The developer of Brutal Legend has filed a countersuit against Activision, the game’s former publisher, claiming Activision’s current lawsuit against the developer is only intended to preserve the Guitar Hero franchise, according to an Associated Press report.
Double Fine, the developer behind Brutal Legend, was sued by Activision in June, hoping to stop the release of the game by Electronic Arts. A hearing is slated for July 30 for Activision’s lawsuit.
The countersuit filed by Double Fine accuses Activision’s lawsuit of hurting the developer and the game, and that Activision is involved in unlawful business practices.
The history behind the lawsuit is a bit complex. Brutal Legend was originally developed by Double Fine for Vivendi Universal Games, which was acquired by Activision. After the acquisition, Double Fine claims the publisher showed no interest in the game and it was canceled in 2008. Apparently Activision made an effort to convert the game into a Guitar Hero sequel, according to Double Fine’s suit.
Activision’s argument is that the game suffered from delays, and the two companies didn’t come to an agreement. But, Activision says it never relinquished rights to the game, so the transfer of Brutal Legend to Electronics Arts was done so improperly.
The game, staring Jack Black, is still scheduled to release in October. Regardless of your opinions on both lawsuits, this saga falls under the notion that no press is bad press.