I’ve been keeping tabs on another forum that revolves around a web based game, and the designer created this game with the intentions of having it for online play.
The name of the game has the word ONLINE in the title. As it has not been delivered for the online status, they are still selling (for $15.00) what they call a Beta version. They have sold several copies, but still there isn’t the capability of online play. Those who are in the know have stated that there will be an update released when it is finished. To my knowledge, they have been stating this for at least 3 months. So rightfully so, those who have purchased the game are getting impatient, and are wanting answers or a refund of their money.
My question is this…
- Can a small game company legally sell a beta version piece of software?
- Legally are they in the wrong for not providing refunds for those who are requesting them?
- Does it matter if the designer is not in the United States for any legal matters to be taken?
- Are there any actions that can be taken for those who have been duped into buying an incomplete piece of software?
After reading the thread on the other forum, reminds me of all the hassle that went on with WWII Online, as it had a tremendous amount of bugs and problems upon release, with no patch in sight.
Thanks
Uzuiel