Gamers vs. Ultima Online: The Road Ahead

So you want to join a lawsuit? No problem.

The lawyer representing five named plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit filed last week spoke to GameSpot News Tuesday assuring gamers that if the complaint proceeds as he hopes, interested gamers will have plenty of opportunity to share in any damages the court deems appropriate.

“If we are successful, and the class action is approved , gamers will be notified,” George Schultz told GameSpot by phone.

Typically, this notice would take the form of newspaper ads directing gamers who believe they qualify as members of the class action the ways to identify themselves. If the suit gets to this stage, it likely wouldn't be for months. (If, however, gamers would like to join the list of named plaintiffs now, they should contact Schultz directly.)

Here's what to expect in the coming weeks and months.

Currently, "the ball's in court to respond," Schultz added. "And typically, the defendant files papers to get the charges ."

For his part, after a 30-day waiting period from the date of the initial filing, Schultz will be authorized to subpoena documents and conduct interviews of Origin and EA employees. Unlike the complaint itself, these documents and transcripts will not be made public.

Most likely, before that 30-day period expires, EA and OSI will file their motions to have the court throw out the lawsuit.

Both Origin and EA have decided not to offer any sort of statement on the lawsuit, saying that they do not comment on pending legislation.

Schultz is not so shy. He told GameSpot News "I've gamed all my life and it's totally frustrating to see what's happened to the gaming industry. He was referring to "buggy software, games that don't work or are released too soon."

Schultz said he would be posting pertinent documentation on a web site devoted to the pending litigation as soon as Tuesday evening - its URL to be disclosed as soon as the site is up and running.

Running is precisely how GameSpot News left Schultz at the end of our conversation. "You know, I have other clients," Schultz said easing himself out of our cellular chat and into the fast lane.

Thanks for your time George.