+- RCTgo Forums (https://forums.rctgo.com)
+-- Forum: The Games (https://forums.rctgo.com/forum-8.html)
+--- Forum: RollerCoaster Tycoon Discussion (https://forums.rctgo.com/forum-9.html)
+--- Thread: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement (/thread-4431.html)
RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - canand - Feb 10, 2008
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. Atariâs revenue from Sawyerâs 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.
![[Image: 1607_chrissawyer.jpg]](http://www.developmag.com/static/images/news/29193/1607_chrissawyer.jpg)
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - Zippy24 - Feb 10, 2008
Thanks for the update.
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - canand - Feb 11, 2008
Zippy24 Wrote:Thanks for the update.
Its ok and do you think there well be a Roller Coaster Tycoon 4 comeing out know.
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - Zippy24 - Feb 11, 2008
If there is another developer that really likes RCT3 then probably if Chris is in a good mood.
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - canand - Feb 11, 2008
Zippy24 Wrote:If there is another developer that really likes RCT3 then probably if Chris is in a good mood.
I hope there is a Roller Coaster Tycoon 4 comeing becuse I like them games.
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - CarlosMarti123 - Feb 11, 2008
[deleted]
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - canand - Feb 11, 2008
CarlosMarti123 Wrote:Yeah, lets hope a new version of RCT3 comes out. I wish them good luck. RCT3 Rocks!
It wont be another RCT3 becuse RollerCoaster Tycoon had 2 Expansions called CorkScrew Follies (aka Added Attractions and Loopy Landscapes
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 had 2 Expansions called Wacky Worlds and Time Twister
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 has 2 Expansions called Soaked! and Wild! so know it well be RollerCoaster Tycoon 4 but RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Wild! well be out for the Mac soon.
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - Zippy24 - Feb 11, 2008
canand Wrote:CarlosMarti123 Wrote:Yeah, lets hope a new version of RCT3 comes out. I wish them good luck. RCT3 Rocks!
It wont be another RCT3 becuse RollerCoaster Tycoon had 2 Expansions called CorkScrew Follies (aka Added Attractions and Loopy Landscapes
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 had 2 Expansions called Wacky Worlds and Time Twister
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 has 2 Expansions called Soaked! and Wild! so know it well be RollerCoaster Tycoon 4 but RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Wild! well be out for the Mac soon.
Wild is all ready out for wild. It came out in '07. I agree I do want RCT4 but they need to change some stuff that was in RCT3.
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - canand - Feb 11, 2008
Zippy24 Wrote:Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 Wild is out on PC but it is not out on Mac yet Soaked is out on PC and Mac.canand Wrote:CarlosMarti123 Wrote:Yeah, lets hope a new version of RCT3 comes out. I wish them good luck. RCT3 Rocks!
It wont be another RCT3 becuse RollerCoaster Tycoon had 2 Expansions called CorkScrew Follies (aka Added Attractions and Loopy Landscapes
RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 had 2 Expansions called Wacky Worlds and Time Twister
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 has 2 Expansions called Soaked! and Wild! so know it well be RollerCoaster Tycoon 4 but RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Wild! well be out for the Mac soon.
Wild is all ready out for wild. It came out in '07. I agree I do want RCT4 but they need to change some stuff that was in RCT3.
RE: RollerCoaster Tycoon lawsuit ends in settlement - Zippy24 - Feb 11, 2008
I have Wild for mac.