Square Enix accuses past partner studio of stealing game assets

The studio behind Final Fantasy games ‘Square Enix’ is pursuing legal action against Chinese studio BlackJack. As per reports, Square has accused BlackJack of stealing assets for their Front Mission video game and using them in their own new game. Square Enix is seeking $150,000 in damages for each copyright infringement.

“Defendant has deliberately and intentionally copied protectable expression from the Licensed Game in METAL STORM, including this, but not limited to mecha designs, characters, game mechanics, and other creative elements,” Square Enix claimed.

BlackJack Studio then announced ‘Mecharashi’ (METAL STORM), a new game similar to Front Mission-style, which they also note in the game’s description page on Steam. Players can design their own mechanism and engage in a grid combat system. The game does not have a release date but may take some more time to come out amidst the lawsuit.

Both studious previously teamed up to make Front Mission 2089: Borderscape back in 2022, but the project was cancelled two years after development. At the time, both companies also parted ways and no specific reason was provided.

Square Enix wants removal of all copyrighted content

As one can note in various comparison images, things look entirely similar and if not mentioned, it would be hard to determine which one is Front Mission 2089 or which one is Mecharashi. There are a lot more images apart from the few above and Square Enix wants them gone

“Accordingly, Plaintiff brings this action to protect its intellectual property rights in both Front Mission and the Licensed Game, seeking the removal of the infringing content from METAL STORM  across relevant platforms in order to prevent further unauthorized exploitation of SQEX’s intellectual property,” the company further noted.

Also Read:Square Enix reports Life is Strange: Double Exposure as a loss in its financial results

BlackJack is ready to compete with Square Enix

Square Enix previously issued a DMCA takedown notice against Mecharashi and for some time, the game was gone from Steam. However, a counter-notice regarding the claim was made and the game was back up and is presently available for wishlist as BlackJack is seemingly ready to fight for the game.