Virtual Legality
1,426 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 82 ratingsVirtual Legality is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
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Episodes
Jury Duty | What's It Like to Decide A Murder Trial? (w/ Mrs. HoegLaw) (VL780)
April 04, 2024 20:00 - 58 minutes - 53.1 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg and guest Mrs. HoegLaw delve into the intricacies of jury duty, exploring the selection process, case dynamics, and decision-making. They discuss the personal implications of jury duty, courtroom challenges, and reflect on lessons learned.
Real Lawyer Reads and Reacts | The US vs Apple Lawsuit (VL779)
March 22, 2024 17:00 - 3 hours - 195 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the impact of Apple's restrictive platform strategies on consumers and developers. He provides an in-depth analysis of the Sherman Act and its implications, discusses the legality of Apple's walled garden model, and evaluates the Department of Justice's claims against Apple's conduct.
What is a Sweet Baby Inc? | Let's Talk About It (and Harassment) (VL778)
March 12, 2024 17:00 - 2 hours - 117 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the internet drama around video games and gamergate, with a focus on the controversy surrounding Steam Curator "Sweet Baby Inc." He explores the company's role within the gaming industry, its storytelling methods, and potential legal action against them. Richard also discusses Sweet Baby Inc's involvement in Alan Wake 2 and encourages listener engagement.
Nintendo vs Yuzu | A Legal Look at Emulation and the DMCA (VL777)
February 29, 2024 17:00 - 2 hours - 126 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into Nintendo's lawsuit against Yuzu, discussing the intricacies of copyright laws, fair use, and game archival in the US. He examines the DMCA, the lawsuit against Tropic Haze LLC, and misconceptions about selling and fair use in copyright law. The episode also explores Yuzu's decryption process, game piracy, and its impact on Nintendo customers, along with potential outcomes of the case and the concept of equitable relief.
LAID OFF | Microsoft/Xbox Fires Almost 2000 (VL776)
January 26, 2024 05:00 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard layoffs and the role of investors. He touches on the departure of leadership personnel, the role of unions, and outsourcing customer support. Richard also delves into the state of the gaming industry, addresses listener queries, and dives into the future of game development.
Palworld vs Pokemon | Can This Be Legal? (VL775)
January 23, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 84.4 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the ethical and legal implications of Palworld's design, including a detailed analysis of its copyright controversy. He explores international copyright laws, the concept of true copies, and potential infringements. He also discusses the likelihood of Nintendo taking legal action.
Journalism vs The Future | Understanding the Coming AI Wars (VL774)
January 12, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 96.7 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses The New York Times' lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, delving into copyright laws related to AI. He explores the transition of The New York Times to a digital model and legal complexities involved. Richard analyzes the challenges posed by AI models and transformative technologies, as well as the legal claims in the lawsuit. He also considers the impact on educational use of copyrighted materials and the need for fair use revision. The episode conclu...
My Stroke Story | Anniversary Special - We Start Again (VL Extra)
December 30, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg and Mrs. Hoeg Law discuss stroke prevention and post-stroke anxiety. They reflect on the future, explore the perspective of co-counsel, and discuss realigning life priorities after a stroke.
Microsoft x Activision _ Under New Management (VL773)
December 22, 2023 05:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the leadership changes following Activision's acquisition, the end of Activision Blizzard's hybrid work model for QA staff, and their settlement of a California discrimination lawsuit. He also explores Microsoft's role in the settlement and speculates about a potential new CEO at Activision.
The Best Video Games of 2023 | Hoegs Debate (THABTO) (Part 1)
December 19, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 99.8 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg is joined by Tom Hoeg and Ian Runkle for a discussion on gaming highlights, Richard's recovery from a stroke, and their favorite games. They dive into "War Tales" and "Aces and Adventures," explore game concepts, and discuss Ian's experience with "Immortality." They wrap up with a VR gaming discussion and their top 10 games list.
The Best Video Games of 2023 | Hoegs Debate (Part 2, Thanks Ian!)
December 19, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 91.3 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg and Tom Hoeg discuss various video games including 'Against the Storm', 'Dead Island 2', 'Phantom Brigade', and more. They offer a defense for 'Cyberpunk 2077', delve into 'Baldur's Gate 3' and 'Starfield', and share their top games of the year.
