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MJ's estate not thrilled about Thriller zombies


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Lady_Satine
Title: Head of Lexian R&D
Joined: Oct 15 2005
Location: Metro area, Georgia
PostPosted: Jul 28 2010 06:51 pm Reply with quote Back to top

From http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2010/07/27/michael-jackson-estate-forces-plants-vs-zombies-update/

The latest update of "Plants vs. Zombies" on iPhone made a change to one of the most recognizable adversaries in the game. Since the game's launch in 2009, the Dancing Zombie has bared a striking resemblance to Michael Jackson in the "Thriller" music video, complete with red leather jacket, tight, too-short pants and white socks. That all changed with the latest update to "Plants vs. Zombies," as the Dancing Zombie is now disco themed. Why the change? Apparently PopCap heard from the lawyers of Michael Jackson's estate.

I reached out to a PopCap Games representative about the change, who confirmed that it was brought on by lawyers representing the King of Pop:

wrote:
The Estate of Michael Jackson objected to our use of the 'dancing zombie' in PLANTS vs. ZOMBIES based on its view that the zombie too closely resembled Michael Jackson. After receiving this objection, PopCap made a business decision to retire the original 'dancing zombie' and replace it with a different 'dancing zombie' character for future builds of PLANTS vs.ZOMBIES on all platforms. The phase-out and replacement process is underway."


Legally the Dancing Zombie would've probably fallen safely into the realm of parody, but I can understand why PopCap wouldn't want to risk any trouble for a small gag in tremendously successful game.

iPhone 4 owners should take note, though. If you already own the game on an iPhone 4 and are updating to the latest version, the game will crash. Apparently the bug doesn't affect new purchasers of the game on iPhone 4, just those updating. The representative confirmed that "a fix is in the works and should be ready soon." Long story short, hold off on updating until the next version is released.


"Life is a waste of time. Time is a waste of life. Get wasted all the time, and you'll have the time of your life!"
 
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Black Zarak
Title: Big Coffin Hunter
Joined: Feb 01 2006
Location: Phyrexia
PostPosted: Jul 28 2010 10:28 pm Reply with quote Back to top

Damn. Now I have to buy a copy before they replace it with the wuss version...


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Blackout
Title: Captain Oblivious
Joined: Sep 01 2007
Location: That Rainy State
PostPosted: Jul 28 2010 10:29 pm Reply with quote Back to top

Clever title lordsathien , they should have used it too.



 
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Syd Lexia
Site Admin
Title: Pop Culture Junkie
Joined: Jul 30 2005
Location: Wakefield, MA
PostPosted: Jul 28 2010 10:29 pm Reply with quote Back to top

I've seen this game boxed at Target. Might have to get it now.
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FNJ
2010 SLF Tag Champ
Joined: Jun 07 2006
PostPosted: Jul 29 2010 01:15 am Reply with quote Back to top

I have it on pc. I don't see the big deal, frankly.

People have been parodying thriller for years. How is it distasteful just because he died? It was a music video where he dressed up like a zombie and danced. This isn't a new development.


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username
Title: owner of a lonely heart
Joined: Jul 06 2007
Location: phoenix, az usa
PostPosted: Jul 29 2010 03:06 am Reply with quote Back to top

Yeah. This happened on my iPod version about two days ago. I haven't checked my steam version but the release doesn't say anything about it.


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The Opponent
Title: Forum Battle WINNER
Joined: Feb 24 2010
Location: The Danger Zone
PostPosted: Jul 29 2010 12:02 pm Reply with quote Back to top

PopCap is worth millions. Were it me, I would have taken them to court. I'm sure Michael would have loved it, seeing as he dabbled in video games himself more than once.


I'm not a bad enough dude, but I am an edgy little shit. I'll do what I can.
 
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FNJ
2010 SLF Tag Champ
Joined: Jun 07 2006
PostPosted: Jul 29 2010 01:36 pm Reply with quote Back to top

If they were dead Michael Jackson corpses I would understand, but thriller zombies are supposed to dance.


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