Capcom has filed a lawsuit against Koei Tecmo over what appears to be, essentially, a claim that it invented DLC.
Capcom is claiming that Koei Tecmo infringed on a patent it filed in 2002 that “adds additional content by combining a new piece of software to an already existing game.” Essentially, DLC.
DLC is not a new phenomenon, of course; Nintendo technically got there first back in the 90’s with their Satellaview add-on for the Super Famicom, offering episodic-style games for download with new installments coming out daily, weekly, or monthly. BS-X: The Town Whose Name Had Been Stolen was essentially a ye-olde Animal Crossing.
Capcom is also suing over another patent, claiming infringement of having a controller vibrate when an enemy is nearby. The industry giant claims that this feature has “greatly contributed to the sales” of Koei Tecmo games.
Capcom is demanding between 5-10% of the ¥980 million yen (approximately £5.68 million or $9.42 million) it believes that Koei Tecmo earned from the titles in question, claiming Koei Tecmo violated these patents in 50 of its games, including Samuari Warriors 2: Xtreme Legends. The Mega Man and Street Fighter maker also wants to see several Koei Tecmo games removed from the market.
It’s perhaps odd that Capcom has chosen this moment to go after Koei Tecmo, given how widespread a practice DLC has been for a number of years. But if Capcom wins the lawsuit, it could have far-ranging consequences across the entire industry.
We’ll keep you posted on possible reactions from Koei Tecmo as more details become available. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed to stay updated on our latest posts.
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