EPIC WIN | Why Google Lost and What it Means For Apple (VL772)
December 13, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 72.8 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the Epic Games vs. Google legal battle. He provides insights on Google's control over third parties, analyzes the jury's verdict, and explains the Sherman Act and Epic's antitrust claims. The episode also covers topics like monopolization, Google's efforts to block other app stores, their 30% fee, and the impact of antitrust laws on console platforms and semi-open systems. The future of the Apple vs Epic case and Epic's role are also discussed.
Sony vs Bungie | A Not-So-Hostile Takeover? (VL771)
December 08, 2023 05:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into Sony's potential takeover of Bungie - exploring terms like "earnouts" and "dissolve", and the concept of a hostile takeover. He analyzes Bungie's performance, cost cutting measures, and the impact on morale. He also discusses the Game Awards, legal implications of layoffs, regulatory bodies in tech deals, and moral considerations.
A New (Old) Discovery | Sony says "You Don't Own Those!"...Again (VL770)
December 05, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 220 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg and guest speaker, Ian Runkle, delve into the legal aspects of digital ownership, focusing on PlayStation, Sony, and Warner Brothers Discovery. They discuss Sony's legal repercussions, copyright laws, intellectual property rights, and piracy. The conversation extends to the meaning of 'purchase' in digital media, the first sales doctrine, and its impact on digital content ownership. They also look at the shift to subscription models, the limitations of NFTs, and ...
DISNEY'S DISCLOSURE "SURPRISE" (VL769)
November 28, 2023 05:00 - 55 minutes - 50.4 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the Michigan vs Ohio State game, explores Giving Tuesday and charity initiatives, and provides an overview of the channel's content. He delves into the legal obligations of publicly traded companies, specifically focusing on Disney's SEC filings, and assesses their future prospects. He also addresses listener comments, discusses brand trust, representation, diversity in media, and intellectual property ownership, and concludes with implications of Disne...
A Man For All (Football) Seasons? | A Legal Look at Michigan-Harbaugh vs The Big 10 (VL768)
November 14, 2023 05:00 - 2 hours - 143 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the Big Ten Conference's sportsmanship policy, with special focus on Jim Harbaugh's potential innocence in the wild stallions affair. He examines the conference's letter to the University of Michigan, the legality of stealing signs during games, and Michigan's legal accountability. Richard explores the role of the Commissioner in NCAA investigations, the importance of access to underlying material in cases, and analyzes the decision made against the uni...
Those Who Stay Will Be...Cheaters? | Scouting Michigan Football v The NCAA Rulebook (VL767 - LIVE)
October 24, 2023 04:00 - 53 minutes - 122 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into the NCAA investigation into Michigan Football, examining allegations against staffer, Connor Stallions, and potential additional rule violations. The discussion extends to the "Wild Stallions Scandal" and NCAA bylaws. The episode also explores NCAA amendments, conduct rules, and ethical implications of exploiting loopholes, concluding with potential punishments for Michigan.
Deal Closed | Lawyer Answers Your Questions On Xbox x Activision | (VL766 - LIVE)
October 16, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 214 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg examines Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, discussing its impact on cloud gaming and the gaming industry. He explores a hypothetical scenario concerning FTC and US Congress legislation, the possible exclusion of Xbox games from streaming services, and the future of Bobby Kotick. Further, he looks at Microsoft's interest in mobile gaming, the role of King, and their strategy amidst the FTC case. He also touches on Ubisoft's potential use of Linux, concluding ...
"I Declare Public Domain!" | Just How Free is 'Fables' Anyway? (VL765 - LIVE)
September 18, 2023 04:00 - 48 minutes - 110 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the comic book property "Fables" and its video game adaptation, before delving into the Copyright Act and its implications on Fables. He explores copyright and trademark law reforms, third-party involvement, potential lawsuits, and IP ownership in the comic book industry. Listener queries on Fables, business law, and IP law are addressed, followed by a discussion on comic book IP and branding. The episode concludes with listener feedback on the movie in...
