In a significant legal victory for Activision, the publisher of the widely popular Call of Duty franchise, a court has awarded $14.5 million in damages against the cheat manufacturer EngineOwning. This landmark decision is a major step in the ongoing battle against game cheats and highlights the serious consequences for those who undermine the integrity of online gaming. Activision wins legal battle against EngineOwning.
The Legal Battle
EngineOwning has been a notorious name in the gaming community, especially among Call of Duty players, for providing cheats and hacks for several installments of the game, including Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare 3. These cheats have been a thorn in the side of legitimate players and the developers, prompting Activision to take legal action.
Activision initially filed a lawsuit against EngineOwning in January 2022, seeking to hold the company accountable for the damages caused by its cheating software. The lawsuit highlighted the financial losses and the negative impact on the gaming experience for honest players. In February 2023, the court awarded Activision $3 million in damages, but the legal battle didn’t end there.
The Verdict
In a decisive ruling, the court has now awarded Activision an additional $14.5 million in damages. The ruling also included $292,000 in legal fees, bringing the total financial penalty against EngineOwning to a substantial amount. Furthermore, the court ordered that the domain of EngineOwning’s website be transferred to Activision, effectively shutting down the cheat maker’s online presence.
This outcome is a significant win for Activision and sends a strong message to other potential cheat developers. The decision underscores the seriousness with which the legal system views the creation and distribution of game cheats.
Broader Implications
This isn’t the first time a major game publisher has successfully sued a cheat manufacturer. Recently, Bungie, the developer behind Destiny 2, won a lawsuit against AimJunkies, another prominent cheat provider. The jury awarded Bungie $63,210 in damages, reinforcing the trend of game companies taking decisive legal action against those who disrupt fair play.
While AimJunkies’ parent company, Phoenix Digital, plans to challenge the verdict, the ruling against EngineOwning stands as a definitive victory for Activision. The outcome of these cases could potentially deter other cheat makers and highlight the risks associated with creating and selling cheats.
Future Prospects
The legal victory comes at a time of significant developments for the Call of Duty franchise. Microsoft recently unveiled details about the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, announcing that it will be the first in the series to launch on Xbox Game Pass from day one, following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision last year. This strategic move aims to expand the game’s reach and offer more value to Xbox subscribers.
The next installment, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, is set to make its debut during the Xbox Games Showcase, promising an in-depth look at the new gameplay features and innovations. This announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans and marks a new chapter for the franchise under Microsoft’s stewardship.
Conclusion
The recent court ruling against EngineOwning is a monumental victory for Activision and the gaming community at large. It not only ensures substantial financial compensation for the publisher but also serves as a powerful deterrent against future cheat developers. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, such legal actions are crucial in maintaining the integrity and enjoyment of online multiplayer experiences. With the upcoming release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Activision is poised to continue its legacy of delivering top-tier gaming experiences while safeguarding fair play for all its players.
More News: Game
