lexluthermiesterSE might have a claim if they can prove they own(or have controlling rights to) the assets associated with the game in question. Otherwise, they're just blustering.

AGlezBGoT

Solaris17The what?

Solaris17The what?

AGlezBGhost of Tsushima

lexluthermiesterSE might have a claim if they can prove they own(or have controlling rights to) the assets associated with the game in question. Otherwise, they're just blustering.

A Computer GuyAsset issues aside the Battletech game has a lot of similar concepts. Turn based, custom mechs, pilots, paint job customization, battle damage restricting movement, unique parts.

lexluthermiesterTrue. But SE doesn't own those concepts, nor any combination there-of. If that's going to be their argument, it's beyond weak and is going to be a swift and case-law setting loss for them, both in Japan and here.

AGlezBNo matter how weak it has already caused damage to Mecharashi and will continue to do so. Unless local laws specify some kind of compensation for wrongfull accusations or Mecharashi can counter sue for diffamation they'll not be able to recover completely.

AGlezBThat kind of aggresive tactic has been used many, many times by bigger companies to run smaller competitors into the ground, usually as a precursor of a hostile takeover.

lexluthermiesterTrue. But SE doesn't own those concepts, nor any combination there-of. If that's going to be their argument, it's beyond weak and is going to be a swift and case-law setting loss for them, both in Japan and here.

lexluthermiesterYou might be over estimating the negative effect.

AGlezBMaybe. I also hadn't heard of Mecharashi before so it's not unthinkable the publicity this brought them could be enough to offset the damage in the long run.
Short term will depend on their financial situation allowing them to keep fighting SE because more often than not that kind of legal battle isn't lost at the court but at the bank.

lexluthermiesterControversies like this often help exposure and in some cases, help sales. I think in this case SE may have shot themselves in the foot with their greedy narrow thinking, presuming they don't have a strong case, which from the surface seem likely.

80-watt HamsterSE seems to be turning into Japan's version of Ubisoft.

lexluthermiesterControversies like this often help exposure and in some cases, help sales. I think in this case SE may have shot themselves in the foot with their greedy narrow thinking, presuming they don't have a strong case, which from the surface seems likely.

80-watt HamsterSE seems to be turning into Japan's version of Ubisoft. I think the lose-but-sink-defendant-via-legal-costs outcome is very likely.

AGlezBEDIT: "not something we hear often in gaming" except for Nintendo spending the GDP of a small country in lawyers and suing everyone in sight. I think over half the news I get from Nintendo are about them doing something legal to someone else. :wtf:

lexluthermiesterFair point and yeah, kinda sad..

TechLurkerBeing a big Front Mission fan, I have this game on my wishlist. That said, there are a few units in the trailer that look close enough to almost be considered an asset reuse, but are also just seemingly altered enough to claim derivative rather than outright reuse.

It's worth noting that this isn't the only Front Mission-alike; there's Kreigsfront, which is an indie game that's also heavily inspired by Front Mission, to the point of using very similar designs and systems too.

AGlezBThere are only so many ways you can design a mecha and they've all been done before. It's a possitive feedback loop and if look hard enough and you'll find every mecha was inspired by (and closely resembles) something that came before, with some concepts dating as far back as the 19th century.

TechLurkerObviously; but there's still enough variety to be had that wouldn't cause as much drama. Gundams are visually unique enough to be be different from Battletech Mechs, and those are all visually distinct enough to be different from Macross' VFs. Heck, even Armored Core still has a distinct enough styling that doesn't intrude into Battletech or Front Mission despite all three going for that "gritty military" look (and in AC's and FM's case, occasionally shared a mecha designer).

The point is, the game devs could have diversified the designs just a bit more to further weaken any possible litigation attempt. As for combat systems and gameplay mechanics, those shouldn't be patented, but given WB patenting the Nemesis System and Nintendo throwing enough money around to try and stop Palworld through patents filed recently in Japan and the US, I wouldn't be surprised if SE also tries similar.