Introduction

In a dramatic turn of events, Square Enix, the renowned game publisher behind the iconic Front Mission franchise, has officially launched a lawsuit to stop the release of a new mecha game that they claim illegally uses their intellectual property. The lawsuit was filed on March 13 in a Seattle court, detailing allegations against BlackJack Studio (also referred to as HK Ten Tree in the legal documents).

Background

Square Enix has been revitalizing its Front Mission series with remakes of its classic titles, and in April 2022, they announced an exciting new entry, Front Mission 2089: Borderscape. Unfortunately, just a few months after this announcement, the game was abruptly canceled in October 2022, leading to a turbulent back-and-forth between Square Enix and BlackJack Studio.

Allegations Against BlackJack Studio

Fast-forward to October 2024, BlackJack Studio launched a game titled Metal Storm, known as Mecharashi in some regions. Square Enix alleges that Mecharashi is built on assets developed specifically for the now-defunct Front Mission title, claiming that the same team from BlackJack repurposed these design elements to create Mecharashi. The game features a “Front Mission-style” combat system, allowing players to assemble customizable mechas, equip a variety of weapons, and select pilots for tactical battles.

Legal Actions by Square Enix

With Mecharashi already making waves in China and Japan and listed as 'coming soon' on its Steam page, Square Enix has taken a stand. They have submitted legal documents containing comparative screenshots from the canceled Front Mission 2089: Borderscape to strengthen their case. The court has been asked to mandate the removal of any infringing content, which includes the game mechanics, visual designs, and other protected elements linked to the Front Mission franchise.

DMCA Takedown Notices

In a further twist, Square Enix has stated that there are multiple DMCA takedown notices aimed at removing Mecharashi from digital marketplaces. While the game was temporarily taken down from Steam, it resurfaced after a counter-claim was filed. Additionally, the company has initiated a parallel lawsuit in Japan, aiming for a comprehensive resolution to this conflict.

Compensation Sought

In terms of compensation, Square Enix is seeking a staggering $150,000 for each instance of copyright infringement, showcasing how serious the situation has become. The fate of Mecharashi hangs in the balance as both companies prepare their arguments in what could be a landmark case in the gaming industry.

Conclusion

As this legal saga unfolds, fans of both franchises and the gaming community at large are left to wonder: will Mecharashi survive the courtroom clash, or will it ultimately fade into development history, like its allegedly appropriated predecessor? Stay tuned for updates!