TheGamingEconomy’s Daily Digest brings you the trending stories in gaming. In today’s news: Nintendo faces lawsuit over defective Switch Joy-Cons; EE launches partnership with Niantic; and Blizzard co-founder Frank Pearce announces departure after 28 years.

Nintendo faces lawsuit over defective Switch Joy-Cons

Nintendo of America is facing a class action lawsuit, filed by Chimicles, Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, over defective Joy-Con controllers for the Switch console. The purported issue relates to the Joy-Con’s joysticks, which over time are reported to cause ‘drifting’, whereby the controllers register movement despite not actively being touched by the user.

The issue is reported to be widespread, with complaints cited on Nintendo support forums, Reddit, and IGN, amongst other internet boards. Although only players in the US can participate in the lawsuit, the defect has been reported in other countries.

EE launches partnership with Niantic

UK mobile network provider EE has announced a partnership with Niantic, giving all players of AR title Harry Potter: Wizards Unite free data whilst playing the game. As well as inclusive data, certain EE stores will be featured within the game as ‘Inns’ and ‘Fortresses’, offering users certain bonuses. The partnership was announced as EE rolls out its 5G network in the UK.

“We’re the natural partner for Niantic on Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, allowing fans to get the very most from the exciting new gaming experience on the go,” said EE CEO of BT’s consumer division Marc Allera, speaking to Pocketgamer.biz.

Blizzard co-founder Frank Pearce announces departure after 28 years

Blizzard Entertainment co-founder and chief development officer Frank Pearce has announced his departure from the company after 28 years. The move comes just a few months after fellow co-founder Michael Morhaime also left the firm, now a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard. The remaining co-founder of Blizzard, Allen Adham, left the company in 2004, although he since returned in 2016 as senior VP. Pearce will reportedly stay with the company for an undisclosed period in an advisory capacity before leaving.

In a statement on the company’s website, Pearce said: “My request and hope for all of you is that you continue living the Blizzard values and that you be kind and respectful to one another as you experience what Blizzard creates in the future. Blizzard is a special place and a special community, and everyone with whom you interact is important to the Blizzard journey as it continues forward.”