Ultronomicon - User contributions [en]

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-05-11T20:34:17Z

Mormont: /* Legacy: 2002-2012 */

This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far.

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]

Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png] and packaging,[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg] as well as the sequel's packaging.[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png] This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4) Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/] (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57))

''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1] which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]

=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===

Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5) This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract.

When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf] One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music] Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]

Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]

Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics][https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect] This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work.

The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf] For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law][https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/] The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]

=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/] Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come] and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred] In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===

Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update] Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1) Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)

=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245][https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy] The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]

The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]:

* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)

This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act] These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/] and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]

=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===

The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5) Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]

According to federal courts:

<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</blockquote>

Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668], or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)

Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7), Spawn,[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court] and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2) Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]

== Licensing agreement ==
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]

=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html] A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.

=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1) It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)

A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]

Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14) who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]

=== But is the agreement still valid? ===

The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire.

Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1) By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html], SC2,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html], and SC3.[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html] Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37) Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1) This would have expired on April 1, 2001.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25) In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3] Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png] Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]

The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1) Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57) In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1) which Atari filed for in 2013.[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]

== Trademarks ==

[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1) In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb) However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]

=== What is the dispute? ===
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors] Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]] This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1] As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.

== Unfair competition ==

[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]

=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54) If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)

Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]

Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.

Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2] and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/] The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]

== Outcomes ==

=== Who will win in court? ===

This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.

=== Can this be settled out of court? ===

In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/] Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.

Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48) whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2) Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii) Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3) Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7) and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)

Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b) but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II) Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41) they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV) Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)

It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope] settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===

Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a) This echoes their request in private settlement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5) If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it.

The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41) but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)

=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===

Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48) Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.

Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3)</su and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)

== Timeline of Star Control ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===

* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]

=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===

* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1) According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)

=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211] &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review] Wired,[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/] and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]

=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===

* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]

=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===

* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] (Both announcements are later re-edited.)
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/][https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)

=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock's file legal claim against Reiche and Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-05-09T14:27:46Z

Mormont: /* What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen.]]

Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png] and packaging,[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg] as well as the sequel's packaging.[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png] This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf] Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that they do not claim Copyright in the first two games.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/].

However, Stardock does dispute Reiche and Ford's ownership of the copyright to these games, based on the fact that the copyright of some elements could be owned by the game's other co-creators. While the 1988 agreement would have conceded any copyright claim by Accolade and its successors, it was Reiche's responsibility to secure proper proof of copyright assignment from such co-creators. Additionally, because Reiche did not register the copyright within five years of the work's creation, he will not receive an automatic presumption to have created the material he claims copyright on, and will bear the burden of proof on this point.

''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright with the United States Copyright Office,[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1] which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]

=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===

Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." [https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract.

When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|in the games]].[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf] One such contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or Reiche or Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music] Riku has since been hired by Stardock to be the music lead for Star Control: Origins, who has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]

Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics][https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect] This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work.

The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf] For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law][https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/] The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]

=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/] Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come] and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred] In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted characters and content from the first two games.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update] Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1) Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)

=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245][https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy] The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]

The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]:

* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)

This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act] These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/] and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]

=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===

The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]

According to federal courts:

<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire-the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme"-are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257]</blockquote>

Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668], or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm]

Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html], Spawn,[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court], and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668] Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]

== Licensing agreement ==

=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html] A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.

=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1) It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)

An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]

Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14) who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]

=== But is the agreement still valid? ===

The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire.

Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1) By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html], SC2,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html], and SC3.[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html] Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37) Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1) This would have expired on April 1, 2001.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25) Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png] Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]

The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1) Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57) In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1) which Atari filed for in 2013.[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1) Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)( However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]

=== What is the dispute? ===
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors] Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]] This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1] As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]

=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54) If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)

Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]

Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.

Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]

== Outcomes ==

=== Who will win in court? ===

There are multiple issues that can be decided multiple ways. It is unlikely that anyone will "win" every issue, and whether they win overall will depend on how you judge the importance of each issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.

=== Can this be settled out of court? ===

In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/] Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.

Stardock's lawsuit claim Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages, and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

Negotiation sometimes involves starting high and going down, so it is possible Stardock's offer is a tactical opening bid rather than their final aims. We do not know how settlement negotiations have proceeded since March, especially with the magistrate ordering them to be kept private.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===

Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] This echoes their request in private settlement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it.

The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===

Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(*)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens. Stardock's settlement offer goes further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock, and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===

* 1988 agreement
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}
 
 
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade.
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb; [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control.
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics.
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control; (April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}}
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}}
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.
 
 
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN.
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku. (October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-05-09T14:22:46Z

Mormont: /* What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen.]]

Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png] and packaging,[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg] as well as the sequel's packaging.[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png] This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf] Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that they do not claim Copyright in the first two games.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/].

However, Stardock does dispute Reiche and Ford's ownership of the copyright to these games, based on the fact that the copyright of some elements could be owned by the game's other co-creators. While the 1988 agreement would have conceded any copyright claim by Accolade and its successors, it was Reiche's responsibility to secure proper proof of copyright assignment from such co-creators. Additionally, because Reiche did not register the copyright within five years of the work's creation, he will not receive an automatic presumption to have created the material he claims copyright on, and will bear the burden of proof on this point.

''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright with the United States Copyright Office,[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1] which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]

=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===

Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." [https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract.

When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|in the games]].[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf] One such contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or Reiche or Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music] Riku has since been hired by Stardock to be the music lead for Star Control: Origins, who has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]

Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics][https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect] This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work.

The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf] For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law][https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/] The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]

=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/] Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come] and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred] In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted characters and content from the first two games.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update] Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1) Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)

=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245][https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy] The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]

The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]:

* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)

This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act] These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/] and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]

=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===

The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]

According to federal courts:

<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire-the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme"-are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257]</blockquote>

Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668], or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm]

Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html], Spawn,[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court], and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668] Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]

== Licensing agreement ==

=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html] A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.

=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1) It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)

An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]

Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14) who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]

=== But is the agreement still valid? ===

The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire.

Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1) By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html], SC2,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html], and SC3.[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html] Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37) Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1) This would have expired on April 1, 2001.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25) Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png] Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]

The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1) Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57) In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1) which Atari filed for in 2013.[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1) Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)( However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]

=== What is the dispute? ===
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors] Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]] This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1] As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]

=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54) If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)

Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]

Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.

Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]

== Outcomes ==

=== Who will win in court? ===

There are multiple issues that can be decided multiple ways. It is unlikely that anyone will "win" every issue, and whether they win overall will depend on how you judge the importance of each issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.

=== Can this be settled out of court? ===

In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/] Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.

Stardock's lawsuit claim Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages, and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

Negotiation sometimes involves starting high and going down, so it is possible Stardock's offer is a tactical opening bid rather than their final aims. We do not know how settlement negotiations have proceeded since March, especially with the magistrate ordering them to be kept private.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===

Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] This echoes their request in private settlement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] However, if an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it. The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===

Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(*)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens. Stardock's settlement offer goes further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock, and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===

* 1988 agreement
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}
 
 
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade.
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb; [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control.
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics.
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control; (April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}}
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}}
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.
 
 
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN.
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku. (October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-05-09T14:20:25Z

Mormont: /* Can this be settled out of court? */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen.]]

Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png] and packaging,[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg] as well as the sequel's packaging.[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png] This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf] Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that they do not claim Copyright in the first two games.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/].

However, Stardock does dispute Reiche and Ford's ownership of the copyright to these games, based on the fact that the copyright of some elements could be owned by the game's other co-creators. While the 1988 agreement would have conceded any copyright claim by Accolade and its successors, it was Reiche's responsibility to secure proper proof of copyright assignment from such co-creators. Additionally, because Reiche did not register the copyright within five years of the work's creation, he will not receive an automatic presumption to have created the material he claims copyright on, and will bear the burden of proof on this point.

