RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement

canand · #1 10/02/2008, 8:08 PM

A lawsuit started against Atari in 2005 by RollerCoaster Tycoon game designer Chris Sawyer has finally come to a close, with both parties agreeing to an out-of-court settlement paid to Sawyer. Develop reports that the closure of the suit might have been influenced by new Infogrames CEO David Gardner, who is tasked with revitalizing Atari's tarnished image.

As we originally reported back in 2005, Chris Sawyer sued publisher Atari over unpaid royalties, which at the time were estimated at $4.8 million USD. Details of the settlement have not been disclosed, though at this point no loss of money for Atari can be seen as a good loss.

Sawyer settles Atari suit

EXCLUSIVE: RollerCoaster Tycoon royalties dispute ends with out of court settlement
Games designer Chris Sawyer has settled his long-running dispute with Atari over unpaid royalties, Develop understands.

An out of court settlement has brought to a close the legal battle Sawyer initiated in 2005 claiming that Atari had not paid some $4.8m in royalties.

Previously, Sawyer alleged Atari had breached a licensing agreement by not allowing his auditors access to accounts from 1999 to 2001. Atari’s revenue from Sawyer’s games, including Transport Tycoon and three versions of RollerCoaster Tycoon, was at the time estimated at around $180 million of which Sawyer received about $30m - but he said the figure fell short of what was due. He said forensic accountants had discovered 13 instances of payments which were wrongly withheld.

Atari counter-claimed, saying he too had part in breaking a deal with Atari by letting Frontier to create a demo based on RollerCoaster Tycoon - which induced Frontier to breach its contract with the publisher. The publisher's lawyers also wanted the case heard in the New York rather than London courts, but UK magistrate Justice Lawrence Collins at the time said the firm was playing "tactical games".

Last year, it seemed the case would go to the High Court, but now the dispute has been settled. However the terms of the settlement are confidential, with the parties involved unable to discuss details; Sawyer and his legal representatives at London law firm Marjacq were unable to comment on the matter when contacted by Develop.

Given the recent appointment of David Gardner as Atari's new CEO, the timing may not be coincidental. In his new role Gardner, the former EVP and COO of EA's worldwide studio operation, is charged with "rejuvenating the Atari brand" in the industry - and perhaps also, with the closure of this dispute, plans to revive the development community's faith in one of gaming's oldest brands.

Gyrowolf · #2 16/02/2008, 3:41 PM

RCT 4 confirmed! ;P

Glad to see that's settled. Hopefully Gardner can turn Atari around and maybe (maybe) they'll think about another RollerCoaster Tycoon game?

bctrainers · #3 17/02/2008, 8:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gyrowolf

RCT 4 confirmed! ;P

Glad to see that's settled. Hopefully Gardner can turn Atari around and maybe (maybe) they'll think about another RollerCoaster Tycoon game?

Hopefully it does mean a RCT4 will be coming!