No Doubt sues ‘Band Hero’ video game maker; players can make virtual band sing wrong songs
By APThursday, November 5, 2009
No Doubt sues video game maker over ‘Band Hero’
LOS ANGELES — No Doubt is suing a video game maker for putting words in band members’ mouths.
The band sued Activision over a feature in the new “Band Hero” game that allows players to control virtual band members and have them sing other artists’ songs.
The lawsuit says that allows players to have lead singer Gwen Stefani perform suggestive lyrics from the Rolling Stones’ hit “Honky Tonk Women.” The suit also notes a virtual version of bassist Tony Kanal can be made to sing his band’s hit “Just a Girl,” but with Stefani’s voice.
Activision says in a statement it had lengthy negotiations with No Doubt and that the gameplay is “within its legal rights.”
No Doubt is seeking unspecified damages and an order barring Activision from using band members’ likeness to perform other artists’ songs.
On the Net:
www.bandhero.com
Tags: Entertainment And Media Technology, Games, Los Angeles, Music, North America, Recreation And Leisure, Rock Music, United States
