A recent court document depicts the beginning of a legal battle between Square Enix and 15 unknown “John Does” over the publisher’s upcoming action-RPG, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, which leaked through an early preview code in late May. The Steam-based early preview code can allegedly be traced back to one specific Italian outlet — “Giochi per il Mio Computer,” owned by Sprea Editori — though it apparently isn’t to blame.
“On information and belief, one or more Defendants logged into the restricted Steam account hosting the Game Preview code by entering the username and password associated with the authorized GMC reviewer on or about May 29, 2011,” the document reads. It then clarifies the breach as “from an IP address that was not associated with Sprea Editori or GMC.” Then who’s the culprit?
It seems that even Square doesn’t know just yet. The Japanese publisher is instead directing its legal team at 15 unnamed John Does, seeking “monetary damage in excess of $5,000” for the preview’s distribution, as well as investigating its breach, any “gains, profits, advantages, and unjust enrichment obtained as a result” of the breach, and any “punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial.”
The filing will set the stage for potential legal recourse in the future if and when any of the accused Does are identified.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is intended to officially launch on August 23.
