Trademark Issues Hold Up iOS Collection Of 8-Bit Computer Games

Elite Systems has delayed the release of a planned collection of classic 8-bit computer game ports for iOS thanks to a trademark claim placed on one of the included games. The Elite Collection, originally planned for an October 28 release, will include iOS ports of 25 classic 8-bit computer titles, including classics such as M.U.L.E., Stunt Car Racer and Archon II, both as in-app purchases and as standalone downloads. But Elite Systems managing director Steve Wilcox said the company has received a trademark complaint regarding one of the included games from a company that had previously provided written clearance for its inclusion. "Since one of our declared goals for the Elite Collection apps is, 'to restore some order to the market for 8-bit home computer games,' we needed some time to check the claim," he said in a statement. "At the time of writing, that claim is still being reviewed and we felt it would be inappropriate to release the apps until it had been dealt with." The delay, which Wilcox estimates will take "a couple of weeks," will allow the publisher time to port additional titles before the launch, including the first three Bard's Tale games and post-apocalyptic RPG Wasteland. The new collection follows on Elite's ZX Spectrum: Elite Collection, which was released last year and has since grown to include over 150 titles. That collection had grossed over $150,000 as of March, according to the company.