Virtual Legality

Did Activists Just Ask the FTC to Kill Microsoft x Activision? (VL637)

null (0:00) Introduction (2:10) The Signatories (12:30) The Letter and The Law (35:21) Conclusion

GAMING VS RUSSIA - Cutting Out Russia To Support Ukraine (VL636)

As Russia's war against Ukraine continues, companies around the world are being called to give signs of solidarity with Ukraine, including, in the past few days, those of the video game industry. What actions have CD Projekt (including GOG), Bloober Team, and Electronic Arts taken? Why are some of these actions (and explanations for the same) more understandable than others? And why should we never stop carefully considering them, regardless of the righteousness of their cause? Honestly...

GAMING VS RUSSIA | Cutting Out Russia to Support Ukraine (VL636)

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ARTISANAL FRAUD? - Can You Just NOT Giveaway Your Sweepstakes Prize?(VL635)

Sweepstakes, lotteries, and contests are some of the more highly regulated areas facing social media types and Internet influencers. But in evaluating its "random" contest winners on a case by case by basis before denying certain of them the win, Twitch streamer and PC builder Artesian Builds, would appear not to realize that. We've got some handmade, artisanal legal standards for you all today...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/lRU7f1n3t9o #ArtesianBuilds #...

PREMIUM PROBLEMS - Is YouTube Stealing Subscriber Money?(VL634)

YouTube is without doubt one of the biggest streaming content providers on the planet, and for the low, low cost of about $12 a month the big tech titan will prevent you from seeing ads on its service. Or will it? You might be paying for the product, but YouTube may just decide not to give it to you...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/5cbZKueDbmE #YouTube #Suspension #Premium *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality S...

ARTISANAL FRAUD? | Can you just NOT Giveaway Your Sweepstakes Prize? (VL635)

null (0:00) Introduction (1:11) The Claim (5:14) The Law of Sweepstakes, Lotteries, and More (18:01) What is an Ambassador? (19:50) The Changing Rules of Artesian x Intel (33:41) A Non-apology (37:15) Conclusion (Happy Ending)

XBOX FORCED TO SUPPORT PLAYSTATION? - On Pachter's Activision Prediction (VL633) (128 Kbps)

Activision Blizzard's year of news appearances is almost unbelievable, but perhaps none more so than the announcement that Microsoft and Xbox is purchasing them for just under $70 BILLION in cash. With so many eyes on the deal, many are making predictions as to just when the deal will close, and how it might look when it does. Analyst Michael Pachter has even predicted the FTC forcing certain issues, but many have asked "Can they do that?". Sometimes the settlement process costs an "arm...

XBOX FORCED TO SUPPORT PLAYSTATION? - On Pachter’s Activision Prediction (VL633) (128 Kbps)

Activision Blizzard's year of news appearances is almost unbelievable, but perhaps none more so than the announcement that Microsoft and Xbox is purchasing them for just under $70 BILLION in cash. With so many eyes on the deal, many are making predictions as to just when the deal will close, and how it might look when it does. Analyst Michael Pachter has even predicted the FTC forcing certain issues, but many have asked "Can they do that?". Sometimes the settlement process costs an "arm...

PREMIUM PROBLEMS | Is YouTube Stealing Paid Subscriber Money? (VL634)

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PREMIUM PROBLEMS | Is YouTube Stealing Paid Subscriber Money? (VL634)

IS ACTIVISION LYING? Shareholder Sues Over Microsoft Deal Statements (VL632)

Activision Blizzard's year of news appearances is almost unbelievable, but perhaps none more so than the announcement that Microsoft and Xbox is purchasing them for just under $70 BILLION in cash. With details about the deal process now out in the open, at least one shareholder has taken umbrage at the proceedings, alleging that Activision is deliberately lying to its shareholders in order to benefit its management and board. For this fight, we're going to need some proxies...in Virtual ...

IS ACTIVISION LYING? | Shareholder Sues Over Microsoft Deal Statements (VL632)

null (0:00) Introduction (1:53) The Shareholder Lawsuit - Overview (16:31) The Shareholder Lawsuit - Hating the Deal (20:17) The Shareholder Lawsuit - Hinting at Conflict (29:50) The Shareholder Lawsuit - Alleging Lies (37:50) Understanding the Impact of the Complaint (41:21) Conclusion

THE WRONG LESSON - Horizon Forbidden West Dominating Sales Charts...on PS5 (VL631)

Horizon Forbidden West is one of the best games of the year, but that doesn't mean that Sony's pricing of it has been entirely above board. Now, as data comes in, it's clear that some were taken advantage of, but that doesn't mean that all were. Aloy is very concerned...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/KWmQNFmoiiM #Horizon #ForbiddenWest #PS5 *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STREAMLABS - https://streamlabs.co...

