Michael Jackson Estate Forces Removal of Plant-Eating Zombie
- Thread starter John Funk
- Start date
Just what I was going to say, though not in the exact same words of course.Susan Arendt said:
Very very poor show on behalf of the Jackson Estate.
There have been Eminem videos (well, there's one I can think of) that have been less than favourable in "paying homage" to Michael Jackson...
I can understand why they want the memory of Micheal left alone but i dont see why Popcap couldnt have asked for permission.
Actually the Michael Jackson zombie thing has been used before in other media I'm pretty sure. I seem to remember there was a bit on that in "Return Of The Living Dead Pt. 2" (I think) where the zombie hits an electric fence and starts jerking around break-dance style, and yes it looks like Michael Jackson.
I think law suits and such are an increasing problem if they prevent homages like this one, even if it never went to the court phase.
I liked Michel Jackson's early work when I was growing up, despite what he turned into. On a lot of levels I suspect this is a sign things are getting more mercenary/draconian after his demise than they were when he was alive. Sort of like how Elvis arguably became a bigger business after his death than when he was alive due to the way the estate merchandised his image and intellectual properties and such...
Even if he was a child molester, he didn't seem to be that uptight or especially touchy when it came to his work and people making homages or parodies and such. At least in this respect he'll be missed, because I think that's an attitude towards your work and doing business you just don't see much anymore.
I think law suits and such are an increasing problem if they prevent homages like this one, even if it never went to the court phase.
I liked Michel Jackson's early work when I was growing up, despite what he turned into. On a lot of levels I suspect this is a sign things are getting more mercenary/draconian after his demise than they were when he was alive. Sort of like how Elvis arguably became a bigger business after his death than when he was alive due to the way the estate merchandised his image and intellectual properties and such...
Even if he was a child molester, he didn't seem to be that uptight or especially touchy when it came to his work and people making homages or parodies and such. At least in this respect he'll be missed, because I think that's an attitude towards your work and doing business you just don't see much anymore.
This is pretty stupid, if they think a Micheal Jackson zombie is offensive then why can we still watch Thriller on Youtube? It's the same thing really, only difference is they own Thriller, oh wait I just answered my own question didn't I. =/
If this is applied to the Steam versions retroactively, I may buy a physical copy. I can understand PopCap respecting the wishes of the family (assuming this isn't just a money-grab), but altering my game without my permission is unethical. Supporting quality game developers vs. supporting unethical business practices? I'm so confused...
You ain't the only one woman!Susan Arendt said:
I'm very sad at this news. This makes the game a bit less fun and happy for me. So I'm guess the 360 version will be Jacksonless? Sad Face.
Popcap did give an homage to Michael Jackson, in a parodic sense. I had thought that parodies were generally allowed. I am amazed that the Jackson estate would be offended by something that is clearly not offensive in any way. If anything it's better publicity than MJ ever received while being alive. Popcap tried to do something in the way of bringing MJ's memory to life, in much the same way that Elvis is portrayed today. I suppose it's just better for Popcap to have removed it, all the Jackson Estate has accomplished is the removal of an homage to MJ. I wonder if they would do that to the MJ fans who dress up as MJ from the thriller album.
I play plants vs zombies with my son (age 3) he never got to see MJ in his thriller glory and the dancing zombie brought a smile and a few giggles to him. I guess the almighty dollar is more important to the family than bringing Michael and his legacy to a new generationSusan Arendt said: