You may recall that Stephany told you about Blizzard’s suit against peons4hire, one of the most prodigious gold farming services in World of Warcraft. Now, a class-action suit has been filed in US District Court in Florida naming Internet Gaming Entertainment, Ltd. and IGE US as defendants.
The suit states as its basis that IGE has made a, “calculated decision to reap substantial profits by knowingly interfering with and substantially impairing the intended use and enjoyment,” of Blizzard’s World of Warcraft MMO. Under Florida’s Deceptive And Unfair Trade Practices Act, the defendants are seeking for this complaint to be heard by a jury.
The complaint centers around the lost time by subscribers, and the “conspiracy” of the folks farming and selling gold.
Honestly, as much as I would like to see this suit succeed, I have to wonder if there is actually a legal basis for the complaint. Virtual property is still a pretty much untested area of property law, and I don’t know how this one will shake out.
HOWEVER, let’s hope that this lawsuit is upheld, for a number of reasons.
First, it would set a great precedent for Blizzard, Turbine, and other MMO companies to point to in their legal dealings with these types of issues.
Second, it would be a loud message to the principals in the secondary market that it will no longer be tolerated, and that legal avenues are available for their prosecution.
Third, I can participate in that class action suit, and I might get enough cash to buy that cool t-shirt that William posted.
More on this as it develops, so stay tuned.
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