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Atari Files to Dismiss Turbine's 'Frivolous' D&D Lawsuit

Posted September 3, 2009 by James Brightman

Last week we reported on a lawsuit filed by Turbine against Atari, concerning the Dugeons and Dragons license. Turbine's looking for damages to cover "in excess of $30 million in losses." The developer claims that Atari deliberately failed to devote the necessary resources for the distribution and promotion of the subscription-based MMO Dungeons and Dragons Online: Stormreach. Turbine said Atari was breaching its license agreement and attempting to sabotage Turbine's plans because Atari's focus on its own "competing product."

Today, Atari officially responded, filing a motion to dismiss Turbine's lawsuit. Atari issued this statement to IndustryGamers:

"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.”

James Brightman has been covering the games industry since 2003 and has been an avid gamer ever since the days of Atari and Intellivision. He was previously the EIC of GameDaily Biz.




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