''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright with the United States Copyright Office,[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1] which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]

=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===

Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." [https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract.

When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|in the games]].[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf] One such contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or Reiche or Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music] Riku has since been hired by Stardock to be the music lead for Star Control: Origins, who has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]

Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics][https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect] This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work.

The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf] For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law][https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/] The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]

=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/] Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come] and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred] In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted characters and content from the first two games.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update] Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1) Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)

=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245][https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy] The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]

The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]:

* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)

This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act] These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/] and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]

=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===

The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]

According to federal courts:

<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire-the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme"-are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257]</blockquote>

Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668], or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm]

Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html], Spawn,[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court], and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668] Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]

== Licensing agreement ==

=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html] A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.

=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1) It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)

An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]

Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14) who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]

=== But is the agreement still valid? ===

The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire.

Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1) By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html], SC2,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html], and SC3.[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html] Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37) Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1) This would have expired on April 1, 2001.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25) Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png] Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]

The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1) Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57) In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1) which Atari filed for in 2013.[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1) Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)( However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]

=== What is the dispute? ===
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors] Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]] This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1] As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]

=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54) If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)

Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]

Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.

Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]

== Outcomes ==

=== Who will win in court? ===

There are multiple issues that can be decided multiple ways. It is unlikely that anyone will "win" every issue, and whether they win overall will depend on how you judge the importance of each issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.

=== Can this be settled out of court? ===

In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/] Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.

Stardock's lawsuit claim Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages, and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

Negotiation sometimes involves starting high and going down, so it is possible Stardock's offer is a tactical opening bid rather than their final aims. We do not know how settlement negotiations have proceeded since March, especially with the magistrate ordering them to be kept private.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===

Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] This echoes their request in private settlement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===

Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(*)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens. Stardock's settlement offer goes further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock, and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===

* 1988 agreement
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}
 
 
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade.
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb; [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control.
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics.
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control; (April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}}
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}}
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.
 
 
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN.
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku. (October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-05-09T14:20:04Z

Mormont: /* Can this be settled out of court? */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen.]]

Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png] and packaging,[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg] as well as the sequel's packaging.[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png] This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf] Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that they do not claim Copyright in the first two games.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/].

However, Stardock does dispute Reiche and Ford's ownership of the copyright to these games, based on the fact that the copyright of some elements could be owned by the game's other co-creators. While the 1988 agreement would have conceded any copyright claim by Accolade and its successors, it was Reiche's responsibility to secure proper proof of copyright assignment from such co-creators. Additionally, because Reiche did not register the copyright within five years of the work's creation, he will not receive an automatic presumption to have created the material he claims copyright on, and will bear the burden of proof on this point.

''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright with the United States Copyright Office,[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1] which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]

=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===

Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." [https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract.

When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|in the games]].[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf] One such contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or Reiche or Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music] Riku has since been hired by Stardock to be the music lead for Star Control: Origins, who has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]

Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics][https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect] This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work.

The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf] For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law][https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/] The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]

=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/] Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come] and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred] In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted characters and content from the first two games.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update] Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1) Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)

=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245][https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy] The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]

The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]:

* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)

This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act] These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/] and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]

=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===

The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]

According to federal courts:

<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire-the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme"-are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257]</blockquote>

Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668], or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm]

Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html], Spawn,[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court], and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668] Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]

== Licensing agreement ==

=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html] A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.

=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1) It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)

An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]

Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14) who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]

=== But is the agreement still valid? ===

The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire.

Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1) By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html], SC2,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html], and SC3.[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html] Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37) Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1) This would have expired on April 1, 2001.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25) Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png] Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]

The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1) Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57) In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1) which Atari filed for in 2013.[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1) Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)( However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]

=== What is the dispute? ===
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors] Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]] This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1] As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]

=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54) If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)

Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]

Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.

Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]

== Outcomes ==

=== Who will win in court? ===

There are multiple issues that can be decided multiple ways. It is unlikely that anyone will "win" every issue, and whether they win overall will depend on how you judge the importance of each issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.

=== Can this be settled out of court? ===

In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/] Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.

Stardock's lawsuit claim Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages, and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

Negotiation sometimes involves starting high and going down, so it is possible Stardock's offer is a tactical opening bid rather than their final aims. We do not know how settlement negotiations have proceeded since March, especially with the magistrate ordering them to be kept private.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There will be a settlement conference May 14.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===

Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] This echoes their request in private settlement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===

Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(*)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens. Stardock's settlement offer goes further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock, and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===

* 1988 agreement
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}
 
 
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade.
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb; [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control.
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics.
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control; (April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}}
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}}
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.
 
 
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN.
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku. (October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-05-09T14:18:46Z

Mormont: /* Can this be settled out of court? */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen.]]

Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png] and packaging,[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg] as well as the sequel's packaging.[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png] This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf] Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that they do not claim Copyright in the first two games.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/].

However, Stardock does dispute Reiche and Ford's ownership of the copyright to these games, based on the fact that the copyright of some elements could be owned by the game's other co-creators. While the 1988 agreement would have conceded any copyright claim by Accolade and its successors, it was Reiche's responsibility to secure proper proof of copyright assignment from such co-creators. Additionally, because Reiche did not register the copyright within five years of the work's creation, he will not receive an automatic presumption to have created the material he claims copyright on, and will bear the burden of proof on this point.

''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright with the United States Copyright Office,[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1] which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]

=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===

Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." [https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract.

When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|in the games]].[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf] One such contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or Reiche or Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music] Riku has since been hired by Stardock to be the music lead for Star Control: Origins, who has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]

Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===
Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics][https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect] This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work.

The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf] For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law][https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/] The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]

=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/] Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come] and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred] In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted characters and content from the first two games.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]
=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===
Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update] Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1) Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)

=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245][https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy] The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]

The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]:

* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)

This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act] These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/] and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]

=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===

The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that "The Reiche Intellectual Property shall include proprietary rights in and to any source code, names (of starships and alien races), characters, plot lines, setting, terminology unique to the Star Control products, and music" in Star Control I and II.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Indeed, characters can be protected by Copyright.[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris]

According to federal courts:

<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire-the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme"-are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257]</blockquote>

Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668], or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm]

Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html], Spawn,[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court], and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668] Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]

== Licensing agreement ==

=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html] A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.

=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1) It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)

An addendum to the agreement agreed that Accolade would develop Star Control 3.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]

Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14) who claims that this includes the 1988 Licensing Agreement.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]

=== But is the agreement still valid? ===

The 1988 Agreement included several clauses about when it would expire.

Paragraph 2.1 about ''Term'' states that the agreement shall continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1) By the 2000s, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html], SC2,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html], and SC3.[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html] Reiche and Ford claim that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37) Also, the 1998 addendum to the agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but ultimately reverts all intellectual property rights to Reiche and Ford upon expiry.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1) This would have expired on April 1, 2001.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25) Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png] Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]

The 1988 agreement also included a non-assignment clause, with paragraph 12.1 stating that the License cannot be assigned without Reiche's permission.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1) Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57) In addition, Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement expires upon bankruptcy of the publisher,[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1) which Atari filed for in 2013.[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1) Reiche/Ford have offered that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb)( However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)
=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]

=== What is the dispute? ===
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors] Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===
Since the beginning of the lawsuit, Stardock has filed applications for several words and phrases from the original games, including "Ur Quan Masters", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]] This would give Stardock exclusive right to use these words and phrases in commerce. It is unclear whether these applications will succeed, because the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has asked for Stardock to amend their application to include evidence that they have been exclusively using them.[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1] As well, it is unclear if Reiche/Ford have opposed these applications, which is an ordinary part of the application process.

