Electronic Arts calls time on US college football game

Electronic Arts, the US games maker, says
it is cancelling its college football game
next year amid legal disputes over players'
image rights.
The company said it was "evaluating our plan
for the future of the franchise".
Student players have been seeking a share of
National Collegiate Athletic Association
revenues after their likenesses were used in
the game.
In May, a court upheld the right of Ryan Hart,
a former college player, to sue.
Mr Hart has sued for damages, saying EA
should have sought his permission before
using his likeness in three versions of the
popular game published between 2004 and
2006.
The appeal court decided EA did not do
enough to "sufficiently transform" the virtual
version of the player.
Compensation
Samuel Keller, another former college football
player, has also sued EA for using his likeness
in the game.
"We have been stuck in the middle of a
dispute between the NCAA and student athletes
who seek compensation for playing college
football," wrote Cam Weber, general manager
of American football at EA Sports, explaining
the company's decision.
Mr Weber said the company was "working to
settle the lawsuits with the student athletes",
and soon after publishing this statement US
newspapers reported that EA had settled, but
no details were given.
EA launched its most recent version of the
game, NCAA Football 14, in July.
"Our decision does not affect our commitment
to NCAA Football 14 and the consumers who
love playing the game," Mr Weber said.