Yesterday, Keri reported on the financial troubles of 38 Studios, developer for the critically well-received Kingdoms of Amalur, to whom Rhode Island "secured $75 million in Loans to persuade 38 Studios to relocate to Rhode Island from Massachusetts".
Now, after delving into the legal documentation of the deal, the state of Rhode Island might become the owners of Kingdoms of Amalur if the company defaults on its loan. It will also be in possession of "Project Copernicus", a title currently in development at the studio.
Though this type of default commonly occurs for houses or cars if payments cannot be made on time, this is a rare case for a studio. According to the documentation, 38 Studios had placed all of its present and future IPs by the company as collateral, so everything they have developed, are developing, and will develop is up for grabs.
Of course, the state of Rhode Island knows little about running a video game development studio, so if 38 Studios defaults, it will likely take the IPs and put them up for auction to the highest bidder in the hope that the sale will cover the $75 million loan. If it doesn't, well, 38 Studios won't be around for much longer.
[Source]
