Did you guys hear about this? Minecraft creator Notch (a.k.a. Markus Persson) and his teammates at Mojang recently got into a scrape with Bethesda Softworks. At the heart of the copyright brawl is Mojang's new game, Scrolls. Bethesda thinks the game's title and aesthetics infringe on their copyright for The Elder Scrolls--a long-running fantasy series in which the next installment, Skyrim, is due out Nov. 11. According to Bethesda, "significant audio, visual, and conceptual" ideas are in contention, here, and the software giant has sent a letter to Mojang to advise them of the situation. Mojang's response? Priceless.
Mojang's own Notch is a bit of a wild card in the video games world these days. Last month, he paid over $4,000 for the third iteration of the Humble Indie Bundle, earning himself the #2 spot on the record donations list. Now, he's responding to Bethesda's letter with a gladiatorial challenge. How does he intend to settle the Scrolls dispute? By playing a deathmatch against Bethesda in Quake 3. Yep!
From Notch's tumblr:
I am back, and I am excited.
Marriage has been wonderful so far, and nobody sabotaged my computer while I was gone.
The only negative thing going on at this moment is the Scrolls trademark lawsuit nonsense, and I think I came up with the perfect solution:
Remember that scene in Game of Thrones where Tyrion chose a trial by battle in the Eyrie? Well, let’s do that instead!
I challenge Bethesda to a game of Quake 3. Three of our best warriors against three of your best warriors. We select one level, you select the other, we randomize the order. 20 minute matches, highest total frag count per team across both levels wins.
If we win, you drop the lawsuit.
If you win, we will change the name of Scrolls to something you’re fine with.
Regardless of the outcome, we could still have a small text somewhere saying our game is not related to your game series in any way, if you wish.
I am serious, by the way.
I think Notch is a pretty cool guy. Eh fights virtual gladiator battles and doesn't afraid of anything.
Man, I hope Bethesda goes for it! If not, they'll be called cowards in the matchmaking lobby. Can we take bets on this? Will John Carmack be able to indicate whom he wants to win with an imperial thumbs-up, thumbs-down? Stay tuned!
Want to connect with other Scrolls Ologists? Join the discussion over on My.Ology!
Follow Josh Harrison on Twitter: @geekologized.
[Joystiq]
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