Bungie wins court battle against Destiny cheat site AimJunkies
Jury Rules: Game Cheats Illegal, Bungie Wins?
Bungie has successfully won a lawsuit against the cheat site AimJunkies, which was ordered to pay $63,210 in damages for selling cheats for Destiny 2. This marks a significant legal precedent as it's reportedly the first time a jury has ruled on a game-cheating case. AimJunkies plans to appeal the decision, but Bungie remains committed to protecting its players from cheats, indicating their willingness to pursue future legal actions if necessary.
How has Bungie previously dealt with legal challenges related to player behavior and cheat enforcement?
Legal Actions Against Cheaters and Harassment
Bungie has a history of actively pursuing legal actions against both cheating in games and inappropriate player behavior. In a notable case back in July 2023, Bungie successfully won a lawsuit against a player who had engaged in harassment, threats, and doxxing against one of its employees1. This legal victory underscores Bungie's commitment to protecting its community and maintaining a safe gaming environment. Additionally, the company has targeted cheating and the distribution of cheat software through lawsuits. For instance, Bungie has taken action against cheat providers like AimJunkies, resulting in financial penalties for those selling cheats, as seen in the recent court ruling where AimJunkies was ordered to pay $63,210 in damages236. This indicates a consistent and firm approach by Bungie to enforce its game's integrity and the well-being of its player base through legal means.
What was the nature of AimJunkies' countersuit against Bungie, and what was the outcome of that countersuit?
AimJunkies' Countersuit Against Bungie:
AimJunkies, a cheat maker for the game Destiny 2, filed a countersuit against the game's developer, Bungie, alleging that Bungie illegally hacked into the personal computer of one of its associates, James May2. The countersuit claimed that Bungie violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 and "hacked" May's computer multiple times from 2019 until the studio implemented changes in the Limited Software License Agreement (LSLA) in 2021. AimJunkies claimed that Bungie used May's PC to gather information on the cheat makers.
Outcome of the Countersuit:
The court dismissed AimJunkies' countersuit, as the judge found that AimJunkies failed to prove Bungie illegally accessed May's personal laptop. The judge ruled that May had not sufficiently demonstrated that Bungie accessed his personal computer and files without authorization. As a result, the countersuit was dismissed. However, AimJunkies could still amend and refile the countersuit if they wish to.