by Stacy Jones on Jul 30, 2010
Richard "Lord British" Garriott has succeeded in defeating NCsoft in court and scoring $28 million for his troubles. Garriott, who separated from NCsoft under controversial circumstances after the completion of his last MMOG project, the now cancelled Tabula Rasa, filed suit against NCsoft back in 2009, claiming that he was forced out of NCsoft while he was in quarantine from his returning trip to space in 2009 and despite objecting to his dismissal, NCsoft said that he had left voluntarily, forcing Garriot to cash out his stock options in a less favorable market. Had Garriot been terminated he would have instead had 10 years to sell his options in a more stable market.
According to an article from Statesman, the jury in the case deliberated for three hours after a 3 1/2 day trial. Garriott had originally asked for $47 million, but his statement after the trial indicated that he was happy with the judgment.
"I am extremely pleased with the jury's decision," Garriott said in a statement. "The facts were clear that my departure from NCsoft was not voluntary. I am very pleased with the final award."