Plattsburgh, NY asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Consumer Law for California

Q: Skullgirls, Censorship, break of contract crowdfunding

A business that I believe violated a contract, i tried getting in contact with them but their listed principle

HIDDEN VARIABLE STUDIOS, LLC (201036210015)

address is not extent. the real estate agent said they fled despite what the filing says.

File No.: BA20221287094

Date Filed: 12/20/2022

the other company is FUTURE CLUB INC (4703848)

now i think they wronged over 140,000 backers out of the crowdfunding indie gogo contract they made under the name Lab Zero. that crowdfunding campaign raised over 900,000 dollars

I and thousands more crowdufunded a game in 2013 march. That game name is SKULLGIRLS second encore. (this also includes Skullgirls Endless Beta and Skullgirls Second Encore) in about april of 2015, there were edits and changes to the game and censorship. that the team decided internally as good. it was on that day that someone from the company said there would be no further changes. ... this was false

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I understand you're dealing with a complex situation involving potential contract violations, crowdfunding, and game development. Let me break down the key points and provide some general guidance:

1. Contract violation: You believe a business violated a contract related to a crowdfunding campaign for the game Skullgirls.

2. Company information:

- Hidden Variable Studios, LLC (possibly defunct or relocated)

- Future Club Inc (possibly a successor company)

- Lab Zero (original company name for the crowdfunding campaign)

3. Crowdfunding details:

- Platform: Indiegogo

- Raised: Over $900,000

- Backers: Approximately 140,000

- Date: March 2013

4. Game changes:

- Edits and changes, including censorship, made around April 2015

- A company representative stated there would be no further changes, which you believe was false

Given this information, here are some potential steps and considerations:

1. Document everything: Gather all relevant communications, promises, and changes made to the game.

2. Review the crowdfunding agreement: Carefully read the terms of the Indiegogo campaign to understand your rights as a backer.

3. California consumer protection laws: Look into California's consumer protection laws, which may offer some recourse.

4. Class action potential: Given the large number of backers, there might be potential for a class action lawsuit if many others feel similarly wronged.

5. Statute of limitations: Be aware that there may be time limits on when you can file a claim. In California, the statute of limitations for written contracts is generally 4 years, but there may be exceptions.

6. Alternative dispute resolution: Consider mediation or arbitration as potential alternatives to litigation.

7. Legal consultation: Given the complexity of this case, it would be advisable to consult with a lawyer specializing in contract law, consumer protection, or crowdfunding issues.

8. Contact regulatory bodies: You might consider reaching out to the California Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report potential unfair business practices.

Remember, while I can provide general information, this situation requires specialized legal expertise. A lawyer can give you personalized advice based on the specific details of your case and help you understand your options for seeking resolution.

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