Bungie Wins Landmark Case Against Destiny 2 Cheat Maker On The Grounds of Copyright Violation

Bungie just got $63,000 richer. 

The company was victorious in a landmark jury trial against cheat maker Phoenix Digital (also known as AimJunkies), with $63,210 in damages awarded. This ruling supports game studios in pursuing legal action against cheat makers and individuals who violate copyright by modifying games. Bungie has been proactive about suing cheat makers, as has Riot Games; so we may soon witness a legal war in the gaming industry between studios and “professional” people/groups who are in the business of making cheats for profit.

Breaking: Bungie has won its lawsuit against Aimjunkies/Phoenix Digital. Just five figures in damages, since only the revenue for the cheats was in play

Jury sided with Bungie. Rejected Aimjunkies’ counterclaim alleging Bungie illegally went into one of their computers https://t.co/dx3KKsFzYy

— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) May 24, 2024

What was interesting about this case though is that Phoenix Digital counter-sued the company, alleging the developer illegally accessed their computer. Bungie defended its actions as part of the routine detection process outlined in Destiny 2's end-user license agreement. The legality of cheating itself was not in question, but rather the violation of copyright through reverse engineering the shooter to produce cheats. 

Phoenix Digital apparently plans to contest the decision. However, as mentioned above, this decision is the first of its kind. (They seem screwed.) Hopefully, the gaming industry is better because of what transpired though, and not worse in the case of our beloved modders.