I would love to learn why this isn’t completely stupid, if anyone has a way of explaining. We’d be down entire genres of games if developers didn’t copy each other’s homework.
Nintendo is attempting to bully other game developers. They can’t enforce this patent in the US, but they can wave the patent and a cease and desist letter menacingly at their competitors. Thing is, it’s generating bad will against Nintendo and the first time a company calls Nintendo on their shit, Nintendo is gunna lose. The patent is either so specific it won’t apply to another game or its broader and there is a mountain of prior art.
From my reading, it’s the latter. The patent seems to try to monopolize the idea of throwing an object to catch a monster. Which has been done so, so many times before.
From my reading, it’s the latter. The patent seems to try to monopolize the idea of throwing an object to catch a monster. Which has been done so, so many times before.
Including but not limited to RL millenia before videogames were even invented.
Suing for patent infringement is the nuclear option. It’s a long and expensive legal process that can very much blow up in your face, so companies aren’t rushing to do it unless they really want to.
I saw this video a while back that explained Nintendo’s behaviour and strategy. It’s a bit long and not a direct answer to your question but I found it pretty interesting.
I would love to learn why this isn’t completely stupid, if anyone has a way of explaining. We’d be down entire genres of games if developers didn’t copy each other’s homework.
Nintendo is attempting to bully other game developers. They can’t enforce this patent in the US, but they can wave the patent and a cease and desist letter menacingly at their competitors. Thing is, it’s generating bad will against Nintendo and the first time a company calls Nintendo on their shit, Nintendo is gunna lose. The patent is either so specific it won’t apply to another game or its broader and there is a mountain of prior art.
From my reading, it’s the latter. The patent seems to try to monopolize the idea of throwing an object to catch a monster. Which has been done so, so many times before.
Including but not limited to RL millenia before videogames were even invented.
Imagine trying to throw a lawsuit at a rodeo for video game patent infringement
It is completely stupid. There is a reason the stereotypes about Japanese businessmen are what they are.
Suing for patent infringement is the nuclear option. It’s a long and expensive legal process that can very much blow up in your face, so companies aren’t rushing to do it unless they really want to.
It’s not a great system.
I saw this video a while back that explained Nintendo’s behaviour and strategy. It’s a bit long and not a direct answer to your question but I found it pretty interesting.
https://youtu.be/8apzrwv75i0
This was really revealing. I didn’t know Palworld was now Sony’s. It basically now makes this Nintendo Vs Sony.