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What you need to know about 'Minecraft'
Chances are that if you don't play Minecraft yourself, you've probably at least heard of it or know someone who does. The charming indie game has invaded nearly every facet of pop culture, casting its blocky spell on everything from Legos to feature films and has even been used for tourism. With over 54 million copies sold, Sweden-based developer Mojang made $128 million last year largely thanks to Minecraft and has become one of the most successful game studios in the world. But what actually is Minecraft? We're glad you asked!
Monster Madness Online announced, starts open alpha testing
It's not every day that you get to hear about a brand-new MMO and get to try it out at the same time, but here you go: Nom Nom Games and Trendy Entertainment (Dungeon Defenders) announced the birth of Monster Madness Online and encouraged folks to jump into its open alpha test program. Monster Madness Online is a free-to-play multiplayer shooter that pits players against a Martian invasion of a suburban town. All of the adults have been abducted, leaving teenagers to be the sole defenders of our home soil. Players will go on co-op missions to fight the monsters with an optional roguelike mode for those who prefer the hardcore life or jump into 16-player PvP battlegrounds. The game also features the option for players to set up their own servers, create their own mods, and whip up their own levels. It offers crossplatform play between PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Web Browser, and Windows Phone 8. Players can register for the upcoming beta on the site as well. [Thanks to Mehighlow for the tip!]
Activision sued for 'false patent marking' (and what that means)
Activision is being sued by the Patent Compliance Group for "false patent marking." Don't walk away! It's not that complex, we promise. What it basically means is that this private group of patent police is trying to ding Activision on patents it has on products that are beyond the scope of what it's producing. The reason for the lawsuit, according to the PCG, is that "false patent marking is a serious problem. Acts of false marking deter innovation and stifle competition in the marketplace. If an article that is within the public domain is falsely marked, potential competitors may be dissuaded from entering the same market." LGJ columnist (and lawyer) Mark Methenitis explains, "Some claims may have some merit like the '753 patent, which is basically for a DDR pad, which wouldn't necessarily apply to Guitar Hero; or the '689 patent, which is for the DJ Hero turn table which does not work with Guitar Hero 5 or Band Hero. To me, it looks like the shotgun approach: hit everything and hope something sticks." Check out Methenitis' full response to us after the break. PCG is seeking $500 for each of Activision's violations, which is set by statute. As Gray on Claims notes, Activision isn't the only company caught in the crosshairs of the "patent police." What these groups are attempting to do is keep companies (like Activision!) from putting a patent on ideas or concepts that aren't in development. PDF -- Patent Compliance Group v. Activsion Source -- Patent Marking Police out in full force [Via Edge, THR]
