Martin Gore

Martin Gore Asked For Expert Testimony On Alienation

A World Of Warcraft gamer is trying to sue the makers of the game for making him sad, and he's asking Depeche Mode's songwriter and guitarist Martin Gore to help him win. San Jose, California resident Erik Estavillo says WOW is a "harmful virtual environment" and its makers, Blizzard Entertainment, follow "sneaky and deceitful practices" which contribute to his feeling of alienation. The suit admits that Estavillo "relies on videogames heavily for the little ongoing happiness he can achieve in this life," and requests that Blizzard reduce the cost of the game and pay him $1m damages. Gore has been asked to testify in court "since he himself has been known to be sad, lonely, and alienated, as can be seen in the songs he writes." Now we're no legal eagles, but we would guess this lawsuit isn't going to be successful. Estavillo has previously attempted to sue Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo for, respectively, causing him undue stress, violating his First Amendment rights, and interfering with his inalienable right to seek happiness. None of these suits have been successful; but then none had the benefit of Martin Gore's heartfelt testimony. Gore has yet to comment on whether he is willing to help Estavillo in this case.