A Message From Governor Lincoln Chafee Regarding 38 Studios

To View the Complaint In Its Entirety Visit www.RIEDC.com


As you know, in the past I have raised many concerns regarding the 38 Studios deal. When it became clear that the company would not survive, I publicly stated my commitment to you that my primary goal would be to do everything within my power to protect the taxpayers of Rhode Island. I will work to minimize any loss of your hard earned taxpayer dollars.

With that goal guiding us, we engaged Max Wistow, a seasoned attorney with decades of experience in complex litigation matters, including financial restitution and settlements.

Over the past four months, Mr. Wistow and his team have thoroughly examined the 38 Studios situation and the state's position.

In executive session of the Economic Development Corporation Board, we received an extensive briefing from Mr. Wistow on his findings. In that meeting, the Board voted without opposition to authorize legal action.

This vote was not taken lightly, and it was taken with the clear goal of protecting the taxpayers of Rhode Island.

The 38 Studios saga has understandably generated a great deal of attention from the media and the public at large. I know, therefore, that there will be pressure to discuss the complaint. However, neither I, nor the other members of the EDC Board, nor the attorneys representing the EDC in this matter will be able to do so. Further discussion of the complaint could jeopardize this process and endanger our ability to recoup taxpayer losses. The complaint on its own contains a great deal of important and illuminating information on how this deal unfolded.

Litigation is often long and tedious. The filing of this complaint is only the beginning. I know therefore there still will be many unanswered questions as the legal process continues and if and when other information comes to light it will be appropriately addressed.

My message to Rhode Islanders is this: I know that you work hard for your paychecks, and for your tax dollars to be squandered is unacceptable. The Board's legal action was taken to rectify a grave injustice put upon the people of Rhode Island. You have my commitment that I will continue fighting to protect the interest of all Rhode Islanders every day that I am Governor.

• Category

  News & Politics

[David Coombes]

Why did the state ever fund a private enterprise? You're not a bank and shouldn't waste the people's money on such gambles. Trying to pass the blame to Curt is ridiculous scapegoating by a cowardly administration unwilling to accept the stupidity of their investment. States don't invest in games, movies, books, inventions, or anything, beyond normal grants. Let the creative investors handle that, and you do your job of managing the people's money on the people's NEEDS.

[roninoutlaw]

Dear Rhode Island, Get fucked. Sincerely, the rest of us.

[Samantha Sarbanes]

Welcome To The Democratic Party,Gov Chaffee.

[Andy S.]

You have got to be kidding me. I don't mean to comment on a dead thread, but this comment was ignorant and I felt compelled to answer back. If you want to comment on the stupidity of one person, that's fine. Bringing the entire state into it as a whole is beyond petty.

[FFFan3445]

Canada's grants toward game projects like Deus Ex: Human Revolution have seen great results. I think the key thing here is that these guys did it wrong, very wrong; not only did they support the wrong project but they supported it the wrong way. This could've ended up so much better.

[jojogogo4732]

All I can say is that as a game developer , I'll never go to your shitty place in my life.

[TheSurvivalVlog]

Its ok, come to Rhode Island and I will show you a nice ass whopping, so fuck you buddy suck my cock! email me for my address I will gladly give it to you so I can wipe the floor with your little shit talking bitch ass!

[roninoutlaw]

I think you meant You're. Just goes to show how stupid people from Rhode Island are.

[TheSurvivalVlog]

Hey I live in R.I so fuck you! Your a piece of shit!

[David Nash]

Maybe they had a deadline submission of a working copy to meet and all the specular high lights and normals were flickering, the shadows were jaggy and the particles were intersecting with the walls, then ofc maybe the game crashed. I can imagine there wasn't enough work in there (squandered payments) and somehow the economist responsible for checking up on the company decided the rest of the 50m$ could go on something else, maybe he played Rage or Far cry when he got home.

[UnitedKingdomify]

The shame of it is 38 Studios and Big Huge Games created a successful IP, and KoA:R sold extremely well. Give it two, maybe three years and you'll see the Amalur IP revived by a huge publisher in a sequel or reboot that'll make a killing under a studio in a different State in America, or a different country... and this first-class A hole will rue the day he dealt in misinformation with his voting public in order to see a good, job-creating, local investment, go bad.