Did UNITY Just BURN IT ALL DOWN? (VL 764 - LIVE)
September 13, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 144 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the Unity game engine's business model and its impact on game developers. He analyzes Unity's new pricing plan, runtime fee, and data model for calculating installs. He also delves into the legal implications of Unity's terms of service changes and the industry's reaction to Unity's new fees. The episode closes with listener comments and legal disclaimers.
Xbox, Activision, FTC, CMA: What Happens Next? (VL763)
July 14, 2023 04:00 - 53 minutes - 122 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the FTC vs MSABK case, with a focus on antitrust laws and relevant cases. He examines the court's burden in merger cases, the FTC's stance, and the relevance of the Brown Shoe case. The conversation continues on FTC's challenges in proving merger legality doubts, their claims of court errors, and the potential harm to consumers post-merger. The episode also covers Microsoft's response, media misinterpretations, and potential settlements with UK's CMA.
Microsoft, Xbox, and Activision Beat FTC | Judge: Perhaps bad for Sony. But good for gamers. (VL762)
July 11, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 154 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the recent developments in the gaming industry, focusing on the FTC's case against Microsoft's deal with Activision. He examines gaming content access, distribution models, and the legal framework, including Section 7 of the Clayton Act and antitrust laws. The discussion also covers the controversy around Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, the financial implications, and an analysis of Microsoft's post-merger actions. The episode concludes with an...
"I'm a Plumber for the Brain" | Interviewing my Brain Surgeon (VL Extra)
May 18, 2023 04:00 - 32 minutes - 73.5 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg converses with Dr. Boyd Richards about his career in neurosurgery, brain health, impacts of smoking, and the concept of brain plasticity. They delve into the details of Richard's stroke, recovery process, and the importance of clinical research and fundraising in neurosurgery.
Call of Duty, Xbox, and PlayStation at the CMA | Is Regulator Math Worse than Lawyer Math? (VL760R)
March 26, 2023 00:00 - 46 minutes - 52.1 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses his background in maths, the recent reversal decision by the CMA and its implications. He further delves into the disappearance of gamers and how reasonable minds can rebuild the gaming community.
Xbox x Activision Sony Losing Hearts and Minds? | The CMA Remedies Fight Explained (VL759)
March 11, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 118 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the unraveling scenario of a case, the CMA's remedy rules, Microsoft's offer for access, and Sony's risky business strategy.
XBOX x ACTIVISION | Lawyer Reacts to Sony's Biggest Loss Yet (VL758)
March 03, 2023 00:00 - 35 minutes - 42.2 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses recent FTC headlines, dissects a judge's order, explores the role of custodians in litigation, and emphasizes the importance of content licenses. He also touches on employee record privacy and concludes with final thoughts.
X-MAS PARTY | Microsoft and Activision Answer the FTC (VL757 LIVE)
December 23, 2022 00:00 - 2 hours - 204 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Microsoft's attempt to be the "nice guy" in response to the New York Times, their reaction to the FTC, and contrasts it with Activision's own response. He wraps up with final thoughts and holiday wishes.
Debating the Best Video Games of 2022 (A Virtual Legality Special)
December 22, 2022 22:15 - 4 hours - 250 MBIt's that time of year again. Tom Hoeg, long thought lost to the underbelly of the gaming industry, has awoken, and just in time for him to explain to me how the many entries on my Top Ten Games of the Year are either completely or mostly wrong. (And there may even be an Ian Runkle appearance or two.) THABTO is back and here to celebrate the year that was gaming in 2022! *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/ PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLeg...
Microsoft x Activision | Lawyer Reads ”Gamers” Lawsuit (plus CMA Comments!) (VL756 - RECORDED LIVE)
December 22, 2022 20:51 - 1 hour - 105 MBMicrosoft x Activision may well prove the longest playlist on this channel, as the news simply won't stop. After the US Federal Trade Commission elected to sue to (try to) stop the deal, seemingly all of the "takes" have come out. Including, now, a new lawsuit from...Playstation players? Things just keep getting sillier and sillier. Let's talk about it...LIVE. #Microsoft #Activision #Lawsuit *** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ *** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction...
