Activision is sponsoring a competition for indie games! this sounds great, I love indie games.

"but Scott, didn't you work for Activision?" yes, which is why we're looking at the fine print:

In order to be a Finalist, entrant must sign certain Submission documentation provided by Sponsor, which may include some or all of the following: release of claims against Sponsor; acknowledgement of Sponsor's development of game concepts that may be similar to entrant's Submission; first right of refusal to Sponsor for any development or publishing of Submission; agreement to provide Sponsor with splash/title/credits and logo credit similar to "funded in part by the Activision Independent Games Competition Prize 2010"; grant of name and likeness publicity rights to Sponsor; and full representations and warranties regarding the IP ownership of the Submission.

hmm, some of this stuff is pretty standard, like the release of claims. other parts, like the acknowledgment of similar game concepts, border on shady (similar concepts developed before or after the competition?). granting the first right of refusal to Activision?

no one who cares about their game or development studio would sign this.

(via Wolfire Games)