Brutal Legend is getting a lot of attention at this year's E3, but if Activision has its way the game will never be released under EA. The Associated Press reports that the company has announced that they are suing to stop the release of the game. Activision Entertainment Holdings has opened a suit against Double Fine Productions, claiming the developer transferred rights to Electronic Arts. Activision claims they still hold a valid contract to release the game. They say they've invested about $15 million into it, and clearly want to make that money back.
This suit could threaten the planned holiday release of the game if it hasn't been settled in court by then. Even if Activision is victorious, it doesn't mean Brutal Legend would never be released; it would simply be published under their name instead. Alternately, EA could step in with its deep pockets and offer to pay back Activision's investment in order to settle out of court before the game releases. Still, suing and possibly delaying a highly anticipated game is a questionable PR move at best, so Activision must really want their money. We'll keep you updated as we hear more.
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3174619
I'm really starting to hate Activision now.