DataBlitz scores XPlay for 'disgraceful harassment', 'profiteering'

On November 5, a very rare and unexpected event took place that arguably shook up the entire local video game industry as we know it: video game reseller and distribution company DataBlitz was charged with “unfair competition” by rival distributor XPlay Online Games, Inc., for allegedly selling unauthorized copies of NBA 2K13 —the newest addition to the 2K Sports series of games based on the world-renowned NBA franchise. 

 

XPlay Online Games is a joint venture between GMA New Media, Inc. and IP E-Game Ventures; GMA New Media is the parent company of GMA News Online. On the other hand, DataBlitz has also been a regular provider of games for review in GMA News Online's SciTech section.

 

On grounds of violating Section 168 of RA 8293, or the Philippine Intellectual Rights Law, action was swiftly taken by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG), who raided and seized all items related to NBA 2K13 from various DataBlitz retail shops in Metro Manila. 

 

DataBlitz 'smuggled software' –CIDG

 

In a press release issued earlier today, November 7, the CIDG said that P2.7 Million worth of “smuggled software games” were confiscated in the raids.

 

The CIDG acted on XPlay Online Games’ complaint stemming from the latter's claim to be the official and exclusive distributor of NBA 2K13, which they officially launched in an event last October. 

 

Following in the wake of Monday’s events, XPlay aired their side of the issue and explained why they found the need to take legal action versus DataBlitz.

 

“DataBlitz, Inc. took a 'free ride' on the good will  and marketing excitement established by XPlay, thereby engaging in 'unfair competition' to the prejudice of-Xplay and all of its rightful distributors most of which are small retail outlets," XPlay had said.

 

XPlay 'Disgraceful, profiteering' –DataBlitz

 

But DataBlitz has called out XPlay for its “Disgraceful Harassment Action” against them, as well as the latter’s “profiteering through harassment.” 

 

Their press release, which was released on their official Facebook page on November 7, cites many concerns, including primarily that XPlay “did not state in any form of writing or communications whatsoever (to DataBlitz) that they are the exclusive distributor of the game”.

 

DataBlitz also argued that XPlay had “conveniently omitted the most pertinent details” of their transactions, potentially damaging the former’s reputation.

 

"DataBlitz has been in the gaming industry for over 17 years now, and our record speaks for itself, we have always maintained a pristine reputation as the one reliable source for original and genuine games at reasonable prices," DataBlitz maintains.

 

“(Shoving) overpriced games down the throats of the gaming public (is) against the core principles of DataBlitz and something we just cannot and will not go along with… Monday's events have shown that we were very obviously the only one unjustly and unreasonably singled out,” DataBlitz concluded. — TJD, GMA News