Activision will not try to block the release of independent developer Double Fine's Electronic Arts-published game, Brutal Legend, as the two companies reached a settlement this week.
The saga of Brutal Legend's release appears to be over, as the title's previous owner Activision and the game's developer Double Fine reached a settlement that paves the way for Electronic Arts to publish the game, The Associated Press reported Thursday. In June, Activision filed suit against Double Fine -- the independent developer also behind the cult classic Psychonauts -- demanding that a court place an injunction against the release of the game. In July, Double Fine delayed his ruling, tentatively siding with Double Fine. The drama surrounding Brutal Legend is rooted in the $18 billion merger between Activision and Vivendi Games. Just prior to the merger announcement, Vivendi subsidiary Sierra said it would publish Brutal Legend. But when Activision reviewed Vivendi's game portfolio, it showed no interest in Double Fine's game, and opted not to publish it. Later, Activision rival Electronic Arts picked up the publishing and distribution rights to the game under its EA Partners label. With the suit settled, EA can release the game during calendar Q4 as planned. EA CEO John Riccitiello has expressed high hopes for the game this holiday. One of the prominent selling points of Brutal Legend is the voicework of funny man Jack Black. The AP said a judge was to hear Activision's argument for an injunction this morning, but the hearing has since been canceled.
You May Also Like
