Virtual Legality
Virtual Legality is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
Episodes
August 5, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores the recent rule changes on platforms like Steam and itch.io, driven by the power of payment processors. He discusses the importance of understanding legality versus corporate policies, with a focus on Mastercard's influence and their public statements. Hoeg analyzes the media's misinterpretation of Mastercard's stance, Valve's response, and the legal implications of such policies. Conce...
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July 25, 2025 • 81 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores the complexities of censorship on digital platforms, focusing on Steam's new rules influenced by payment processors. He discusses financial censorship, game removals, and pressure from credit card companies. The impact on digital marketplaces like itch.io and the influence of activist group Collective Shout on content policies are also examined. Hoeg addresses broader implications for f...
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June 19, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores Nintendo's recent user agreement changes, focusing on anti-piracy measures and new prohibitions. He provides a legal analysis of user rights, legal language, and implications for parental consent and breaches. The episode also touches on public perception, copyright issues, DMCA, and potential penalties. Richard examines patent law through the Impression vs. Lexmark case and compares ow...
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May 21, 2025 • 23 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg discusses the controversy surrounding Darth Vader's AI-generated voice in Fortnite and the resulting legal actions by SAG AFTRA. He discusses the implications of AI replacing human performers and SAG AFTRA's stance on the matter. The episode includes an analysis of the National Labor Relations Act, licensing issues, and the legal distinctions between filing charges and lawsuits. Hoeg also explor...
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March 5, 2025 • 43 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores recent legal and political developments surrounding the Supreme Court's non-decision on USAID funding and related controversies. He covers the District Court's restraining order, the government's response, administrative stays, and the Supreme Court's 'decision'. Justice Alito's dissent on sovereign immunity and equitable jurisdiction is analyzed, along with discussions on irreparable h...
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February 28, 2025 • 30 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg discusses the recent Warner Brothers studio closures and reflects on the company's history in the video game industry, including Monolith Productions. He focuses on intellectual property issues in gaming, with references to the "No One Lives Forever" series and Monolith's Nemesis System. Richard clarifies different types of intellectual property and common misconceptions, providing legal perspec...
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February 22, 2025 • 70 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores executive orders and U.S. government structure, focusing on independent agencies versus presidential control. Using Trump's executive order as a case study, he discusses the administrative state, legal controversies, and public reactions. Hoeg reviews a law article on the unitary executive theory and Chief Justice Roberts' opinion in a case changing the structure of the CFPB. He discuss...
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February 12, 2025 • 22 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg delves into the complexities surrounding Roblox, its platform, and the recent scrutiny it faces. He begins with an overview of Roblox's popularity and the criticisms it has attracted. The discussion then shifts to the SEC's investigation into Roblox, explaining securities and the implications of Bloomberg's reporting on child safety. Richard also examines short selling, focusing on Hindenburg Re...
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February 5, 2025 • 39 mins
In this episode, lawyer Richard Hoeg explores the prospect of Microsoft/TikTok acquisition talks. He examines the TikTok ban, enforcement challenges, and network impacts. Hoeg analyzes the performative aspects of January 19th, discusses bills of attainder, and the courts' decisions on both attainder and First Amendment law. He critiques the court's reasoning, discusses TikTok's business restrictions, and debates divestiture versus ...
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January 29, 2025 • 76 mins
In this episode, Richard Hoeg examines the FTC's lawsuit against Genshin Impact, focusing on loot boxes and transparency. He discusses the FTC's charges, including concerns over "dark pattern tactics" and COPPA compliance, and the implications for free-to-play games. The episode explores Hoyoverse's business practices, misleading loot box disclosures, and the FTC's authority under sections 5 and 6g. Richard also addresses marketing...
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January 16, 2025 • 32 mins
In this episode, Richard Hoeg explores the US Department of Defense's CMC designation and its business impacts on Tencent Holdings. He covers legal background, executive orders, and insights from Bloomberg, analyzing market reactions and clarifying misunderstandings. The discussion includes the National Defense Authorization Act, Trump's executive orders, and more. Hoeg provides historical context, examines Tencent's situation, and...
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January 10, 2025 • 25 mins
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into the recent delay of Assassin's Creed Shadows and the broader financial challenges faced by Ubisoft. He discusses Ubisoft's official announcements, strategic updates, restructuring efforts, and cost reduction measures. Hoeg explores the legal implications surrounding potential sales of Ubisoft, along with the financial impact of game cancellations. He provides an analysis of Ubisoft's recent ...
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December 30, 2024 • 7 mins
In this episode, Richard Hoeg presents a special anniversary edition, sharing personal insights and experiences following a stroke. He discusses the mental rehabilitation journey, offering a post-stroke perspective on the challenges faced, including financial stress. Richard delves into energy management strategies and reflects on the future outlook, both personally and professionally. The episode concludes with closing remarks and...
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November 21, 2024 • 57 mins
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into the potential acquisition of Kadokawa by Sony, examining the pricing process regulatory questions and more. Richard explores Sony's stake in Kadokawa, the company's anime involvement, and potential antitrust issues. He provides insights into Sony's acquisition history and financials, the implications of leaked information, and the role of cash in acquisitions. The episode also touches on Ten...
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November 14, 2024 • 70 mins
Richard Hoeg dives into the ongoing legal battle between Nintendo and PocketPair, focusing on the intricacies of patent law and its implications for the gaming industry. Starting with the background on Palworld, he explores Nintendo's legal actions and the broader context of patent strategies. The episode examines social media reactions, the strength of Nintendo's case, and the potential for settlement. Richard describes patent law...
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October 1, 2024 • 54 mins
In this episode, Richard Hoeg dives into California's AB 2426, focusing on digital content ownership and its implications for platforms like the PlayStation Network. He examines legal perspectives on digital goods, compelled speech, and transparency laws. Assembly Member Jackie Irwin's press release and task force recommendations are explored, along with a detailed breakdown of the new law's definitions and provisions. Richard disc...
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September 27, 2024 • 65 mins
Lawyer Richard Hoeg (Hoeg Law) provides an in-depth analysis of Nintendo's lawsuit against PocketPair, focusing on the legal intricacies of patent infringement claims. He revisits the background of Palworld and explores international and Japanese patent law implications on the case. Richard dissects the differences between trademark, patent, and copyright protection, and speculates on PocketPair's legal response and strategy. The e...
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June 26, 2024 • 76 mins
Richard Hoeg dives into Midnight Society's statement about Guy Beam (Doctor Disrespect), explores the controversy surrounding his Twitch ban, analyzes California law on harmful communication with minors, and discusses a Bloomberg article and legal considerations related to the case.
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June 22, 2024 • 63 mins
Richard Hoeg discusses the Doctor Disrespect Twitch exclusivity deal, the impact of Mixer's shutdown, and the 2022 legal settlement. He explores Twitch's whisper function, California penal code implications, and Doctor Disrespect's response to allegations, wrapping up with viewer questions and engagement.
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June 6, 2024 • 34 mins
Richard Hoeg delves into Adobe's new terms and conditions, addressing artists' concerns and examining the legal implications. He discusses professional obligations, confidentiality issues, and the broad language in Adobe's terms, along with AI concerns and the impact on user trust.
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