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]

=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54) If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)

Previous publishers have called Reiche and Ford the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1]

Stardock's lawsuit states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Stardock has made different statements about Reiche and Ford's actual contributions. Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.

Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2]

== Outcomes ==

=== Who will win in court? ===

There are multiple issues that can be decided multiple ways. It is unlikely that anyone will "win" every issue, and whether they win overall will depend on how you judge the importance of each issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.

=== Can this be settled out of court? ===

In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/] Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.

Stardock's lawsuit claim Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829] Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages, and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

Negotiation sometimes involves starting high and going down, so it is possible Stardock's offer is a tactical opening bid rather than their final aims. We do not know how settlement negotiations have proceeded since March, especially with the magistrate ordering them to be kept private. There will be a settlement conference May 14.

=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===

Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] This echoes their request in private settlement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802] The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===

Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford] Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(*)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens. Stardock's settlement offer goes further, asking to Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock, and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829]

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===

* 1988 agreement
* '''1990, July''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Paul Reiche and Fred Ford.{{ref|90}}
* '''1992, October''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.{{ref|92}}
* '''1996, September''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.{{ref|96}}
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not well-received by fans and receives weaker sales.{{ref|97}}
* '''1998, September''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "the creators of Star Control". {{ref|98-9}}
* '''1998, October - IRC Chat''': Fans frequently push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.{{ref|98-10}}
* '''2000''': A fourth game is attempted as a 3D combat game, and is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.{{ref|00}}
 
 
{{note|90}} [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/ "Star Control".] Interned Movie Database.
{{note|92}} Trevena, Stanley (March 1993). [http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104 "Accolade's Star Control II"]. Computer Gaming World. p. 34.
{{note|96}} (September 1996). [http://cd.textfiles.com/cdaction/cdaction16a/SC3DEMO/MANUAL.TXT "Star Control 3: Manual".] Accolade.
:: ''"(c) 1996 Accolade, Inc. All rights reserved. Star Control 3 is based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."''
{{note|97}} [https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/ "Legend Entertainment Company".] Giant Bomb; [http://www.star-control.com/sc3/ "Star Control 3".] The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control.
:: ''"During this period, the company also developed Star Control 3, sequel to the much loved Star Control 2 created by Toys for Bob. The game was not well-received by fans and suffered from poor sales."''
{{note|98-9}} (September 1998) [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs "Unholy War - Press Release"]. Eidos Interactive & Crystal Dynamics.
:: ''"From the creators of "Star Control" I & II and the co-designer of Archon..."''
{{note|98-10}} "[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim IRC chat Oct 1998]". Transcript from IRC.
{{note|00}} "[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/ Star Control 4.]" The Pages of Now And Forever: All About Star Control; (April, 2000). Dunkin, Alan. "[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-control-4-renamed/1100-2462887/ Star Control 4 Renamed]". GameSpot.

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* '''2002, November''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released on Source Forge, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game earns 100,000 downloads within its first month, and nearly 2 million downloads over the lifetime of the project. {{ref|02}}
* '''2003, August - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.{{ref|03}}
* '''2005, May''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "the brains behind Star Control", have been fully acquired by Activision.{{ref|05}}
* '''2005, December''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.{{ref|05-b}}
* '''2006, March''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.{{ref|06-3}}
* '''2006, April''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.{{ref|06-4}}
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* '''2006, August''': Star Control 2 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece". {{ref|06-8}}
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''
* '''2007, June - IRC Chat''': Paul and Fred discuss the petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''{{ref|07-6}}
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.
* '''2007, December''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche was half of the partnership that made Star Control.{{ref|07-12}}
* '''2008, December''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.{{ref|08-12}}
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* '''2010, August''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.{{ref|10-8}}
* '''2011, January''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.{{ref|11-1}}
* '''2011, April''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.{{ref|11-4}}
* '''2011, June''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-6}}
* '''2011, October''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "we promise someday, we will make the real sequel" to Star Control.{{ref|11-10}}
* '''2011, November''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.{{ref|11-11}}
* '''2012, October''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku, Wired, and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.{{ref|12-10}}
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.
 
 
{{note|02}} [https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14 "The Ur Quan Masters - Download Statistics"]. SourceForce. Retrieved April 2018.
{{note|03}} (August 2003) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted "Toys for Bob IRC Chat".) Transcript.
{{note|05}} (May 2005) Surette, Tim. [https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/ "Activision Bobs for Toys"] GameSpot.
{{note|05-b}} (2005) [http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2005]. IGN.
{{note|06-3}} (March 2006) Nirvi, Niko. [https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/ "Star ControlKontrollin aikakirjat".] Pelit (Finland).
{{note|06-4}} (April 2006) [https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel "Hope for Another Star Control Sequel?"]. SlashDot.
{{note|06-8}} (August 2006) Galway, Benjamin. [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/ "Star Control 2 - Genesis Reviews"]. Sega-16.
{{note|07-6}} (June 2007) [http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean "Toys for bob IRC Chat.) Transcript.
{{note|07-12}} (2007) "[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time - 2007]". IGN.
{{note|08-12}} (December 2008) "[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected The Wednesday 10: Franchises We Want Resurrected]". IGN.
{{note|10-8}} (August, 2010) [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 "Interview with Fred Ford"]. Star-Control.com.
{{note|11-1}} (January, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b Heti retro: Star Control II]. IDDQD.
{{note|11-4}} (April, 2011) [http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b New release: Star Control 1+2]. GOG.
{{note|11-6}} (June, 2011) Schramm, Mike. [https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ What's In a Name: Toys for Bob]. Engadget.
{{note|11-10}} (October, 2011) [http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928 Paul Reiche Interview on CVG]. Star Controller.
:: ''"22 years ago, we founded Toys for Bob, Fred ford and myself; making Star Control 1 and 2, science fiction games, which to this day, have a bizarrely-dedicated fan following and we promise someday, we will make the real sequel."''
{{note|11-11}} (November, 2011) Totilo, Stephen. [https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them "The Man Who Wants to Re Invent Toys Before Video Games Destroy Them"]. Kotaku.
{{note|12-10}} (October, 2012) Fahey, Mike. [https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review Skylanders Giants - The Kotaku Review]. Kotaku. (October, 2012) Aziz, Hamza. [https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml Merging toys and videogames with Skylanders]. Destructoid. (October, 2012) Olsen, Anton. [https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/ Toys for Bob: From Star Control to Skylanders Giant]. Wired.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-07T17:23:21Z

Mormont: /* Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:20:46Z

Mormont: /* Music Copyright */

== Work together and stay neutral ==

Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track.

As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans.

If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.

The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)

== Community Q+A guidelines ==

=== Editor behavior ===

* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines.
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.

=== Verification in reliable sources ===

* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law.
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties.
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers.
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly.
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed.

=== Neutrality ===

* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.

=== Readability ===

* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.

== What Are You Doing ==
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==

@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Music Copyright ==

Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

: Addendum 3 is not transferring ownership; it's giving Accolade permission to use Reiche's IP. I tried to present this as another point to consider, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music. [[User:Mormont|Mormont]] ([[User talk:Mormont|talk]]) 21:20, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:18:32Z

Mormont: /* Music Copyright */

Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:17:58Z

Mormont: /* Music Copyright */

== Work together and stay neutral ==

Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track.

As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans.

If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.

The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)

== Community Q+A guidelines ==

=== Editor behavior ===

* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines.
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.

=== Verification in reliable sources ===

* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law.
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties.
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers.
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly.
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed.

=== Neutrality ===

* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.

=== Readability ===

* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.

== What Are You Doing ==
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==

@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Music Copyright ==

Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

: I tried to present it as another point to consider, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music (and it's not transferring ownership, it's giving Accolade permission to use Reiche's IP). --[[User:Mormont|Mormont]]

Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:16:35Z

Mormont: /* Music Copyright */

== Work together and stay neutral ==

Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track.

