Business Software Alliance Drops Suit Against MindArk

MindArk Studios, Swedish-based creators of the PC MMORPG Project Entropia, has announced the end of their legal troubles with the anti-piracy organization, the Business Software Alliance. The BSA had filed a lawsuit after receiving complaints from several tools providers, such as Microsoft, Adobe Systems, Macromedia, and Autodesk, alleging that MindArk was using illicitly obtained versions of their software to create the game. The charges have been dropped after an investigation proved that MindArk had licenses to use all the software in question, which ends the two-year lawsuit. It doesn't entirely settle the matter as far as MindArk is concerned, however, as they're currently preparing a countersuit against its accusers. Director of Community Relations Marco Behrmann says that "Even with the continued success of Project Entropia, MindArk will not disregard the fact that it has been hurt by the lawsuit. MindArk is prepared to counter-sue the BSA and other responsible members for damages caused by their actions. We want to get back the monetary loss from the past two years and give back to our loyal Project Entropia members." Project Entropia is particularly known for a recent news story in which an Australian player apparently paid $26,500 in real-world money for an 'extensively rendered virtual treasure island' in the game, in order to generate revenue from his ownership of the island. The game was launched in 2003, and has apparently reached over 180,000 registered accounts.