No Doubt Takes on Activision’s ‘Band Hero’

LOS ANGELES (CN) - Members of No Doubt don't like that their avatars on Activision's "Band Hero" can sing other artist's songs, so they've sued the gaming company for breach of contract. The band says it gave Activision permission for the game's avatars to sing three No Doubt songs, but the final product allows players to perform over 60 songs, turning band members "into a virtual karaoke circus act," according to the lawsuit filed in Superior Court.

Band members Gwen Stefani, Tony Kanal, Adrian Young and Tom Dumont also say the game allows avatars of them to perform vocally as soloists, "including having male members sing with female voices." They further complain that the game allows players to manipulate their likenesses "to engage in unapproved acts with other characters included in the game," the lawsuit states.

"Activision actively concealed its intent to use the likeness and performances of No Doubt's members in such a manner ... and refused to correct its actions."

The band wants to cancel the contract and stop the allegedly unauthorized use of its name. It also seeks damages.

The lawsuit was filed by Bert Deixler with Proskauer Rose.

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