Stock buybacks aren't really the issue, if they didn't exist they'd just be paying dividends with the money instead. The real issue is the reckless pursuit of maximising shareholder payouts, particularly for too big to fail corps.
Oh wow, patent was only granted 7 years after the game was released so the game will be 22 years old when the patent expires if not extended. Patent law is bonkers.
Exactly this, you need something that will be solid at room temperature.