Virtual Legality

10 Episodes
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By: Richard Hoeg

Virtual Legality is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).

Real Lawyer Reads and Reacts | The US vs Apple Lawsuit (VL779)
#779
03/22/2024

In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the impact of Apple's restrictive platform strategies on consumers and developers. He provides an in-depth analysis of the Sherman Act and its implications, discusses the legality of Apple's walled garden model, and evaluates the Department of Justice's claims against Apple's conduct.

DOCUMENTS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

EARLY ARTICLES/DOJ PRESS RELEASE https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/apple-sued-by-biden-administration-in-landmark-case-over-iphone-monopoly/ar-BB1kijdH https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-21/apple-google-set-to-be-hit-by-first-probes-under-eu-digital-law https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/read-the-lawsuit-united-states-v-apple/ar-BB1kikAz https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-delivers-remarks-lawsuit-against-apple-monopolizing

HOUSE...


What is a Sweet Baby Inc? | Let's Talk About It (and Harassment) (VL778)
#778
03/12/2024

In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the internet drama around video games and gamergate, with a focus on the controversy surrounding Steam Curator "Sweet Baby Inc." He explores the company's role within the gaming industry, its storytelling methods, and potential legal action against them. Richard also discusses Sweet Baby Inc's involvement in Alan Wake 2 and encourages listener engagement.

STEAM https://steamcommunity.com/groups/sweetbabyinc-detected/curation https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/6862-8119-C23E-EA7B https://store.steampowered.com/online_conduct?snr=100601___ https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement

DISCORD https://discord.com/terms/

...


Nintendo vs Yuzu | A Legal Look at Emulation and the DMCA (VL777)
#777
02/29/2024

In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into Nintendo's lawsuit against Yuzu, discussing the intricacies of copyright laws, fair use, and game archival in the US. He examines the DMCA, the lawsuit against Tropic Haze LLC, and misconceptions about selling and fair use in copyright law. The episode also explores Yuzu's decryption process, game piracy, and its impact on Nintendo customers, along with potential outcomes of the case and the concept of equitable relief.

LAWSUIT https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/27/24085075/nintendo-switch-emulator-yuzu-lawsuit

LAW https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/106 https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107 https://www.law...


LAID OFF | Microsoft/Xbox Fires Almost 2000 (VL776)
#776
01/26/2024

In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard layoffs and the role of investors. He touches on the departure of leadership personnel, the role of unions, and outsourcing customer support. Richard also delves into the state of the gaming industry, addresses listener queries, and dives into the future of game development.

DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

HEADLINE https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-lays-off-1900-staff-from-its-video-game-workforce https://twitter.com/IdleSloth84_/status/1750837893881336292

TWEETS https://twitter.com/JezCorden/status/1750590022842278391 https://twitter.com/TheLyns/status/1750740015095873559 https://twitter.com/Andy_VGC/status/1750548893425676435

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS https://www.matthewball...


Palworld vs Pokemon | Can This Be Legal? (VL775)
#775
01/23/2024

In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the ethical and legal implications of Palworld's design, including a detailed analysis of its copyright controversy. He explores international copyright laws, the concept of true copies, and potential infringements. He also discusses the likelihood of Nintendo taking legal action. (0:00) Introduction (1:22) Discussion on the ethical and legal implications of Palworld's design (7:56) Response from former Pokemon company legal team member and analysis of specific design similarities (15:01) In-depth discussion on Palworld's copyright controversy (24:32) Deep dive into the foundations of international copyright laws (33:20) Examination of the concept of true copies, substantial similarity, and fair use in copyright...


Journalism vs The Future | Understanding the Coming AI Wars (VL774)
01/12/2024

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses The New York Times' lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, delving into copyright laws related to AI. He explores the transition of The New York Times to a digital model and legal complexities involved. Richard analyzes the challenges posed by AI models and transformative technologies, as well as the legal claims in the lawsuit. He also considers the impact on educational use of copyrighted materials and the need for fair use revision. The episode concludes with a discussion on AI-produced content ownership and its potential impacts. (0:00) Introduction and Overview: The New York Times Suing Microsoft...


My Stroke Story | Anniversary Special - We Start Again (VL Extra)
12/30/2023

In this episode, Richard Hoeg and Mrs. Hoeg Law discuss stroke prevention and post-stroke anxiety. They reflect on the future, explore the perspective of co-counsel, and discuss realigning life priorities after a stroke. (0:00) Introduction (0:52) Stroke Prevention Discussion and Advice (2:29) Continuity (4:43) Post-Stroke Anxiety and Self-Doubt (6:10) Reflection on Future (7:06) Co-counsel's Perspective (10:05) Realigning Life Priorities (12:00) We Start Again


Microsoft x Activision _ Under New Management (VL773)
12/22/2023

In this episode, Richard Hoeg discusses the leadership changes following Activision's acquisition, the end of Activision Blizzard's hybrid work model for QA staff, and their settlement of a California discrimination lawsuit. He also explores Microsoft's role in the settlement and speculates about a potential new CEO at Activision. (0:00) Introduction (2:03) Leadership changes post Activision's acquisition (9:39) End of hybrid work model for QA staff at Activision Blizzard (13:20) Activision Blizzard settles California discrimination lawsuit (26:02) Discussion on the settlement of harassment claims at Activision (30:11) The role of Microsoft in the settlement and its potential impact on future changes at Activision (33:12) Question: Potential for a...


The Best Video Games of 2023 | Hoegs Debate (THABTO) (Part 1)
12/19/2023

In this episode, Richard Hoeg is joined by Tom Hoeg and Ian Runkle for a discussion on gaming highlights, Richard's recovery from a stroke, and their favorite games. They dive into "War Tales" and "Aces and Adventures," explore game concepts, and discuss Ian's experience with "Immortality." They wrap up with a VR gaming discussion and their top 10 games list. (0:00) Introduction and Welcoming Tom Hoeg (5:07) Honorable Mentions in Gaming (12:09) Richard Hoeg's Stroke Experience and Recovery (27:16) Introduction of Guest Ian Runkle and Discussion on Game Preferences (35:25) Game Opinions and Reviews: From Star Wars Jedi Survivor to Final Fantasy 16 (1:00:33) Deep Dive into "War...


The Best Video Games of 2023 | Hoegs Debate (Part 2, Thanks Ian!)
12/19/2023

In this episode, Richard Hoeg and Tom Hoeg discuss various video games including 'Against the Storm', 'Dead Island 2', 'Phantom Brigade', and more. They offer a defense for 'Cyberpunk 2077', delve into 'Baldur's Gate 3' and 'Starfield', and share their top games of the year. (0:00) Introduction; Return post-Runkle (6:30) 'Against the Storm' and 'Dead Island 2' (14:33) 'Phantom Brigade', 'Sea of Stars', and 'Diablo 4' (33:21) A Defense of 'Cyberpunk 2077' (39:50) 'Dave the Diver' (43:10) Discussion on 'Baldur's Gate 3' and 'Starfield' (55:06) 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' (1:06:35) Discussion on 'Remnant 2', 'Final Fantasy 16', and 'Armored Core 6' (1:25:23) Richard Hoeg's Top...