No, the FTC Didn’t ”LIE” | But Neither Did Microsoft (VL755)
December 22, 2022 20:45 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBMicrosoft x Activision may well prove the longest playlist on this channel, as the news simply won't stop. With the FTC lawsuit still fresh in everyone's mind, many have started to explore the various contentions made by the US regulatory body. Among those is the FTC's claim that Microsoft is untrustworthy because they told the European Union they had no incentive to make Zenimax's games exclusive...immediately before declaring Starfield, Redfall, and Elder Scrolls VI exclusive after the c...
The FTC vs Microsoft/Activision | A Lawyer Reads the Lawsuit (VL754 - RECORDED LIVE)
December 22, 2022 20:43 - 2 hours - 112 MBMicrosoft x Activision may well prove the longest playlist on this channel, as the news simply won't stop. Now, of course, the biggest news possible has happened. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued. But what does the agency's complaint say? What can we learn from it? Let's talk about it...LIVE. It begins...in Virtual Legality. #Microsoft #Activision #FTC *** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? UTREON - https://utreo...
FTC MOVES TO BLOCK MICROSOFT x ACTIVISION!!! | LAWSUIT PARTY LIVE (VL753 - RECORDED LIVE)
December 22, 2022 20:37 - 2 hours - 131 MBThe Federal Trade Commission has voted to block Microsoft x Activision. There's so much to talk about here. Let's do it all live. Ain't no party like a Lawsuit Party...in Virtual Legality. #Microsoft #Xbox #Activision *** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/ PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality MERCH STORE - https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ *** Discussed in this e...
Sony to CMA: Activision MUST Remain Independent | A Legal Look (VL746 - RECORDED LIVE)
December 22, 2022 20:03 - 1 hour - 107 MBMicrosoft and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of the United Kingdom have been trading punches over Activision and everybody's (!) got questions...and answers. But its only Sony that has gone ALL IN. Let's go through it together...in Virtual Legality LIVE. #Xbox #Activision #Sony *** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? UTREON - https://utreon.com/c/hoeglaw/ PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality MERCH STORE...
Is Twitter *REALLY* Doomed? | Elon Musk’s Hardcore Ultimatum (VL743)
December 22, 2022 19:51 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBElon Musk's ownership of the Twitter social media platform has been tumultuous to say the least. But there has perhaps been no more tumultuous a period then when the Tesla/Space X head asked for employees to sign on to "hardcore" Twitter 2.0...or be shown the door. With reports of hundreds leaving, does this spell the end for the Twitterverse? Or are reports of its death greatly exaggerated? Let's talk about it. You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore...in Virtual Legality. #elonmus...
Microsoft x Activision | Lawyer Reads "Gamers" Lawsuit (plus CMA Comments!) (VL756 - LIVE)
December 21, 2022 00:00 - 2 hours - 156 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg provides an introduction, discusses a recent lawsuit involving gamers, and summarizes public comments received by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
No, the FTC Didn't "LIE" | But Neither Did Microsoft (VL755)
December 12, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 40.2 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg, the host of Virtual Legality, provides an introduction to the series. Special thanks to FalkusVipus for their contribution.
The FTC vs Microsoft/Activision | A Lawyer Reads the Lawsuit (VL754 - LIVE)
December 09, 2022 00:00 - 2 hours - 167 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg sets the stage for a deep dive into the intersection of law, video games, and digital matters. He provides a comprehensive introduction to the complex world of Virtual Legality.
BIAS?! | ”The Commission is Working to Ensure”...that Microsoft Loses (VL741)
December 08, 2022 18:48 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBThe Internet is full of conspiracy theories. But when European Commission regulator Ricardo Cardoso told the world what the EC was going to do in Microsoft x Activision *BEFORE* the in-depth investigation had even begun...it's difficult to frame it as simply a theory. Optics matter...in Virtual Legality. #Microsoft #Xbox #Activision *** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ *** CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction (Thanks LadyEmily!) 1:25 The Tweet 4:41 Optics Matter 8:45 Mu...
