Minecraft Creator Wants to Settle Bethesda Lawsuit Over a Game of Quake (Seriously)

Some of you may be aware that Notch, the creator of Minecraft, recently wrote a post on his blog about Bethesda’s lawyers approaching Mojang about changing the name of its next title, Scrolls. Bethesda’s lawyers believe the name is an infringement on the trademark of its RPG franchise, The Elder Scrolls.

Notch is clearly not a fan of paperwork, or court processes, so he has called upon Bethesda to bring its three “best warriors” to settle the dispute over a game of Quake 3, and said Mojang will change the name of Scrolls if its team loses the match-up.

“I challenge Bethesda to a game of Quake 3. Three of our best warriors against three of your best warriors. We select one level, you select the other, we randomize the order. 20 minute matches, highest total frag count per team across both levels wins,” Notch wrote on his blog.

“If we win, you drop the lawsuit. If you win, we will change the name of Scrolls to something you’re fine with.”

Firstly, we think all lawsuits should be dealt with in such a manner. All joking aside, Notch, real name Marcus Persson, went on to say that Mojang would add a piece of text to Scrolls explaining that the game has nothing to do with Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls franchise.

“Regardless of the outcome, we could still have a small text somewhere saying our game is not related to your game series in any way, if you wish.”

While it is unlikely that Bethesda would accept such a challenge, it’s very entertaining to see Notch throw down the gauntlet in such a way. Lawsuits are usually very boring, but this case certainly isn’t.

What do you think of Notch’s idea? Do you think all disputes should be settled with a game of Quake 3? Let us know in the comments.