Square Enix Sues Developer Over Alleged Asset Theft in New Mech Game
Gaming giant Square Enix, the maker of the Final Fantasy series, is suing BlackJack Studio, the developer they collaborated with on a new Front Mission game, for alleged copyright infringement. Square Enix claims BlackJack Studio used assets from the cancelled *Front Mission 2089: Borderscape* project without permission in their own game, *Mecharashi*.
Square Enix Accuses Developer of Stealing Assets
*Front Mission 2089: Borderscape* was a collaborative project between Square Enix and BlackJack Studio. However, the project was canceled in 2024 after two years of development, and Square Enix severed ties with BlackJack Studio without providing a reason. Soon after, BlackJack Studio announced *Mecharashi*, a game they described as “Front Mission-style”.
In the lawsuit, Square Enix highlights visual and mechanical similarities between *Mecharashi* and *Front Mission 2089: Borderscape*. The company alleges copyright infringement and is seeking $150,000 in damages and the removal of the game from all sales platforms.
The legal battle is ongoing, and *Mecharashi* has been temporarily removed from and then re-released on Steam. This situation shows the complexity of the dispute between Square Enix and BlackJack Studio. On its Steam page, *Mecharashi* explicitly states it offers a “Front Mission-style tactical combat system,” which further supports Square Enix’s claims.
This lawsuit serves as a significant example of how disputes between a major publisher like Square Enix and an independent studio can be resolved. The outcome of the lawsuit could directly affect the future of the Front Mission franchise and the reputation of BlackJack Studio. A court ruling will determine the validity of Square Enix’s claims.