Xbox, Activision, and the EU Phase 2 Review | A Legal Look (VL739 RECORDED LIVE)
December 08, 2022 18:26 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBThe European Commission, regulatory arm of the European Union, has finally announced that it will follow the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in elevating its evaluation of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard to "Phase 2". But while the reasoning given is similar. It's not identical. Let's talk about it...LIVE. So many phases, so little time...in Virtual Legality. #Microsoft #Xbox #Activision *** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ ...
TELLING STORIES | Is Microsoft x Activision Blizzard Set to ”Fall Apart”? (VL738)
December 08, 2022 17:59 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBThings take time. It's not a fun fact, but it's true. When Microsoft signed to purchase ("Call of Duty" maker) Activision they said they "expected" for the deal to close sometime before June 30, 2023. But that's a long time. A long time for speculation. A long time for innuendo. As the New York Post and WCCFTech have found. Let's talk about it. Today, mere journalism is loosed upon the world...in Virtual Legality. #Microsoft #Xbox #Activision *** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalitys...
DON’T LISTEN TO THIS! | Xbox, Activision, and EU Phase 2 Escalation (VL737)
December 08, 2022 17:45 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBThe European Commission, regulatory arm of the European Union, seems to be walking the same path as the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in its evaluation of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. But this isn't news. Let's talk about why not. Repetition is the branding iron of knowledge...in Virtual Legality. #Microsoft #Xbox #Activision *** NEW MERCH LINK: https://virtuallegalityshop.myshopify.com/ *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? UTREON - https://utre...
FTC MOVES TO BLOCK MICROSOFT x ACTIVISION!!! | LAWSUIT PARTY LIVE (VL753)
December 08, 2022 00:00 - 2 hours - 175 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the FTC's vote on Microsoft's potential Activision deal, examining possible outcomes and the implications of FTC not seeking a preliminary injunction. He also explores the significance of consent decrees post-deal and Microsoft's strategies to appease regulators.
Xbox Signs 10-Year Call of Duty Deal...with Nintendo | A Legal Look (VL752)
December 07, 2022 00:00 - 43 minutes - 51.6 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Microsoft's latest announcement, Nintendo's unique position in the market, and Phil Spencer's interview with the Washington Post. He also analyzes an article from The New York Times and talks about Steam's new policies.
XBOX/ACTIVISION PR BLITZ | Microsoft Looks to Put Pressure on FTC (VL751)
December 06, 2022 00:00 - 55 minutes - 65.7 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the current state of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), discusses Microsoft's recent conversation with the Wall Street Journal, and wraps up with a thoughtful conclusion.
COUP AT THE FTC? | Xbox, Activision, and a Speculative NY Post (VL750)
December 05, 2022 00:00 - 48 minutes - 58.7 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses Microsoft's readiness to fight legal battles, the FTC's current state of play, and issues within the FTC. He also revisits the Bloomberg report and concludes with a discussion on the Communications Workers of America.
Smash World Tour Cancelled by Nintendo? | A Legal Look (VL749)
December 01, 2022 00:00 - 1 hour - 78 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the recent statements from Smash World Tour, the alleged "assurances" given by Nintendo, and explores some of the legal possibilities surrounding these developments.
Can Xbox Flip the EU on Activision? | What of Sony and PlayStation? (VL748)
November 29, 2022 00:00 - 20 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the history of flipping in the digital realm, culminating in a detailed discussion about an attempt at the biggest flip yet, concluding with insightful remarks.
Will the FTC Actually SUE to Block Microsoft x Activision? | A Legal Look (VL747)
November 28, 2022 00:00 - 51 minutes - 62.7 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg starts with an introduction, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the intersection of law and the digital world.
Sony to CMA: Activision MUST Remain Independent | A Legal Look (VL746 - LIVE)
November 23, 2022 00:00 - 3 hours - 207 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg explores three potential theories of harm in the digital world, focusing on the console market, subscription services, and cloud gaming. The discussion concludes with a Q+A session.
Blizzard Opts Out of China...For Now | Microsoft, Blitzchung and More (VL745)
November 22, 2022 00:00 - 23 minutes - 27.8 MBIn this episode, Richard Hoeg thanks supporters before delving into the recent Activision press release. He provides an in-depth analysis of the legal implications, concluding with his expert insights.