As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans.

If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.

The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)

== Community Q+A guidelines ==

=== Editor behavior ===

* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines.
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.

=== Verification in reliable sources ===

* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law.
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties.
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers.
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly.
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed.

=== Neutrality ===

* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.

=== Readability ===

* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.

== What Are You Doing ==
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==

@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Music Copyright ==

Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

: I tried to present it as another point to consider on the other side, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music- --[[User:Mormont|Mormont]]

Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:16:16Z

Mormont: /* Music Copyright */

== Work together and stay neutral ==

Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track.

As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans.

If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.

The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)

== Community Q+A guidelines ==

=== Editor behavior ===

* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines.
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.

=== Verification in reliable sources ===

* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law.
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties.
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers.
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly.
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed.

=== Neutrality ===

* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.

=== Readability ===

* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.

== What Are You Doing ==
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==

@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Music Copyright ==

Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

: I tried to present it as another point to consider on the other side, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music- --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]]

Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:15:31Z

Mormont: /* Music Copyright */

== Work together and stay neutral ==

Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track.

As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans.

If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.

The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)

== Community Q+A guidelines ==

=== Editor behavior ===

* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines.
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.

=== Verification in reliable sources ===

* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law.
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties.
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers.
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly.
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed.

=== Neutrality ===

* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.

=== Readability ===

* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.

== What Are You Doing ==
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==

@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Music Copyright ==

Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

: I tried to present it as another point to consider on the other side, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music. -- Mormont

Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:15:14Z

Mormont: /* Music Copyright */

== Work together and stay neutral ==

Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track.

As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans.

If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.

The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)

== Community Q+A guidelines ==

=== Editor behavior ===

* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines.
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.

=== Verification in reliable sources ===

* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law.
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties.
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers.
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly.
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed.

=== Neutrality ===

* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.

=== Readability ===

* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.

== What Are You Doing ==
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==

@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Music Copyright ==

Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

: I tried to present it as another point to consider on the other side, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music.

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:03:49Z

Mormont: /* Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 the TFB site's news] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues was invalid.
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T19:00:46Z

Mormont: /* Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 */ Probably best to leave detailed discussion of the assets for another section.

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 the TFB site's news] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark. Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues this was invalid because "Star Control" had not been used in commerce for years.
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T18:55:20Z

Mormont: /* Music */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 the TFB site's news] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark. Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues this was invalid because "Star Control" had not been used in commerce for years.
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets, including the trademark, original elements of SC3, and a distribution deal with GOG (separate from Reiche/Ford's own deal). They also received the 1988 contract, which Reiche and Ford contend has expired and Stardock claims is still valid.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T18:55:01Z

Mormont: /* Music */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 4 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche." How these things fit together remains to be seen.

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 the TFB site's news] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark. Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues this was invalid because "Star Control" had not been used in commerce for years.
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets, including the trademark, original elements of SC3, and a distribution deal with GOG (separate from Reiche/Ford's own deal). They also received the 1988 contract, which Reiche and Ford contend has expired and Stardock claims is still valid.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T18:53:36Z

Mormont: /* Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 4 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 the TFB site's news] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark. Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues this was invalid because "Star Control" had not been used in commerce for years.
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets, including the trademark, original elements of SC3, and a distribution deal with GOG (separate from Reiche/Ford's own deal). They also received the 1988 contract, which Reiche and Ford contend has expired and Stardock claims is still valid.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T18:52:52Z

Mormont: Probably best to fold "interest in making a new SC game" into a broader timeline of SC-related events

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 4 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In April 2001, Addendum 3 to the original contract expired. According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all rights to SC1/2 reverted back to them except the trademark.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 TFB's website updated with] ''"We (I) [meaning TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 the TFB site's news] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In September 2007, Atari renewed the Star Control trademark. Reiche and Ford's counterclaim argues this was invalid because "Star Control" had not been used in commerce for years.
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''
* In 2013, Atari filed for bankruptcy.
* In July 2013, Stardock bought Atari's "Star Control" assets, including the trademark, original elements of SC3, and a distribution deal with GOG (separate from Reiche/Ford's own deal). They also received the 1988 contract, which Reiche and Ford contend has expired and Stardock claims is still valid.

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T18:44:55Z

Mormont: /* Music */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 4 to the 1988 contract includes music under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

'''Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game'''
''This section is in the early stages''

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 Alex Ness wrote] ''"We (I) want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 he said] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-06T18:44:36Z

Mormont: /* Music */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

===== Music =====
When P&F made SC2, they held a contest to make the theme songs. [[Riku Nuottajärvi]] won the contest, and supplied much of the music. We do not currently know the terms of the license P&F used Riku's music under. We can presume that it was not exclusive, because Riku has since released new remixes of that music. However, we do not know if the license permitted additional derivative works - something that would be necessary if GotP is to use new versions of the SC2 music.

Stardock hired Riku as the music lead for SC:O. It is also not known what license terms he's developing the SC:O music under; if he is a regular employee, Stardock will probably own the copyright to any music he creates. Moreover, he will probably be under a non-compete agreement that would prohibit him working on GotP for some time, even if he were to leave Stardock. If he is an independent contractor, then he could be under different terms.

The bottom line is that the music situation is shaping up to be one of the many thorny issues in this suit. Stardock reacted very negatively to the terms in P&F's proposed settlement that would have precluded their use of its music, and Paul and Fred are known to be reviewing their records for the ownership and licensing of the music in SC2. We will have a better sense for the situation when/if the license terms for the music are revealed through the court discovery process.

On the other hand, though, section 1.5 of Addendum 4 to the 1988 contract lists music under the things included under intellectual property "owned by Reiche."

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

'''Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game'''
''This section is in the early stages''

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 Alex Ness wrote] ''"We (I) want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 he said] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-05T16:56:08Z

Mormont: /* Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

'''Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game'''
''This section is in the early stages''

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 Alex Ness wrote] ''"We (I) want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 he said] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-04-05T15:35:13Z

Mormont: /* Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 */

== Basic background ==

* who, what, why...

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===
==== Star Control 1 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1989-90 - Reiche and Ford

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 2 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0002071496

'''Disputed Elements:''' Artistic content not created by Reiche and Ford could belong to the original artists.

[[File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen]]

==== Star Control 3 ====
'''Copyrighted:''' 1996 Accolade, Inc

'''Copyright Registration:''' PA0000799000

'''Disputed Elements:''' Elements in Star Control 3 that derived from Star Control 2 could belong to Reiche and Ford.

[[File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen]]

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

=== What is a derivative work? ===

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== How does the DMCA takedown process work? ===

* https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/512

== Licensing agreement ==

=== What is a licensing agreement? ===

=== ... 1988 licensing agreement ... ===

=== ... acquisition of licensing agreement ... ===

== Trademarks ==

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

From the [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office]: "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."

