The Saga of a Cancelled DLC.
Developer Aspyr finds itself in the midst of a legal storm following the cancellation of a much-anticipated DLC for the Nintendo Switch version of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 — The Sith Lords. The DLC, which was to include the acclaimed Sith Lords Restored Content Mod (TSLRCM), was axed after a year of no updates, leaving fans and gamers disappointed.
The Background
Aspyr, known for porting classic Star Wars games to modern platforms, announced in 2022 the integration of TSLRCM into the Switch version of KotOR 2. This mod, essential for many fans, includes cutscenes, dialogue, and quests absent from the original game due to its rushed development. Its cancellation has led to a class action lawsuit against Aspyr, spearheaded by Malachai Mickelonis and joined by 17 more plaintiffs.
The Third Party and Legal Tangle
- Cancellation Reason: A mysterious ‘third party’ objected to the DLC, causing its cancellation.
- Offer of Compensation: Aspyr offered a free game from its catalogue as compensation to those who purchased KotOR 2 on Switch.
- Class Action Lawsuit: The lawsuit, citing California consumer protection laws, argues against Aspyr’s decision to cancel the DLC.
Aspyr’s Position
Aspyr maintains that their compensation offer outweighs the value of the original purchase. They argue for the dismissal of the lawsuit, emphasizing that many customers, including Mickelonis, accepted the free game offer.
The Unconfirmed Third Party
Speculation is rife about the identity of the ‘third party’. While some believe it could be LucasArts or Disney, no confirmation has been made. The TSLRCM mod team has also distanced itself from this situation.
The Bigger Picture
This situation casts a shadow not just over Aspyr’s handling of KotOR 2 but also over the troubled development of the Knights of the Old Republic 1 remake. The debacle raises questions about game development, fan expectations, and legal accountability in the gaming industry.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Sith Lords Restored Content Mod? A: It’s a fan-made mod that adds cut content back into KotOR 2, enhancing the game’s story and depth.
Q2: Why was the DLC cancelled? A: An unidentified third party objected to the DLC’s release, forcing Aspyr to cancel it.
Q3: What compensation did Aspyr offer for the cancellation? A: Aspyr offered a free game from their catalogue to those who bought KotOR 2 on Switch.
Q4: Who is leading the class action lawsuit against Aspyr? A: Malachai Mickelonis, joined by 17 other plaintiffs, is leading the lawsuit.
Q5: Has the identity of the ‘third party’ been confirmed? A: No, the identity of the third party responsible for the cancellation remains unknown.