Home

Cybercafes

Game Developer Valve Wins Contract Dispute with Vivendi Over Cybercafes

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 30, 2004 - 4:12am.
Kirkland, Wash. -- Video game developer Valve Software announced that the U.S. District Court in Seattle has ruled that publishing partner Vivendi Universal Games breached its contract with the company when it distributed Valve's PC games in cybercafés around the world. The court did not rule on what, if any, damages to award Valve. "We're happy the court has affirmed the meaning of our publishing contract," said Valve CEO Gabe Newell. "This is good news for Valve and its cybercafé partners around the world." Valve and Vivendi have several other lawsuits pending, including a charge from Vivendi that Valve violated its publishing agreement with Vivendi by distributing its "Half-Life 2" game through an online system in addition to in stores, where Vivendi would share in profits.
tags: Games | Vivendi | Contract | Valve | Cybercafes |

Los Angeles Enacts Curfews for Minors in Gaming Cybercafes

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on July 8, 2004 - 6:42am.
Los Angeles -- The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved a city ordinance limiting the hours that minors can patronize Internet cafes and "PC baangs", citing school truancy and incidents of violence between teens playing video games. The law will also require cafes to install security cameras and obtain a police permit to operate. Under the new law, which will take effect by September, those under 18 will not be allowed in cybercafes on school days between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., or after 10 p.m.
tags: Minors | Los Angeles | Cybercafes | Curfews |