* [https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics United States Patent and Trademark Office - Trademark Basics]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cIBcl7dD4w#action=share Basic Facts: Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights] - USPTOVideo on YouTube
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qzZL2yfUgI&feature=youtu.be Basic Facts: Should I Register My Mark?] - USPTOVideo on YouTube

=== ... what's the dispute ... ===

=== What about the recent Trademark applications? ===

== Unfair competition ==

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

=== Why does it matter if P&F call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

== Timeline of Star Control history ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-1999 ===

* 1988 agreement
* Games

=== Disappearance, legacy, and re-emergence: 1999-2013 ===

* Interviews
* Best of
* GOG

'''Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game'''
''This section is in the early stages''

During the 2000s (if not later), Toys for Bob's website would periodically mention their desire for a new Star Control. Unfortunately archive.org has not preserved its Flash format well. However, some of the updates can be found on the [http://starcontroller.com Star Controller blog.] Employee Alex Ness (who did not work on the original games) seems to have written most of the updates, but since it was on their official site we can assume it represented the Toys for Bob management too.
* In June 2006, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 Alex Ness wrote] ''"We (I) want us to do a Star Control sequel."''
* In June 2007, [http://starcontroller.com/?p=90 he said] ''Well, we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part.''
* In August 2010, in a topic about an SC sequel, Fred Ford [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211 wrote on the Star Control discussion board] "''On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying...and it's way early yet...and it's just me...so, yeah.''" In context, he was clearly referring to early planning on a new SC. He [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235 followed up by saying] ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''

== Timeline of legal dispute ==

=== Stardock's new game: 2013-2017 ===

* bankruptcy and sale
* development

=== Private and public dispute: 2017-present ===

* public statements
* claims
* settlement offers

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

User:Shiver/Balance Mod

2017-10-27T17:39:13Z

Mormont: /* Objective */

==Objective==
The goal of this project is to make every ship in Star Control II's line-up worth using in competitive player-versus-player melee. To this end, the various ships have been strengthened or weakened accordingly. Many minor adjustments have also been made for the sake of aesthetics or continuity. The changes are quite extensive, though we tried not to stray too far from vanilla gameplay.

None of these changes were made lightly or on one person's whim, but only after hundreds of collective hours of competitive melee.

==Credit==

* Shiver is the original creator of the mod. He came up with almost all of the ideas and wrote most of the code. He does not work on the mod anymore, so Gekko and Oldlaptop have taken over the development.

* Gekko was Shiver's primary play-test opponent early in the mod's development. He also helped port this mod from UQM v0.6.2 to v0.7.0.

* Oldlaptop has been a great help in testing and debugging the mod. He has implemented many of the latest features and fixed bugs.

* Xaionaro wrote the original retreat patch and has helped in the general mod development.

* UQM core team members Meep-eep, Fossil and McMartin provided coding and debugging assistance.

* Elvish Pillager wrote a few bits of the most difficult code for this mod and gave significant design input. His Crazy Mod source code was a valuable reference when altering melee.

* Bleeding Star gave some useful design input which led to several necessary adjustments.

* Death 999 cooked up a nifty program which saved hours of work when making a larger antimatter cone for Umgah.

* Gostu--a stranger to the Star Control fan community--helped port this mod from UQM v0.6.2 to v0.7.0.

==Links==

* [[User:Shiver/Balance_Mod/List_of_Changes | Mod Details]]

* [[User:Shiver/Balance_Mod/Installation | Download & Installation Instructions]]

* [https://github.com/Roisack/Shiver-Balance-Mod Github]

[[Category:Mods]]

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-27T14:30:09Z

Mormont: /* Yehat Terminator */

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the game is designed for the Shofixti pilot to choose second in a mutual destruction, a kill from the glory device means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot. This provides the Dreadnought some limited short-range defense, which the other 30-pointers have and the Ur-quan needed to remain at that cost.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, players widely agreed that large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points, though its overall feel and style is not too different. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-27T14:25:44Z

Mormont: /* Ur-Quan Dreadnought */

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the game is designed for the Shofixti pilot to choose second in a mutual destruction, a kill from the glory device means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot. This provides the Dreadnought some limited short-range defense, which the other 30-pointers have and the Ur-quan needed to remain at that cost.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, players widely agreed that large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points, though its overall feel and style is not too different. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-27T13:57:11Z

Mormont: /* Ur-Quan Dreadnought */

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the game is designed for the Shofixti pilot to choose second in a mutual destruction, a kill from the glory device means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot. This provides the Dreadnought some limited short-range defense, which the other 30-pointers have and the Ur-quan needed to remain at that cost.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, players widely agreed that large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-27T13:50:01Z

Mormont: /* Ur-Quan Dreadnought */

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the game is designed for the Shofixti pilot to choose second in a mutual destruction, a kill from the glory device means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot. This provides the Dreadnought some limited short-range defense, which the other 30-pointers have and the Ur-quan needed to remain at that cost.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. However, while earlier versions of the revised Dreadnought made more radical changes, this one makes it stronger without substantially changing the ship's feel and style. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-27T13:49:24Z

Mormont: /* Ur-Quan Dreadnought */

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the game is designed for the Shofixti pilot to choose second in a mutual destruction, a kill from the glory device means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot. This provides the Dreadnought some limited short-range defense, which the other 30-pointers have and the Ur-quan needed to remain at that cost.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, players widely agreed that large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. However, while earlier versions of the revised Dreadnought made more radical changes, this one makes it stronger without substantially changing the ship's feel and style. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Earlier Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-27T13:41:28Z

Mormont: /* Shofixti Scout */ Reword Shofixti to say it's the intended functionality, since the host advantage bug was a thing

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the game is designed for the Shofixti pilot to choose second in a mutual destruction, a kill from the glory device means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot. This provides the Dreadnought some limited short-range defense, which the other 30-pointers have and the Ur-quan needed to remain at that cost.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, players widely agreed that large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-26T19:19:53Z

Mormont:

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the Shofixti pilot always chose ships second in a mutual destruction (and still does), a kill from the glory device means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot. This provides the Dreadnought some limited short-range defense, which the other 30-pointers have and the Ur-quan needed to remain at that cost.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, players widely agreed that large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-26T19:06:02Z

Mormont: /* Shofixti Scout */

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the Shofixti pilot always chose ships second in a mutual destruction (and still does), a kill from the glory device means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, players widely agreed that large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-26T19:04:49Z

Mormont: /* Ur-Quan Dreadnought */

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the Shofixti pilot always chose ships second in a mutual destruction (and still does), a kill from the glory device gave the player means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, players widely agreed that large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. Lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-26T19:04:09Z

Mormont: Clarifying changes

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the Shofixti pilot always chose ships second in a mutual destruction (and still does), a kill from the glory device gave the player means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, large-scale changes were needed to keep it at 30 points and lowering the point value was not desirable for story/flavor reasons. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-26T18:52:08Z

Mormont: Adding some additional clarification on a few changes

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block a barrage of Ur-quan fusion bolts or Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the Shofixti pilot always chose ships second in a mutual destruction (and still does), a kill from the glory device gave the player means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, many cumulative hours of net melee determined major changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-26T18:47:18Z

Mormont:

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - red or purple pulses still block Ur-quan fusion bolts and Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the Shofixti pilot always chose ships second in a mutual destruction (and still does), a kill from the glory device gave the player means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, many cumulative hours of net melee determined major changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''

User:Shiver/Balance Mod/List of Changes

2017-10-26T18:32:02Z

Mormont:

==General==

* The "Down" key is unlocked. It does not perform any function normally, but commands may now be bound to it.

* All ship point values are set at even numbers. This makes it easier to build a fleet up to an exact number, rather than a fleet of 197 or 199 when using a 200 point maximum limit. In practice, ships are scored between 1 and 15 rather than 1 and 30, but the old point range remains so that players can easily compare ship values between Balance Mod and vanilla UQM.

* Many projectiles are now affected by the velocity of the ship they launch from, pushing toward the ship's direction of travel. The magnitude of this push varies between weapon systems. In most cases the difference is subtle. The intent here is to help forward-mounted weapons be more useful when a ship is moving toward a target and less drastic when moving away.

* When two of the same ship type fight, each ship will be highlighted by a colored reticle; green for the player's ship, red for the opponent's.

