Minecraft Creator Challenges Bethesda to Quake 3 DM Over Patent Case

Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson has offered a novel way to settle the impending trademark litigation Bethesda might bring against his company Mojang for its upcoming game "Scrolls" - and it involves deathmatch.

In a note on his blog today Notch suggested that his company's best Quake 3 Arena players face off against three of their best players in a team deathmatch battle. The team with the highest score would have to acquiesce. If Mojang's team loses they would change the name of "Scrolls" to something else that Bethesda would approve of; if they win Bethesda would drop the lawsuit. Regardless of how the contest ends, Notch says his company would be more than happy to include a disclaimer within the game that says it is in no way related to the Elder Scrolls series.

Here's his post:

"I am back, and I am excited.

Marriage has been wonderful so far, and nobody sabotaged my computer while I was gone.

The only negative thing going on at this moment is the Scrolls trademark lawsuit nonsense, and I think I came up with the perfect solution:

Remember that scene in Game of Thrones where Tyrion chose a trial by battle in the Eyrie? Well, let’s do that instead! I challenge Bethesda to a game of Quake 3. Three of our best warriors against three of your best warriors. We select one level, you select the other, we randomize the order. 20 minute matches, highest total frag count per team across both levels wins.

If we win, you drop the lawsuit.

If you win, we will change the name of Scrolls to something you’re fine with.

Regardless of the outcome, we could still have a small text somewhere saying our game is not related to your game series in any way, if you wish.

I am serious, by the way."

Will Bethesda accept this challenge? Probably not, as the Skyrim development team had nothing to do with the legal action, and it's highly unlikely that its parent company's lawyers even know what Quake 3 Arena is..

Source: World of Notch. Thanks to NecroSen for providing the link and extra smiles to everyone today.