It’s been just over two years since Aliens: Colonial Marines released to a storm of controversy that mostly stemmed from how inferior the retail version of the game was compared to what was shown off at trade shows. That storm still hasn’t dissipated, but it’s getting there.
In April 2013, two plaintiffs attempted to bring a class action lawsuit against Sega and Gearbox, which they claim used “bait and switch” tactics with the game’s marketing.
That motion was declined earlier this month by a judge who agreed with Gearbox’s claim that there is no reliable way to find out which of the allegedly misleading advertisements would’ve caused someone to go out and buy the game.
Because of this the remaining plaintiff John Locke decided to withdraw his case against the two companies. In a meeting held by the involved parties earlier this week, Gearbox was dismissed from the case. The dismissal will become official in 60 days.
As for Sega, Locke is negotiating what may end up being a $1.25 million settlement with the publisher. They have until June 3 to figure that out, then we can all take a collective sigh of relief and try to forget Colonial Marines ever existed.