* There is a new game variant: Retreat. Ships can retreat once in combat if the retreat mode is enabled. To do this go in the game options "advanced" page and set the "S-Melee retreat" option to "once".

==Cyborg==

* Orz deploys marines against Earthling.

* Ur-Quan does not launch fighters against cloaked Ilwrath.

* Utwig and Yehat use their shields to defend against the Androsynth blazer.

''The Cyborg is not at all the focus of Balance Mod. Any improvements to artificial intelligence which do occur are made on a whim.''

==Androsynth Guardian==

* Point value raised from 15 to 20.

* Ship mass lowered from 6 to 5.

* Acid bubble duration decreased from 200 to 192.

* Blazer energy drain occurs on a 9 frame delay rather than an 8 frame delay. If an Androsynth activates its blazer form with full battery, it will have an additional second before its battery is empty.

* The blazer leaves a visible comet trail.

* VUX limpets no longer attach to this ship while it is in blazer form. This is a continuity change and does not affect the outcome of Androsynth vs. VUX much at all. It was silly that the blazer could wipe out Orz marines but not VUX limpets.

* Androsynth's facing angle reverses instantly if the ship collides with a planet or shielded enemy while in blazer form, bouncing the ship in the opposite direction. This lowers Androsynth's effectiveness against Yehat, which is now intended as a counter for Androsynth. The added planet bounce behavior is for the Androsynth player's benefit as it prevents a blazer from ramming a planet multiple times in a row.

* Blazer collisions charge Utwig's absorption field the same as any other weapon for the sake of continuity.

''The super-efficient Androsynth needed to be nerfed badly. I favored a significant price increase to balance the ship rather than a performance downgrade. Removal of the quirk known as "blazer wedging" is almost mandatory to push Androsynth down to mid-tier strength, yet I felt that doing so would spoil the ship's flavor. Other than the price increase, several minor changes were also made, most of them being subtle. Functionally speaking, Androsynth has not changed much.''

==Arilou Skiff==

* Speed increased from 40 to 44.

* Laser range decreased from 100 to 88.

* Teleporter energy cost increased from 3 to 4.

* The Skiff now has two different teleportation functions. Offensive teleport is triggered by pressing "Up + Special", while defensive teleport will kick in when the Special key is pressed in absence of the "Up" key.

* Offensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a point that is forward from its current facing angle. Each destination point has a small amount of vertical and horizontal variation.

* Defensive teleportation moves the Skiff to a random location that is always far away from the Skiff's opponent.

* Teleporter transit time increased from 5 frames to 13. Melee's camera will give away Arilou's destination early into this cycle.

* All ship functions are disabled for 4 frames after teleportation, except for the tracking laser which is disabled for 13 frames. This mitigates offensive teleportation's effectiveness.

* The Skiff may teleport again as it is reappearing, allowing for 100% safe fake-outs using forward teleport.

* The Skiff's teleportation function has a safety mechanism which teleports the ship again if the ship warps into solid matter. This mechanism requires enough energy to teleport again or it will not trigger. This change was implemented because there is no longer a benefit to chain teleporting for minutes on end, thus the threat of teleportation-related death is no longer necessary.

''Vanilla Arilou depends on a technique known as "chain teleportation" to be useful in competitive PvP. It involves teleporting over and over until appearing at a suitable location to attack from. Nobody seemed especially fond of chain teleportation when I asked around the Star Control fan community and several veteran players were convinced that it ruined gameplay, so an overhaul of Arilou was necessary. The new forward teleport is meant to replace that technique. This variant is also noticeably stronger than the underpowered vanilla Arilou.''

==Chenjesu Broodhome==

* Point value lowered from 28 to 24.

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Photon shards are partially affected by the Broodhome's velocity.

* The photon shard's shrapnel explosion has been altered dramatically. Rather than travel straight forward, the fragments spiral outward and then back inward at a higher speed and longer duration. Shrapnel hits are much more frequent than before as a result.

* The shrapnel graphic has been swapped out for a similar graphic that is 5x5 pixels rather than 4x4 at maximum zoom. Weapon coverage has been improved as a result.

* Shrapnel damage decreased from 2 to 1 to mitigate the weapon's vastly improved area coverage.

* Shrapnel no longer inflicts damage upon friendly DOGIs. This prevents Chenjesu's improved shrapnel explosion from obstructing its secondary function.

''Vanilla Chenjesu is not really worth using in competitive PvP. The primary weapon's shrapnel explosion struck me as the best place to make improvements, as it's never very reliable. The new explosion indeed makes a significant difference. Even so, Chenjesu's ship price still needed to drop for the ship to be viable, and a price of 24 felt acceptable.''

==Chmmr Avatar==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Satellite laser color changed from deep blue to an even shade of red. The old beam was so dark that it was hard to see.

''Chmmr's tractor beam is not very effective against the heaviest ships in vanilla UQM. To increase its impact against these, each of the heaviest ships have had their mass dropped by 1 point. This is necessary because buffs to other ships have indirectly made the Chmmr the easiest of the three 30-pointers to counter in the mod, so its effectivness against the Ur-quan and Kohr-ah has been slightly increased to compensate. Its overall power level is essentially unchanged.''

==Druuge Mauler==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* Mass driver is partially affected by the Mauler's velocity.

''Druuge is considered one of several "must-haves" for competitive vanilla melee, yet I felt it wasn't really worth more than its default price. With Mycon, Arilou and Umgah becoming more viable, there are many more options to use against Druuge than before.''

==Earthling Cruiser==

* Point value raised from 11 to 12.

* Point-defense laser no longer fires upon planetary bodies.

* Fixed a defect present in vanilla UQM: Point-defense laser will no longer inflict 2 damage per strike against Umgah while that ship's antimatter cone is active.

''The default Earthling is already balanced and fun. It has been left alone for the most part.''

==Ilwrath Avenger==

* Battery capacity decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 frames to 6 frames.

* Top speed increased from 25 to 26. This allows Ilwrath to catch Earthling with less difficulty during pursuit.

* The Avenger is now visible to its pilot while cloaked, appearing as a deep blue silhouette. An unfortunate side effect of this is that the cloaked Avenger will show up on screen when two players go head to head on the same PC. Homing weapons will not track a cloaked Avenger regardless of this.

* Spontaneous re-facing towards an opponent no longer occurs when an Avenger fires its Hellfire Spout in a cloaked state.

* Cloaking Device energy cost decreased from 3 to 2.

* Hellfire velocity increased from 25 to 35. This increases the weapon's range.

* The Hellfire Spout has be redesigned to fire in three separate directions (forward, left diagonal, right diagonal) to give the weapon better coverage. The two diagonal flame spouts have a very low rate of fire, so it's best to attack your opponent head-on when possible. Diagonal spouts do not activate when attacking with a depleted battery. Energy expenditure matches the number of projectiles fired.

''Originally I began to tinker with Ilwrath because a frequent sparring partner of mine had figured out how to consistently trick the ship's auto-turning capability (that thing that kicks in when a cloaked Ilwrath attacks) to miss its mark. Auto-turn was removed for this reason, but afterward Ilwrath proved to be hopeless in combat without that capability. This led to an overhaul of the cloaking device. Diagonal Hellfire Spouts were added to make Ilwrath more effective against the new Arilou in particular, though they do seem quite useful in general. Battery capacity and energy regeneration have been trimmed down substantially to mitigate the many buffs this ship has received. I might have gotten a little carried away, but the new Ilwrath fills the same roles it once did in vanilla melee.''

==Kohr-Ah Marauder==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Buzzsaws are partially affected by the Marauder's velocity while the primary weapon button is held down.

* Buzzsaw energy cost increased from 6 to 7. These things are stupidly effective and this change should force Kohr-Ah players to ration out their energy more carefully.

