StarCraft maker hit for 'unfair practices'
Antitrust watchdog to probe Blizzard
By Kang Seung-woo
Blizzard Entertainment’s bid to bring back its StarCraft boom in Korea has hit a snag even before its official release of the megahit PC strategy game’s upgraded version as it has been accused for its alleged illegal practice.
An association of internet cafe owners said Monday it has filed a complaint with the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) against Blizzard after the U.S. video game developer and publisher has decided to “unfairly” impose a new rate system for StarCraft: Remastered.
Blizzard officially unveiled StarCraft’s long-awaited facelift, Tuesday, but it charges internet cafes, better known as PC room in Korea, some 250 won (22 cents) per hour for offering the game.
It is in stark contrast to the firm’s previous fee policy that allowed internet cafes to provide the game for free following a one-off payment for the game package, but now the longer users play the game, the higher PC room owners are required to pay.
The facelift version of StarCraft shows off some enhancements, such as ultra-high-definition graphics, re-recorded audio and translation into 15 languages, but other factors remain exactly the same.
Currently, StarCraft and Brood War, or StarCraft II, are now completely free to download from Blizzard’s official website.
“Given that it is only upgraded in terms of graphics, it is not fair to pay extra charges,” the association said. “In particular, we have to offer the remastered edition because the system for the old version is unstable.”
The association also argues that the new fee system may infringe on consumers’ interest.
When a private user, who owns an individual account after purchasing the remastered version, plays the game at PC rooms, Blizzard can ask internet cafes to pay 250 won per hour.
“It is an apparent double charge and double sale,” the association said. “Blizzard’s behavior is a typical abuse of power, using its superior status.”
In response to the association’s petition, Blizzard has yet to come up with an official statement.
The association’s petition came as the nation’s antitrust watchdog has stepped up efforts to prevent an act of status-based power abuse or bullying, which is widespread in the country
In its latest effort, FTC Chairman Kim Sang-jo vowed, Sunday, to introduce a punitive damages system to the local distribution industry as part of its efforts to root out unfair business practices and strengthen consumer protection.