In a landmark ruling, American arcade game champion Billy Mitchell has emerged victorious in a defamation lawsuit against Australian YouTuber Karl Jobst, who has been ordered to pay $350,000 in damages. This legal battle, which highlights the intersection of gaming culture and online commentary, underscores the potential consequences of reckless statements made in the digital age.
Mitchell, 59, known for his record-breaking feats in classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man, first gained fame during the 1980s arcade boom. His reputation was tarnished in recent years following accusations of cheating, leading to a complicated web of legal disputes. On April 1, 2025, Brisbane District Court Judge Ken Barlow delivered the judgment, following a trial that took place in September and October of the previous year.
The controversy began when Jobst posted a YouTube video titled "The Biggest Conmen in Video Game History Strike Again!" in May 2021, which remained online for 15 days. In this video, Jobst made several damaging claims, including that Mitchell's prior lawsuit against another content creator had left that individual, known as Apollo Legend, "deeply in debt." Jobst's assertions implied that Mitchell's actions contributed to Legend's tragic suicide in 2020.
Judge Barlow found that Jobst had engaged in a "vindictive crusade" against Mitchell, displaying a "reckless disregard for the truth". The judge noted, "Clearly he wanted to be the knight who slayed the Mitchell dragon. His lance was not as strong as he thought it to be." This ruling emphasizes the serious implications of defamation in the age of social media, where false narratives can spread rapidly and have real-world consequences.
Despite not attending the court ruling, Mitchell expressed his satisfaction with the outcome through a post on X, stating, "Nothing like the smell of victory." Approximately 5,000 viewers tuned in to watch the verdict unfold via YouTube live stream.
Jobst, who was present during the judgment, faced tough questions about how he would pay the damages. He responded simply, "with money," and later indicated on social media that he would consider his options moving forward, emphasizing his commitment to repay his supporters.
Throughout the trial, Judge Barlow noted that Jobst's video had caused significant harm to Mitchell's reputation, resulting in a drastic reduction in his paid appearances at gaming conventions—from about 20 to 25 engagements per year to just four or five. The court heard that Jobst's original video had garnered over 500,000 views, further amplifying the damage to Mitchell's standing in the gaming community.
In addition to the $300,000 awarded for non-economic damages, the court granted Mitchell $50,000 in aggravated damages and $34,668 in interest dating back to the initial publication of Jobst's video. The judge also indicated that Jobst might be liable for covering Mitchell's legal costs, which will be determined at a later date.
Mitchell's legal troubles have not been limited to Jobst. He previously filed a defamation lawsuit against Benjamin Smith, known online as Apollo Legend, in 2020. That case was settled outside of court without financial compensation, but it set the stage for the current legal battle. In the aftermath of the ruling, it was revealed that Smith's settlement with Mitchell did not involve any monetary exchange, contradicting Jobst's claims in his video.
The judge pointed out that Jobst had edited his video multiple times after Mitchell warned him of potential legal repercussions, yet he continued to disseminate false information. Judge Barlow emphasized that Jobst's actions showed a complete disregard for the truth and the impact of his words on Mitchell's life and career.
Mitchell, who has held world records for both Donkey Kong and Pac-Man, saw his reputation suffer significantly due to the allegations made against him. In 2018, he was stripped of his titles by Twin Galaxies after they determined that some of his records were not achieved on original arcade hardware. Despite this, Mitchell has consistently maintained his innocence and has pursued legal action against those he believes have defamed him.
The ruling against Jobst serves as a cautionary tale for content creators and influencers who may not fully consider the ramifications of their statements. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the responsibility of individuals to ensure the accuracy of their claims becomes increasingly significant.
Jobst's case also raises questions about the ethics of online commentary and the fine line between critique and defamation. While many content creators operate under the banner of free speech, the consequences of spreading misinformation can lead to devastating outcomes for those targeted.
In the wake of the ruling, Jobst expressed his intention to continue creating content, despite the financial and reputational fallout from this case. His experience serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of the digital age, where a single video can alter the course of a person's life and career.
As the gaming community reflects on this case, it remains to be seen how it will influence future discussions about accountability and truth in the realm of online content creation. For Mitchell, this victory not only restores his reputation but also reinforces the importance of standing up against defamation in an increasingly interconnected world.