* FRIED cloud hitpoints decreased from 100 to 6. FRIED can now be shot through with big guns, though it will still melt every projectile it meets upon contact.

''The downtweaks to Kohr-Ah's weapons should help rein it in. This ship was a little too good in vanilla UQM.''

==Melnorme Trader==

* Point value raised from 18 to 20.

* Both Melnorme weapon systems are partially affected by the Trader's velocity.

* A blaster pulse suspended in front of the Trader will now break down correctly when hit by massive burst damage. In vanilla melee these had to be beaten twice over by other projectiles for them to break down. Previously, a suspended red pulse would inexplicably win against another Melnorme Trader's in-motion red pulse rather than cancel out. Note that it remains an effective shield in the great majority of circumstances - it still blocks Ur-quan fusion bolts and Druuge shells, for example.

* Confusion pulse hitpoints lowered from 200 to 50.

* Confusion disables the other player's "Down" key for its duration.

* Confusion disables Ur-Quan's autoturret for its duration.

''Melnorme has been priced up slightly due to its strong all-around performance at high level play. Ship characteristics are essentially the same.''

==Mmrnmhrm Transformer==

* Point value raised from 19 to 20.

* X-Wing turn delay lowered from 2 to 1.

* Laser range set to 144. It is ever so slightly longer than before.

''The X-Wing's improved turn rate gives Mmrnmhrm additional leverage against flanking ships.''

==Mycon Podship==

* Point value lowered from 21 to 16.

* Top speed decreased from 27 to 26. This has an effect on Mycon vs. Kohr-Ah, allowing pursuit by Kohr-Ah to be a little easier.

''Vanilla Mycon is grossly overpriced. My preference to solve this was to drop the ship's price rather than improve its characteristics. The rationale here is that melee is a fighting game where damage inflicted is always permanent, with Mycon being the one exception, and it being able to heal itself means this ship in particular is at a high risk of becoming broken and ridiculous if any of its characteristics receive a boost. Additionally, I felt Mycon was pretty fun exactly the way it was.''

==Orz Nemesis==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 22.

* Howitzer is partially affected by the Nemesis' velocity.

* Top speed increased from 35 to 36.

* Marines lead their target by a longer distance during pursuit.

* New feature: Marine Recall Signal. When used, all marines currently out in space turn green and retreat back to the Nemesis. The signal is triggered by pressing "Special + Down". This gives Orz more flexibility in how marines may be deployed.

''With Androsynth's price raised to 20, Orz has become much more viable. Nevertheless, marines have been improved in a few ways because vanilla marines are underwhelming at high level play.''

==Pkunk Fury==

* Respawn chance begins at 80% and drops by 18% per respawn.

''The Fury's respawn ability has been tweaked to make Pkunk less random and generally more effective. You won't see 10+ respawns anymore, but it will respawn more often on average.''

==Shofixti Scout==

* Point value raised from 5 to 6.

* Mendokusai dart speed decreased from 96 to 92.

* Mendokusai dart duration decreased from 10 to 9.

* Mendokusai darts are partially affected by the Scout's velocity.

* Glory Device damage is halved. If the enemy ship is inside the area covered by the explosion, this weapon inflicts 8 damage flat as opposed to 6-9 depending on the exact distance. The Glory Device will otherwise inflict 0-5 damage outside of this area.

* The Glory Device is now negated by Yehat and Utwig shielding.

''Shofixti needed a serious beating from the nerf bat. It was far too deadly in a wide variety of different situations for 5 points. Furthermore, since the Shofixti pilot always chose ships second in a mutual destruction (and still does), a kill from the glory device gave the player means a strong advantage on picking a counter ship for the next match too. The new Shofixti is indeed very weak, and being the cheapest ship in the game, it's right where it should be. Note that the Glory Device is still threatening to a wide selection of ships even after being halved in potency.''

==Slylandro Probe==

* Point value raised from 17 to 18.

* The lightning weapon's maximum range has been capped. It is now roughly equivalent to the Chmmr, VUX or Mmrnmhrm lasers. As you know, Slylandro lightning will zig-zag in different directions. Sometimes the ship will unleash a lightning bolt which doesn't zig-zag very much at all, giving it unusually long range. The fluctuating weapon range could be abused by firing from outside an opponent's reach repeatedly until scoring enough long shots to beat them. This tactic would lead to boring, unbalanced combat.

* Lightning duration is longer. The minimum distance a lightning streak will cover is higher on average.

* Lightning seeks out enemy ships regardless of whether they are cloaked or not. This is to keep Slylandro effective against the new Ilwrath.

''Slylandro was consistently devastating in vanilla melee. With Spathi repurposed specifically to counter this ship, pricing Slylandro up higher seemed unnecessary. The lightning weapon's reach has been tweaked but if you've never tried to abuse vanilla Slylandro's theoretical maximum range then you won't even notice the difference.''

==Spathi Eluder==

* Point value lowered from 18 to 16.

* The peashooter has been converted into a flak gun. It now fires three projectiles forward at different angles. Projectile velocity is lower than before. This weapon consumes 3 energy per shot and has a 5 frame cooldown.

* Flak gun is significantly affected by the Eluder's velocity.

* Torpedo speed increased from 32 to 40.

* Torpedo duration reduced from 30 to 24.

* Torpedo initial homing delay removed. The weapon is more responsive against enemies at short range as a result.

''Spathi has been repurposed to act as a destroyer of flanking ships. This has been achieved by improving the ship's torpedoes. Once considered to be a poor fleet addition in PvP, this ship can now take on the dreaded Slylandro. The new forward-mounted gun is a step up from before, but it is still relatively weak.''

==Supox Blade==

* Point value lowered from 16 to 14.

* Gob launcher is partially affected by the Blade's velocity.

* The "Down" key causes Supox to accelerate backwards. "Special + Up" no longer performs this function. Lateral thrust remains exactly the same. The Blade may now accelerate in reverse and rotate at the same. The cyborg has been programmed to press "Down" where it would previously use "Special + Up".

* Reverse or lateral acceleration causes exhaust to spawn.

* Battery size decreased from 16 to 12.

* Energy recovery delay increased from 4 to 5.

''I added the "Down" key to melee specifically to make Supox's reverse thrust ability more intuitive. Aside from that, Supox's sustainable firepower has been cut for the purpose of fitting the ship into a slightly lower point value.''

==Syreen Penetrator==

* Point value lowered from 13 to 12.

* Particle blaster is partially affected by the Penetrator's velocity.

* Siren song energy cost increased from 5 to 8.

* Siren song cooldown increased from 20 to 24.

* Siren song potency decreased from 8 to 6.

* Siren song potency against other Syreen Penetrator vessels is set to 2. This was done to make the outcome of a Syreen mirror match less arbitrary.

''Vanilla Syreen was thought to be overpowered, though not tremendously so. The siren song has been toned down considerably for the purpose of pushing the ship into the role of a medium-low value ship.''

==Thraddash Torch==

* Crew count increased from 8 to 10.

* Ship mass decreased from 5 to 4.

* Battery capacity decreased from 24 to 14.

* The mark VI blaster has been transformed from a long range "plinker" to a set of short range, rapid-fire guns. The new projectile has a speed of 72 and a duration of 10 frames. Cooldown between shots is 3 frames. Two projectiles fire at a time, each consuming 1 energy. A new sound effect has been attached to this weapon.

* Blaster shots are significantly affected by the Torch's velocity.

* Afterburner will consume 2 energy per 3 continuous frames of afterburn, lowering energy consumption.

* Afterburner flame puff hitpoints increased from 1 to 2.

* Afterburner flame puff duration increased from 48 to 96.

* Afterburner flame puff fade animation starts earlier and occurs more gradually.

