GmbH has made the economic decision that contracting with outside mobile development teams is preferable to maintaining in-house staff to create content for smartphones. The decision comes at the same time that executives Philip (chief games officer) and Tobias Reisberger (chief revenue officer) have stepped down to create their own mobile studio, AppFlag. While the departure of the brothers is said to be on good terms, it is reported th.....

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