Activision, the publisher of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (which was the first multiplatform console title to generate more than $1 billion in revenue), is now being sued for $20 million by Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose for its use of the virtual likeness of Saul Hudson, better known as Slash, in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
Rose alleges that Activision convinced him to lend "Welcome to the Jungle" to Guitar Hero III on the grounds that the game would not feature Slash's likeness or the guitarist's follow-up group, Velvet Revolver.
Slash graced the game's cover and was a playable character in the game. Songs from Velvet Revolver ("She Builds Quick Machines," "Slither," and "Messages") were also made available to gamers via DLC (Downloadable Content) following the game's release.
"[Activision] began spinning a web of lies and deception to conceal its true intentions to not only feature Slash and [Velvet Revolver] prominently in GH III but also promote the game by emphasizing and reinforcing an association between Slash and Guns N' Roses and the band's song 'Welcome to the Jungle,'" the statement reads.
Rose futher claims that "Sweet Child O' Mine," which was used to market Guitar Hero III, was only authorized for the title's predecessor, Guitar Hero II, and is seeking reparations.
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