''Star Control's most broken ship has been given much attention. When played optimally on both sides, Thraddash creates tedious hour-long matches in vanilla and is usually banned. The previous main gun has been replaced by another weapon with less range and more damage potential. The new torch is somewhat flimsy, yet fast and versatile.''

==Umgah Drone==

* Point value raised from 7 to 8.

* Ship mass increased from 1 to 2.

* Antimatter cone substantially increased in size.

* Turn delay increased from 4 to 5.

* Battery capacity decreased from 30 to 24.

* Retropropulsion will consume energy for every other consecutive zip, halving energy consumption.

* Retropropulsion speed decreased from 160 to 120.

''The new antimatter cone is a big help for the Umgah Drone. Initially the larger cone was too powerful, and the ship's turn rate had to be lowered to compensate. Changes to retropropulsion were applied to make the ship easier for less skilled players to control, though Umgah remains one of the more challenging ships to play as.''

==Ur-Quan Dreadnought==

* Ship mass decreased from 10 to 9.

* Fusion bolt energy cost decreased from 6 to 5.

* Fusion bolts now launch in an alternating pattern between the front, left arm and right arm of the Dreadnought. The pattern loops like this: Center-Left-Center-Right. If the Dreadnought's battery is full or empty, the pattern will reset back to center.

* Fusion cannons are significantly affected by the Dreadnought's velocity.

* Fighters are given a much longer time of ~17 seconds to return to the Dreadnought before expiring once their attack period is over.

* In addition to dodging planets, fighters also evade asteroids and enemy ships rather than crashing into them and dying.

* Fighters no longer die from friendly fusion bolts they come into contact with when making a return trip to the Dreadnought.

* Fighters fan out from each other if they are too close together.

* The fighter's beam weapon has 64 firing angles rather than 16.

* The fighter's beam weapon connects instantly with its target.

* The fighter's beam weapon range extended from 44 to 52.

* Fighter weapon cooldown increased from 8 to 24. This may appear to be a crippling penalty at first glance. The vanilla Ur-Quan fighter is heavily impeded by firing angle limitations, a delay between firing and scoring a hit, and a likelihood of eventually crashing into the enemy ship and dying; all of these flaws have been rectified, and this change is needed to keep the new beam under control.

* Fighters will attack with a different, energy-siphoning laser that kills 1 crew and drains 1 energy. This beam is light cyan in color and has its own new sound effect and collision graphic. This prevents Utwig--a ship which already excels against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr--from dominating Ur-Quan and improves fighter performance across the board.

* Fighters are a light shade of yellow-green in color rather than brick red to match the Dreadnought itself.

* Autoturret added! This weapon periodically fires a single damage, super accurate homing projectile at nearby threats if they are close enough. The effective range of this weapon is quite short. Small enemy projectiles are high priority targets while large projectiles such as Kohr-Ah buzzsaws are ignored. The enemy ship is a low priority target. Autoturret cooldown is 22 frames. This weapon consumes one point of energy per shot.

''Ur-Quan has received a massive overhaul. Impressive as it may seem at first, the Dreadnought becomes seriously underpowered for its cost as player skill increases. Rather than price it down to 20 or 18 as Ur-Quan is worth in vanilla melee, it has received substantial buffs to its capabilities to bring it up to the level of Kohr-Ah and Chmmr. While the changes may seem extreme at first glance, many cumulative hours of net melee determined major changes were needed to keep it at 30 points. Orz is this ship's intended hard counter. A few other ships can achieve varying degrees of success against Ur-Quan as well.''

==Utwig Jugger==

* Point value raised from 22 to 24.

* Maximum battery size increased from 20 to 24. Starting energy remains at 10. This improves effectiveness against Kohr-Ah and Chmmr, while having a negligible effect on all other match-ups.

* The absorption field charges up normally during Androsynth blazer collisions. It will also bounce the blazer backwards.

* The absorption field negates and absorbs Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The absorption field no longer charges up by 10 points per frame when touching a Chmmr satellite. Although this was clearly a bug, removing it admittedly does not make much of a difference when Utwig and Chmmr are fighting as Chmmr satellites still rapidly charge up a shielded Utwig's battery.

* Energy lances are partially affected by the Jugger's velocity.

''Utwig is best known among veteran melee players as the killer of 30pt ships which is itself easily countered. Its price has increased to make it less of a "must-have". Additionally, the new Ur-Quan is no longer a viable target for Utwig. Nerfs to Kohr-Ah and one subtle buff to Utwig should make the Utwig vs. Kohr-Ah match-up more approachable for non-experts. Various changes aside, Utwig remains very similar to its vanilla counterpart.''

==VUX Intruder==

* Point value raised from 12 to 14.

* Battery capacity decreased from 40 to 34.

* Energy recovery delay decreased from 8 frames to 7 frames.

* The "ambush" warp in ability is improved somewhat. The maximum distance an Intruder may spawn from the enemy ship is reduced. As before, VUX Intuders will rarely ever get the drop on an opponent which is already in motion at the start of combat.

* Limpet energy cost increased from 2 to 3.

* Limpet duration decreased from 80 to 72 frames.

* A limpet's effect on enemy top speed and acceleration is diminished.

* Limpets no longer attach to the Androsynth Guardian while it is in blazer form.

* New feature: Immobilization. Once an enemy ship's top speed drops to 8, that ship's other movement characteristics (turn delay, acceleration delay, acceleration increment) will also hit rock bottom and the ship will become almost totally immobilized. A different "chomp" sound effect has been attached to all limpet collisions that occur at or beyond this point of immobilization to make it obvious. This feature was implemented as a time-saving mechanism; normally it would take as many as 100 limpets to effectively shut down a ship's turning capability.

''VUX limpets have been toned down. Ships which would be doomed against VUX the moment they pick up a single limpet in vanilla UQM still are, while the rest put up a better fight. The laser is a bit more usable due to increased energy recovery, making VUX play less one-dimensional. Limpet immobilization causes fights which the VUX has already won to end much faster. The VUX price raise coincides with Utwig's, which is widely considered VUX's favorite prey.''

==Yehat Terminator==

* Point value lowered from 23 to 18.

* Top speed increased from 30 to 32.

* Acceleration adjusted to build up more evenly toward the Terminator's new top speed.

* Twin pulse cannons are partially affected by the Terminator's velocity.

* The shield negates Shofixti Glory Device explosions.

* The shield bounces Androsynth's blazer form backwards.

* The shield no longer triggers redundantly while it is already in effect. Previously the shield was very wasteful of energy.

* Shield energy cost is 3.

* Shield duration is 16.

* Shield cooldown is 8.

* Energy recovery does not occur for the entire length of shield duration + shield cooldown.

''Vanilla Yehat was never very much fun in net melee. Any player familiar with the shield tapping technique could keep a fight going for a very long time. The new shield is more player-friendly, somewhat less powerful and dramatically less irritating. The ship's price has also plummeted as even the original Yehat was not worth its cost. Changes to weapon relativity have occured across the board and Yehat in particular benefits from this, as its strafing gravity whip attacks are more effective.'

==Zoq-Fot-Pik Stinger==

* Price raised from 6 to 8.

* Top speed increased from 40 to 42.

* Scattergun is partially affected by the Stinger's velocity.

* Tongue length increased substantially. The difference can only be discerned when the camera is fully zoomed in. All hit detection in Star Control is done with full zoom graphics whether you see them or not, so only the largest tongue image was altered.

''To increase the ship's power in general and reliability against Mycon in particular, the Stinger has been given a few uptweaks accompanied by a price increase. ZFP was not nearly as good as Shofixti in vanilla UQM. Price and stat changes between the two ships have hopefully evened things out a bit.''