The Legal Battle Against Cheating in Video Games

In a recent landmark decision, a jury ruled that Phoenix Digital, the owner of AimJunkies, a cheat mod site, violated Bungie copyrights by creating cheats for Destiny 2. This decision is significant as it marks the first time a jury has agreed that a cheat creator infringed upon a gaming company’s copyrights.

Legal Action

Bungie filed a lawsuit against AimJunkies and four defendants in 2021, alleging that they hacked Destiny 2 to copy the code used to create cheats. Some of the complaints, such as violating a DMCA provision prohibiting circumvention of copyright protection technology, went to arbitration, resulting in Bungie winning $4 million. AimJunkies appealed the decision, and the case is still ongoing.

Although the $63,210 awarded to Bungie may seem like pocket change for the company, the verdict holds greater significance. It sets a precedent in the fight against cheating in video games and establishes a legal standing against cheat creators. While cheating lawsuits often end in settlements, this verdict puts a jury on record about the legality of creating cheats.

The legal battle against cheating in video games may not end with this verdict. Phoenix Digital founder David Schaefer plans to move to dismiss the jury’s decision and appeal if necessary. However, regardless of the outcome, this case highlights the ongoing struggle of gaming companies to protect their intellectual property from cheats and hackers.

The recent legal battle between Bungie and AimJunkies sheds light on the importance of protecting copyrights in the gaming industry. While the monetary award may be modest, the impact of the jury’s decision is substantial in the fight against cheating in video games. It remains to be seen how this case will influence future legal actions against cheat creators and the ongoing battle to maintain fair play in the gaming community.