injunction Archives

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

A Forbes 30-under-30-er involved in at least 2 Disco Elysium successor studios has sued the lead dev at a third, blocking him from working on a new game

Argo Tuulik, co-founder of the RPG studio Summer Eternal and writer of Disco Elysium, is in a legal dispute with Riaz Moola, founder of Longdue. An injunction has been granted, preventing Tuulik from working on Summer Eternal until April 2025. Tuulik announced the legal action on X, stating that Longdue took him to court. This follows his departure from ZA/UM amid the cancellation of a Disco Elysium expansion, where he raised concerns about project mismanagement. Moola, a notable entrepreneur and member of the Forbes 30-under-30 list, is developing a game inspired by Disco Elysium with a team that includes former ZA/UM developers. Longdue issued a statement confirming that an independent judge ruled in their favor and expressed disappointment over Tuulik's alleged breach of agreements. They noted that attempts to resolve the matter privately were rebuffed by Tuulik. The dispute reflects earlier conflicts that led to ZA/UM's fragmentation in 2021.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

Google Wins Temporary Delay on Android App Store Overhaul

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge James Donato, has granted Google a temporary reprieve from an order requiring significant changes to its Android app store, Play, due to an antitrust lawsuit from Epic Games. The enforcement of the required changes has been postponed until November 1st for further legal review. The injunction issued on October 7th mandated enhancements to consumer options for downloading software, but Google argued that these changes could jeopardize safety, security, and privacy. The ruling allows the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review Google's request to suspend the order, although the suspension does not extend to Google's broader appeal. Epic Games criticized the ruling as procedural and accused Google of using fear tactics to maintain its market position. The lawsuit previously found that Google unlawfully monopolized app download methods and in-app purchases on Android devices, leading to the order that included allowing third-party app stores and alternative payment methods. Google has appealed the jury's findings, asserting competition with Apple's App Store and disputing claims of monopolistic behavior.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google granted request to pause order on Play store overhaul

A federal judge in California, U.S. District Judge James Donato, has granted Google a temporary reprieve from a previous order requiring changes to its Android app store, Play, in the context of an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. The ruling allows Google to pause the implementation of the order set for November 1, which aimed to enhance consumer choice in software downloads. Judge Donato's decision was influenced by Google's argument that the changes could pose safety, security, and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The pause will enable the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review Google's request to suspend the order during the appeal process. Google expressed satisfaction with the temporary halt, while Epic Games described the ruling as a procedural step and accused Google of using fearmongering tactics. The legal battle follows a jury's finding that Google unlawfully monopolized the app download process on Android devices. Judge Donato's order included measures requiring Google to allow alternative app downloads and competing payment systems, and it prohibits financial incentives for preinstalling its app store. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust findings.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google granted request to pause ‘dangerous remedies’ to Play store in blow to Epic Games

A federal judge in California granted Google a temporary reprieve from a previous order requiring changes to its Android app store, Google Play, amid an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. The ruling, by US District Judge James Donato, allows Google to pause the implementation of the order, originally set to take effect by November 1, while the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals reviews Google's request for a further pause. Judge Donato's decision was influenced by Google's concerns about potential safety, security, and privacy risks to the Android ecosystem. The order reflects changes proposed by Epic Games, including allowing users to download competing app platforms, using alternative in-app payment methods, prohibiting financial incentives for preinstalling Google Play, and restricting revenue sharing with other app distributors. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust findings, arguing it is not a monopolist due to competition with Apple’s App Store.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

US judge pauses order requiring Google to revamp Android app store

A federal judge in California has temporarily paused an order requiring Google to revamp its Android app store, Google Play, following an antitrust lawsuit by Epic Games. Judge James Donato's ruling allows Google to wait for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review its request to pause the original order, which mandated that Google permit alternative app platforms and payment methods by November 1. Google argued that these changes could threaten the safety and security of the Android ecosystem. The legal dispute stems from a jury's previous finding that Google unlawfully monopolized the app download process and in-app payment systems on Android devices. Google has filed an appeal against the jury's antitrust verdict and contends it is not a monopolist due to competition with Apple's App Store.

AppWizard

October 14, 2024

Google seeks stay against app store competition order

Google has requested a federal judge in California to temporarily suspend an injunction requiring the company to enhance competition in its Play app store, set to take effect on November 1, 2024. This injunction stems from a ruling by US District Judge James Donato, who determined that Google held an illegal monopoly over app downloads and in-app payments on Android devices, following a legal challenge by Epic Games. The injunction mandates Google to permit the installation of competing third-party Android app platforms, prohibits restrictions on alternative in-app payment methods, and prevents financial incentives for exclusive preinstallation of its app store. If the request is denied, Google plans to appeal to the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

AppWizard

October 12, 2024

Google wants US judge’s app store ruling put on hold

Google has requested a California federal judge to suspend a court order requiring the company to enhance competition within its Play app store. This request follows an injunction issued on October 7, resulting from a legal battle with Epic Games, which found Google engaged in monopolistic practices. The injunction mandates Google to allow users to download alternative app platforms, prohibits restrictions on competing in-app payment methods, and prevents financial incentives for manufacturers to preinstall its app store. If the request is denied, Google plans to appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

BetaBeacon

October 11, 2024

Google’s loss is our gain: Xbox purchases and gaming are coming to Android

A recent U.S. court ruling will allow Microsoft to introduce new ways to buy and play games on Android, starting in November.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Xbox games are coming to the Xbox app on Android soon — what you need to know

Beginning in November, Xbox users in the United States will be able to purchase and play games directly through the Xbox App on Android devices. This change follows a legal ruling in December 2023, where a US judge issued a permanent injunction against Google, allowing developers to create their own app stores on Android. Microsoft is developing an Xbox Mobile Store, with plans initially announced in May. Xbox President Sarah Bond has expressed enthusiasm about the ruling, highlighting increased choice and flexibility for gamers. Google is currently facing multiple lawsuits regarding its business practices, with potential implications for its structure.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Microsoft says the Xbox Android app will add direct game purchases and playtime in November

A US judge has issued a permanent injunction against Google, requiring it to allow third-party app stores on Android devices starting November 1. Google plans to appeal the ruling. In response, Microsoft announced that starting in November, players will be able to purchase and play Xbox games directly through the Xbox App on Android devices, integrating with Xbox Cloud Gaming for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Microsoft is also developing a web-based mobile game store, which is still in testing with no new launch date provided.