In a resounding legal victory, Activision has been awarded £11.3 million ($14.4 million) following a federal court ruling against cheat developers EngineOwning and Garnatz Enterprise Ltd, along with 11 individuals. The lawsuit, initiated in early 2022, accused these entities of profiting from software cheats that gave players an unfair edge in Call of Duty games. The decision underscores the ongoing battle against cheats that undermine the integrity of online gaming.
The lawsuit named several individuals, including Valentin Rick, Leonard Bugla, Leon Frisch, Marc-Alexander Richts, Alexander Kleeman, Leon Schlender, Bennet Huch, Ricky Szameitat, Remo Loffler, Charlie Wiest, and Pascal Classen. These individuals, along with the companies, were found to have distributed and profited from cheats such as auto-aim and auto-fire software. Activision's goal was clear: to halt the distribution and sale of these malicious tools that compromised fair play in the gaming community.
EngineOwning, a notable German business entity, was specifically called out for its involvement in the development, sale, and distribution of a suite of cheats and hacks designed for popular online multiplayer games, notably the Call of Duty series. The court's decision included a default judgment against the defendants, handed down by US District Court Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald in California. Following this, an injunction was also issued against the cheating site to prevent further misconduct.
This case is part of a broader trend where game developers are taking legal action to protect their intellectual property and maintain fair play in online gaming. In a related case, AimJunkies, also known as Phoenix Digital, was ordered to pay Destiny 2 developer Bungie $63,210 in damages. This sum represents the revenue the company earned from selling cheats. Notably, this is the first legal instance where a jury has ruled on a game-cheating case, setting a new precedent.
Despite the decision, AimJunkies' founder, David Schaefer, has pledged to challenge the ruling, alleging that Bungie unlawfully accessed one of their computers. However, the jury rejected this countersuit. As the gaming industry expands, similar legal disputes are expected to rise, highlighting the necessity for robust measures to safeguard game integrity and provide a fair playing field for all participants.
Activision's recent legal victory represents a pivotal moment in combating game cheats, emphasizing the severe legal repercussions for individuals attempting to monetize unfair gaming advantages. This ruling delivers a clear warning to other cheat creators and reinforces the critical value of fair play within the gaming community. As the gaming industry progresses, ensuring the integrity of online multiplayer environments remains a crucial focus for both developers and players.