This week, something interesting happened in the world of video games. The Video Game History Foundation (VGHF) announced a win for retro gaming enthusiasts: the obscure 90s game Cookie’s Bustle is back in the spotlight. You might not have heard of it, and that’s because for years, a guy named Brandon White, acting through his company Graceware, tried to erase it from the internet with copyright claims.
Since 2022, White launched numerous claims against anyone who posted content related to Cookie’s Bustle. This included videos, Twitch streams, fan art, and even Discord chats. The first hint of trouble came when popular YouTuber ClassicsOfGame lost multiple videos featuring the game. It was clear that this wasn’t just about protecting rights; it looked more like an effort to wipe Cookie’s Bustle from existence.
This situation also impacted the VGHF when they obtained a physical copy of the game. They created a page for it on their website, only to have it taken down due to another copyright strike. Phil Salvador, the VGHF’s library director, mentioned that while Graceware’s actions were frustrating, they saw it as a chance to investigate what was going on.
The VGHF dug deep and found a network of dubious copyright services that White was exploiting. He even misrepresented his link to the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie) and misspelled his own company name in official reports. Despite using automated copyright services like Web Capio to attack content, the VGHF decided to confront Ukie directly. When they reached out, it allowed the VGHF to call White’s bluff and demand proof of ownership, which he couldn’t provide.
While this cleared up many questions about the “how,” the “why” remains a mystery. We still don’t know who created Cookie’s Bustle, leaving it in a weird limbo. But one thing is clear: Brandon White is not its creator, and his motives are puzzling.
For now, Cookie’s Bustle is free again. ClassicsOfGame has reposted the lost videos, turning a new page for the game. It can now be shown, streamed, and enjoyed once more.
This situation sheds light on broader issues in copyright and online content management. According to recent statistics, automated copyright claims have surged 200% in the last year, raising concerns about who gets to control digital media. As the internet continues to evolve, the balance between protecting creators and allowing free expression becomes ever more crucial.
In a world where nostalgic gems like Cookie’s Bustle can nearly fade into obscurity, it’s a win for gamers everywhere when they can be rediscovered and celebrated.