THE WRONG LESSON | Horizon Forbidden West Dominating Sales Charts...on PS5 (VL631)

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How Phil Hustled Bobby: A Microsoft Story (as Told By Activision) (VL630)

Activision Blizzard's year of news appearances is almost unbelievable, but perhaps none more so than the announcement that Microsoft and Xbox is purchasing them for just under $70 BILLION in cash. But how as the deal made? Now that Activision has released its draft proxy statement we can dive into the details of one of the biggest stories in gaming history, and how Phil Spencer and Microsoft pressed Activision into getting the deal done. It's time to do the hustle...in Virtual Legality....

How Phil Hustled Bobby | A Microsoft Story (as told by Activision) (VL630)

null (0:00) Introduction (2:29) Soliciting Votes (Proxies) (11:16) A Merger Story - Voting NO (15:02) A Merger Story - Phil Makes his Move (25:59) A Merger Story - Other Players in the Game (35:29) A Merger Story - Microsoft Doubles Down (47:04) A Merger Story - Phil and Satya Force the Issue (58:29) Conclusion

LET'S TALK ABOUT... | Horizon Pricing, PS5, and Promises Made (VL630)

null (0:00) Opening (8:59) Playstation 5 Upgrade (17:08) Technical Issues (44:22) Open World Pacing

NINTEN-DOH! Nintendo's Legacy Of Odd Choices Continues (VL629)

Nintendo has long been one of gaming's more interesting publishers to follow, but with every massive success (like the Switch) comes even more decision making that can be characterized as *interesting*. Now, the company moves to close down eShops and close down discussion, but those decisions are being met in some quarters with considerable hostility. Nintendo marches to the beat of its own Donkey Kong drum set...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/6ov3GnBa9VE...

NINTEN-DOH! Nintendo’s Legacy Of Odd Choices Continues (VL629)

Nintendo has long been one of gaming's more interesting publishers to follow, but with every massive success (like the Switch) comes even more decision making that can be characterized as *interesting*. Now, the company moves to close down eShops and close down discussion, but those decisions are being met in some quarters with considerable hostility. Nintendo marches to the beat of its own Donkey Kong drum set...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/6ov3GnBa9VE...

NINTEN-DOH! | Nintendo's Legacy of Odd Choices Continues (VL629)

null (0:00) Intro (1:48) Dont Buy Horizon Forbidden West (3:23) Nintendo Eshop (17:18) It Costs Money to Keep This Stuff Up (22:16) Nintendos Odd Choices (30:21) Outro

DON'T BUY IT - Horizon Forbidden West, Deception, and PS5 Pricing (VL628)

Horizon Forbidden West has received rave reviews from the gaming press, but previous statements by a Sony executive has made pricing for the title a bit complicated, or perhaps even...forbidden. If only the console warriors had a reasonable person standard...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/eCNyKsevGhY #Horizon #ForbiddenWest #PS5 *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STREAMLABS - https://streamlabs.com/richardhoeg...

DON’T BUY IT - Horizon Forbidden West, Deception, and PS5 Pricing (VL628)

Horizon Forbidden West has received rave reviews from the gaming press, but previous statements by a Sony executive has made pricing for the title a bit complicated, or perhaps even...forbidden. If only the console warriors had a reasonable person standard...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/eCNyKsevGhY #Horizon #ForbiddenWest #PS5 *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STREAMLABS - https://streamlabs.com/richardhoeg...

DON'T BUY IT | Horizon Forbidden West, Deception, and PS5 Pricing (VL628)

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SELLING HYPOCRISY | Sony Censors Martha Is Dead on PS4 PS5 (VL EXTRA)

Martha is dead. That fact, and the circumstances that surrounded it, appear to have eluded Sony and its PlayStation certification team as they have moved to censor unstated aspects of the game "Martha is Dead" immediately prior to its release. But does Sony have a leg to stand on given...its history of violence? This is for the hypocrites...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/TgC1nUSyiwE #MarthaIsDead #Censorship #PlayStation *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? P...

THE TERMS SAY WHAT? - Mars Attacks Lost Ark In The Amazon (VL627)

Lost Ark has become a phenomenon, scoring one of the biggest western game releases in gaming history. But the game hides more secrets than just its content, as we take a close look at one particular provision in the Amazon Games Terms of Use. We'll fight our new alien overlords to the last...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/VfeTMClkRSw #LostArk #NewWorld #Amazon *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STREAMLABS - h...

