Square Enix Sues a Mobile Game Company

A failed business deal between world-renowned publisher and producer Square Enix and mobile game developer BlackJack Studio has now turned into a legal battle. Square Enix claims that BlackJack Studio used assets from a jointly developed but cancelled project in its new game without permission and is seeking compensation.

A lawsuit filed last week in Seattle alleges that BlackJack Studio, represented by HK Ten Tree Limited, took visual assets from a cancelled mobile Front Mission game without permission and is now using them in a new game called Metal Storm. The full 26-page case file contains many screenshots and other evidence in support of these allegations.

Metal Storm's Western release is being blocked and the company is accused of "intentionally and knowingly copying mecha designs, characters, game mechanics and other creative elements from the licensed game". In addition, Square Enix is seeking damages of $150,000 for each copyright infringement.

Square Enix and BlackJack Studio Partnership

The two companies had teamed up to develop the mobile game Front Mission 2089: Borderscape. However, according to the lawsuit, Square Enix cancelled the game in October 2022 and terminated its agreement with BlackJack.

Metal Storm is known as Mecharashi in China and Japan. On the game's Steam page, BlackJack Studio describes Metal Storm as a "mecha-themed, tactical turn-based game". One notable detail is the direct reference to the IP in the game's description. On Steam, the game is described as having a "Front Mission-style combat system."

Source:

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/square-enix-sues-to-stop-a-front-mission-style-game-releasing-in-the-west-claiming-asset-theft/