Activision Blizzard is accused of illegally monopolizing the professional league in the e-sports scene of the company's popular title “Call of Duty (hereinafter referred to as “CoD”)”filing a lawsuitit was done.
The lawsuit was filed by Hector “H3CZ” Rodriguez, the CEO of the professional esports team Optic Gaming (registered name in the Call of Duty League is Optic Texas), and the team's star player, Hector “H3CZ” Rodriguez. Seth “Scump” Abner, who retired in 2023.
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According to the lawsuit, Activision Blizzard has worked with multiple companies to host CoD leagues and tournaments, but created a monopoly by acquiring Major League Gaming in 2016. It refused to license other leagues and tournaments to organizers, limited the number of participating teams to 12, imposed a $27.5 million entry fee on any team that wanted to participate, and gave privately owned teams a It also required Blizzard to work with a “corporate partner approved by Blizzard,” the suit says.
Mr. Rodriguez, the plaintiff, has led the professional team “Optic Texas” for many years, but Activision Blizzard has demanded 92.5% ownership of his company if he wants to continue playing in the “CoD” league. They say they were forced to partner with the company.
The lawsuit also cites an “aggressive approach” directed toward professional athletes like Abner. “If you don't agree to these terms right away, Activision Blizzard's CoD will be cancelled,” he said during a photo shoot, where he had no time to thoroughly review legal documents or seek legal opinions from experts. He was reportedly pressured into agreeing to a legal document with the threat of being removed from the league.
Plaintiffs also point out that Activision Blizzard's rules for professional teams and players severely limit their ability to earn compensation, sponsorships, and broadcast revenue unless they go through the company.
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Rodriguez and Abner argue that the current single league system under Activision Blizzard's monopoly structure is nothing more than an imposition on professional team owners and players, and is not a product of an agreement, and that the company owns the rights to CoD. The lawsuit alleges that the company is exploiting the Internet to unfairly control the esports scene, and is seeking damages totaling more than $680 million.
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson said:GameIndustry.biz coverage“Mr. Rodriguez and Mr. Abner demanded tens of millions of dollars to avoid meritless litigation, and when they saw that demand not being met, they decided to pursue this lawsuit.'' “We are disappointed that members of the esports community have filed a lawsuit that is devastating to team owners, players, fans, and partners who have invested so much time and energy into the success of CoD. ” states.