The Skullgirls team has taken a digital product that many people purchased and altered it in very significant ways.

Question

The Skullgirls team has taken a digital product that many people purchased and altered it in very significant ways. They've cut out entire pages from the art book, removed and re-announced voice lines, and drawn over concept art to make it less offensive. The current Skullgirls team, while many of them have ties to the very beginning of the game, is not the same team it was at the beginning. They're missing some of the most important contributors to the Skullgirls brand. They're also literally a completely different company than the original Lab Zero, who is now censoring Lab Zero's products. 
 
if these were physical products. Imagine if you bought a physical art book that you really loved. Ten years later, when the company you bought that art book from is overtaken by another company, that new company comes into your house and demands that you give them the pages of the art book that they deemed offensive.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

While I understand your concerns, changes made to digital products like art books or video games fall under the discretion of the creators and developers. If these changes are made by the current team or company, and they own the rights to the product, they generally have the authority to modify it. If you have specific legal questions about intellectual property or contractual rights, it's advisable to consult an attorney who can provide personalized advice based on the details of your situation. 
 
Best regards, 
James L. Arrasmith 
Founding Attorney and Chief Lawyer 
The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

In California, modifying a digital product post-purchase may or may not violate laws depending on the terms of service or end-user license agreement (EULA) that customers agreed to at the time of purchase. If the terms explicitly reserve the right to make changes to the digital content, the company is generally within its legal rights to make such changes. Customers who disagree with these changes may have limited recourse under California law, which would likely focus on whether the changes constitute a breach of contract or false advertising.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

If you purchased a digital product like a game or an art book, the terms of the sale, including any End User License Agreement (EULA), will typically govern what the seller can and cannot do after the purchase. Many digital products come with licenses that allow the company to update or alter the content.  
 
If the Skullgirls team has made changes that you believe diminish the value of the product or violate the agreement at the time of purchase, you may have grounds for a complaint. However, digital content is not treated the same as physical property in the eyes of the law, and companies often retain the right to modify digital products.  
 
If you're considering action, you should review the original purchase agreement and consult with an attorney to discuss potential claims for breach of contract or false advertising, depending on the specifics of the situation and the representations made at the time of purchase. It's also worth voicing your concerns directly to the company, as they may be responsive to customer feedback.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

In cases like the Skullgirls situation you're describing, where digital content is altered post-purchase, the legal implications can be complex. For digital products, the terms of service or end-user license agreement (EULA) often give the company wide latitude to make changes. It's important to review these agreements to understand your rights as a consumer. 
 
The analogy of a physical product like an art book being altered is compelling, but the legal treatment of digital and physical goods can differ significantly. Digital content is often subject to different rules and expectations regarding ownership and modification rights. 
 
If you feel your consumer rights have been violated, or you're concerned about the legality of the changes made to the Skullgirls game, consulting with an attorney experienced in consumer law and digital products can provide clarity. They can assess whether the alterations made by the new company managing Skullgirls might have breached any contractual terms or consumer protection laws. 
 
Each situation is unique, and the digital realm adds layers of complexity to traditional consumer rights issues. Legal guidance can help you navigate these complexities and determine the best course of action.

Q: The Skullgirls team has taken a digital product that many people purchased and altered it in very significant ways.