TARNISHED HALO - Is Microsoft Using Halo Music Illegally? (VL626)

Bungie and Microsoft are no strangers to the 2022 news cycle, but neither have been in the news for unpaid royalties -- until today. An exclusive Eurogamer interview with Halo composers Marty O'Donnell and Mike Salvatori has revealed a lawsuit now almost two years old in which they argue that Microsoft owes them royalties for the multi-trillion dollar company's use of Halo music. But as Microsoft claims the music is theirs as a "work made for hire", details get messy and "innocent" telev...

THE TERMS SAY WHAT? | Mars Attacks Lost Ark in the Amazon (VL627)

null (0:00) Introduction (2:49) Amazon Games (10:19) Peacock (13:54) Creator Program

TARNISHED HALO | Is Microsoft Using Halo Music Illegally? (VL626)

null (0:00) Introduction (1:48) The Marty O'Donnell Interview (6:18) Injunction Junction (11:18) Myth and Money (26:02) Halo Sold (34:49) Conclusion

ACTIVISION AT RISK - A Close Reading of Microsoft's PR Promises (VL625)

Activision Blizzard's year of news appearances is almost unbelievable, but perhaps none more so than the announcement that Microsoft and Xbox is purchasing them for just under $70 BILLION in cash. With Phil Spencer and Satya Nadella already out in force, Microsoft now moves to more formal PR mechanisms, introducing a long form promise to be the "good guys" as described by Microsoft President Brad Smith through the company's "issues" blog. But what does it mean to assure Call of Duty's co...

ACTIVISION AT RISK - A Close Reading of Microsoft’s PR Promises (VL625)

Activision Blizzard's year of news appearances is almost unbelievable, but perhaps none more so than the announcement that Microsoft and Xbox is purchasing them for just under $70 BILLION in cash. With Phil Spencer and Satya Nadella already out in force, Microsoft now moves to more formal PR mechanisms, introducing a long form promise to be the "good guys" as described by Microsoft President Brad Smith through the company's "issues" blog. But what does it mean to assure Call of Duty's co...

ACTIVISION AT RISK? | A Close Reading of Microsoft's PR Promises (VL625)

null (0:00) Introduction (2:22) Answering the Call of Duty (3:50) An Epic Callback (7:02) PR Promises (15:38) Principles and Principals (25:37) Laws in the Pipeline (28:46) Answering the Call Part 2 (32:25) Xboxes and Double Standards (38:37) Conclusion

COLLUDING WITH ACTIVISION? - California's DFEH Escalates War on EEOC (VL624)

California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) tried and has (so far) failed to stop the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from settling with Activision, but the two agencies' fight has only gotten uglier as California continues to escalate things. "Collusion" never changed, into something real...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/-sYU2iNlkio #Activision #California #EEOC *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? PATREON - https://www.patr...

FTC WHO? Did Microsoft CEO Really Dismiss Activision Concerns? (VL623)

Activision Blizzard's year of news appearances is almost unbelievable, but perhaps none more so than the announcement that Microsoft and Xbox is purchasing them for just under $70 BILLION in cash. Now CEO of Microsoft (and Phil Spencer's boss) Satya Nadella is making the rounds, and like all other comments from Microsoft in the past two weeks, he seems intent on making sure the FTC knows there's "nothing to see here". CEO's don't generally lie, but they often don't say quite everything t...

FTC WHO? | Did Microsoft CEO Really Dismiss Activision Concerns? (VL623)

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Understanding the Bungie Retention Bonuses - A Big Win...for SONY (VL622)

Sony's acquisition of Bungie and the way it has been described in the media has resulted in a lot of opinions, but also a lot of misconceptions. Join us as we dive into the world of mergers, acquisitions, retention agreements, and purchase price holdbacks. Retention - it's not just for ponds anymore...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/HZSlhuSzwUA #Bungie #Sony #PlayStation *** WANT TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL? PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality ST...

Understanding the Bungie Retention Bonuses | A Big Win...for SONY (VL622)

null (0:00) Introduction (0:50) Bungie Acquisition (3:36) Financial Statements (7:40) Accounting Treatment (13:23) Forbes (17:34) Research (25:02) Purchase Price Retention (28:20) Conclusion

YOUTUBE MUST ACT: Non-Fair Use Countries Threaten the Entire Platform (VL EXTRA)

Totally Not Mark survived his trials with Toei Animation (Dragon Ball), but they exposed a rift between those jurisdictions that value free expression, fair use, and fair dealing, and those that do not. With such rift exacerbated by YouTube's attempts to automate its responses beyond reason, it's no surprise that other companies like ShoPro (Pokemon) have seen an avenue to end channels they disapprove of once and for all. It's time to answer the call...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE ...

