In a major and much-awaited victory for the video game industry, the Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington, in Seattle, dismissed all claims against InnoGames, the makers of the online multiplayer hit game Forge of Empires, and other defendants.
Please read on for more info and a copy of the ruling
The plaintiff alleged she became psychologically addicted to the game during more than 10,000 hours of play. During the course of her playing experience, the plaintiff had sent numerous obscene and offensive messages to in-game moderators. After multiple unheeded warnings, she was banned from further play. The complaint alleged gross negligence, wanton misconduct, defamation, infliction of emotional distress, unfair and deceptive trade practices, product liability, breach of contract, copyright infringement, and other, related grievances.
All the claims were dismissed by the court in a ruling that quoted at length from the defendants’ brief in support of their motion to dismiss.
“It can be hoped that the case will stand as a bulwark against similar, unmerited claims filed by players of Forge of Empires and so many other games that continue to be enjoyed by many millions of users around the world,” said Phillips Nizer LLP partner Alan Behr, lead counsel for InnoGames.
You can read the full ruling in the following PDF File Dkt 094 Order Granting Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss.pdf
IV. CONCLUSION
Having reviewed the relevant pleadings and the remainder of the record, the Court
hereby finds and ORDERS that Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s Amended Complaint
under Rule 12(b)(6), Dkt. #64, is GRANTED. Plaintiff’s claims are DISMISSED. All
remaining motions in this case are STRICKEN as MOOT. This case is CLOSED.
DATED this 28th day of March, 2022.RICARDO S. MARTINEZ
CHIEF UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
This ruling should allow all developers to breathe easier, as a win by the defendant would have had catastrophic repercussions across all gaming platforms.
