FWIW, the article links to another article about Emily Short and Versu that isn't quite true anymore. They apparently worked out an agreement with Linden Labs,

FWIW, the article links to another article about Emily Short and Versu that isn't quite true anymore. They apparently worked out an agreement with Linden Labs, and Blood and Laurels is now available on the App Store for $2.99 - I bought it last night but haven't had a chance to play it yet.