Activision Files Lawsuit Against Lergware and GameHook

Drama

14 May 2025 09:23

Activision has initiated legal action against individuals allegedly behind the development and distribution of cheating software used in its popular Call of Duty franchise. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, targets Ryan Rothholz, who the company claims created and sold the hacks known as "Lergware" and "GameHook."

According to court documents obtained by IGN, Activision alleges that Rothholz was the principal developer of Lergware, which he reportedly sold to players through a dedicated website between 2021 and 2022. The complaint states that Rothholz later updated the software to ensure compatibility with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone in 2023.

Activision further claims that, following the release of updated versions of the hack, online gameplay was increasingly disrupted by so-called "attacks," prompting warnings and complaints from the community. The publisher says it issued Rothholz a cease-and-desist letter, which he allegedly shared and ridiculed on a public Discord server.

"These actions contributed to a rise in in-game cheating and disrupted the player experience," Activision noted in the complaint.

In addition to Lergware, Activision accuses Rothholz of creating a second software tool, GameHook, and claims he collaborated with Collin “Cid” Gyetvai and Jordan “Bossnight55” Newcombe Boothey to market and resell the software. Pricing was reportedly set at $50 per game or $375 for lifetime access.

More:CWA vs. Bobby Kotick

The lawsuit alleges that the defendants generated substantial income through these operations, harming Activision’s business interests and compromising the integrity of its online multiplayer ecosystem. The company said it attempted to resolve the matter privately by sending cease-and-desist letters, but those efforts were ignored.

Despite the eventual closure of online stores associated with Lergware and GameHook, Activision asserts that the named individuals have continued distributing the software covertly through private servers and channels.

"Activision is informed and believes, and based thereon alleges, that the defendants are still engaged in the sale or dissemination of the cheat tools in violation of our demands," the company stated in the legal filing.

Activision’s legal action seeks to permanently halt the distribution of the software and recover damages stemming from its unauthorized use. The publisher has not yet issued a public statement beyond the court documents.

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Activision Files Lawsuit Against Lergware and GameHook

Drama

14 May 2025 09:23

Tags: Activision Blizzard

Activision has initiated legal action against individuals allegedly behind the development and distribution of cheating software used in its popular Call of Duty franchise. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, targets Ryan Rothholz, who the company claims created and sold the hacks known as "Lergware" and "GameHook."

According to court documents obtained by IGN, Activision alleges that Rothholz was the principal developer of Lergware, which he reportedly sold to players through a dedicated website between 2021 and 2022. The complaint states that Rothholz later updated the software to ensure compatibility with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone in 2023.

Activision further claims that, following the release of updated versions of the hack, online gameplay was increasingly disrupted by so-called "attacks," prompting warnings and complaints from the community. The publisher says it issued Rothholz a cease-and-desist letter, which he allegedly shared and ridiculed on a public Discord server.

"These actions contributed to a rise in in-game cheating and disrupted the player experience," Activision noted in the complaint.

In addition to Lergware, Activision accuses Rothholz of creating a second software tool, GameHook, and claims he collaborated with Collin “Cid” Gyetvai and Jordan “Bossnight55” Newcombe Boothey to market and resell the software. Pricing was reportedly set at $50 per game or $375 for lifetime access.

More:CWA vs. Bobby Kotick

The lawsuit alleges that the defendants generated substantial income through these operations, harming Activision’s business interests and compromising the integrity of its online multiplayer ecosystem. The company said it attempted to resolve the matter privately by sending cease-and-desist letters, but those efforts were ignored.

Despite the eventual closure of online stores associated with Lergware and GameHook, Activision asserts that the named individuals have continued distributing the software covertly through private servers and channels.

"Activision is informed and believes, and based thereon alleges, that the defendants are still engaged in the sale or dissemination of the cheat tools in violation of our demands," the company stated in the legal filing.

Activision’s legal action seeks to permanently halt the distribution of the software and recover damages stemming from its unauthorized use. The publisher has not yet issued a public statement beyond the court documents.

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