Square Enix Accuses Front Mission Developer of Theft

Game giant Square Enix, the producer of the Final Fantasy series, has filed a lawsuit against BlackJack Studio, with whom it collaborated for the new game in the Front Mission series. The company accuses BlackJack Studio of using assets from the canceled Front Mission 2089: Borderscape project without permission in its own game Mecharashi. Square Enix took action after BlackJack Studio announced a similar game after leaving the project.

Square Enix Accuses of Theft

Front Mission 2089: Borderscape was a project in development by Square Enix and BlackJack Studio. However, in 2024, after two years of development, the project was canceled and Square Enix parted ways with BlackJack Studio without explaining any reason. Shortly afterwards, BlackJack Studio announced a “Front Mission-style” game called Mecharashi.

Square Enix’s lawsuit points out visual and mechanical similarities between Mecharashi and Front Mission 2089: Borderscape. The company claims that this is copyright infringement and is requesting $150,000 in damages and wants the game removed from sales platforms.

While the lawsuit is ongoing, Mecharashi has been removed from Steam and re-released from time to time. This shows how complex the dispute between Square Enix and BlackJack Studio is. Mecharashi clearly states on its Steam page that it offers a “Front Mission-style tactical combat system,” and this statement supports Square Enix’s claims.

This case is an important example of how relationships can be resolved between a major publisher like Square Enix and an independent studio. The outcome of the case could directly affect both the future of the Front Mission brand and BlackJack Studio’s reputation. Square Enix’s claim will be clarified with the court’s decision.

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