CAN STOP THE MUSIC - Nintendo, Copyright, and YouTube (VL621)

Nintendo has taken the unusual step of removing more than a thousand YouTube videos created by YouTuber GilvaSunner. Why? Because the videos in question consisted almost entirely of Nintendo game soundtracks. While some are up in arms, others have questions about Copyright, Nintendo's rights, the DMCA, and more - questions we mean to answer...with special guest Legal Mindset! You may want soundtracks, but it seems that Nintendon't...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://yo...

CAN STOP THE MUSIC | Nintendo, Copyright, and YouTube (VL621)

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NFL RACISM? A Legal Look at Brian Flores' Explosive Lawsuit (VL620)

The National Football League (NFL) has supplanted Major League Baseball (MLB) as the US national pastime in the eyes of many, but is the league engaged in systematic, institutional racism and discrimination at the highest levels? That's what ex-Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores has alleged in an explosive new lawsuit, seeking not just damages, but court-mandated changes for the very way the league and its teams do business. What are its strengths? What are its weakness? If you're going to ...

NFL RACISM? | A Legal Look at Brian Flores' Explosive Lawsuit (VL620)

NFL RACISM? | A Legal Look at Brian Flores' Explosive Lawsuit (VL620)

null (0:00) Introduction (4:34) The Lawsuit - Overview (18:15) The Lawsuit - The Rooney Rule (30:29) The Lawsuit - Injunctions and Statutes (36:50) The Lawsuit - History Lesson (47:56) The Lawsuit - Statistics and Circumstance (1:07:07) The Lawsuit - Typicality and Class (1:11:19) The Lawsuit - Causes of Action (1:14:17) Conclusion (and Party Statements)

FTC TO REVIEW MICROSOFT x ACTIVISION - Big Deal Or Overblown? (VL619)

Activision Blizzard's year of news appearances is almost unbelievable, but perhaps none more so than the announcement that Microsoft and Xbox is purchasing them for just under $70 BILLION in cash. FTC appears to have won the merger review lottery, but is that some kind of "break with tradition"? And what of FTC Chair Lina Khan's pronouncements on the tech industry? Microsoft may well wind up yelling "KHAAAAAAAAN!"...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/D7BDdwU0...

BUNGIE, SONY, MICROSOFT, AND MORE - Questions And Answers (VL618)

Gaming's publishing world has gotten a bit smaller and less independent today...again. Or has it? At least as described, the purchase of Halo and Destiny developer Bungie by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) sounds absolutely crazy. But is it? Let's talk about it We have time to explain..in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/lBL4HxS4Yuw #Bungie #Sony #PlayStation *** SUPPORT THE CHANNEL PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STREAMLABS - https:...

BUNGIE, SONY, MICROSOFT, AND MORE | Questions and Answers (VL618)

null (0:00) Opening (37:11) Will this Sony Deal for Bungie Help Microsoft in Their Arguments with Regulators the Competition Is Strong in the Industry (40:04) Do You See Bungie Functioning Similarly to Sony Online Entertainment Now Spun Off as a Daybreak Game Company (42:24) If Sony Bought Square Enix

FTC TO REVIEW MICROSOFT x ACTIVISION | Big Deal or Overblown? (VL619)

null (0:00) Opening (6:40) Anti-Competitive Mergers (8:41) Toughen Merger Reviews (10:05) Antitrust Concerns

BUNGIE BOUGHT?! - A Legal Look At Sony + PlayStation's Riskiest Bet Yet (VL617)

Gaming's publishing world has gotten a bit smaller and less independent today...again. Or has it? At least as described, the purchase of Halo and Destiny developer Bungie by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) sounds absolutely crazy. But is it? Begun the content wars have...in Virtual Legality. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/iaZnOZwWFgw #Bungie #Sony #PlayStation *** SUPPORT THE CHANNEL PATREON - https://www.patreon.com/VirtualLegality STREAMLABS - https://streamlabs.com...

BUNGIE BOUGHT?! | A Legal Look at Sony + PlayStation's Riskiest Bet Yet (VL617)

null (0:00) Introduction/Bitcast (2:09) Bungie in Virtual Legality (5:31) The Deal As Announced (25:01) Bungie's Take (34:28) Conclusion

CRYPTO'S CREED - Ubisoft's Revealing Interview on NFT, Digits, and More (VL616)

NFT. Three letters that have gotten more than their share of vitriol in the very recent past, for some good reasons, and for some...not so good. What *could* non-fungible tokens do in the world of video games (and the world at large), and what are they currently doing? Ubisoft has some ideas, but in one of the most transparent interviews I can recall, definitely not all the answers on NFTs or otherwise. It's fascinating. Journalists are getting down right *conservative* on this one spe...

CRYPTO'S CREED | Ubisoft's Revealing Interview on NFT, Digits, and More (VL616)

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