Real Rights in a Virtual World

Moderator: George Dolbier, IBM
Panelist: Grant Wei, Cryptic Studios
Panelist: David Hoppe, Access International Law Group
Panelist: Erin Hoffman, Philomath Games
Panelist: Mike Doyle, THQ Canada

The growth of online games and virtual worlds has been phenomenal, to the point where many of these have also led to the growth of parallel, often “grey” economies. In addition, as these online games and virtual worlds demand ever more time and commitment from their users, concomitant issues of user privacy, security, copyright and property rights clashing with the platform owner’s rights.

This growing battle is revolving more and more around the End-User Licensing Agreements (EULA). Typical restrictions within the average EULA can be seen as violating many basic human rights. For innovation (and profits) to truly take off, especially on the virtual worlds side, significant give-and-take on both sides will be needed to better define and establish “virtual” human and economic rights that adequately protect both users and platform operators.

This panel will bring together top industry leaders that will marry technical, legal and business expertise, discussing recent litigation and trends that can point the industry towards a stronger rights environment for all.

Intended Audience: Chief Executive Officers, Executive and Senior Producers, Chief Technology Officers, Chief Privacy Officers, Executive and Senior Counsel, VP of Development

Prerequisites: Awareness of online game and virtual world business models

Format: Panel

Track: Business/Legal

Date/Time: Wednesday, 3:30 PM

Room: Harbor