Square Enix has taken legal action against HK TEN TREE LIMITED, the distributor of the game 'Steel Thyella - Metal Storm', alleging copyright infringement due to the unauthorized use of assets from its 'Front Mission' series. As reported by Polygon, Square Enix claims that the structures and designs from the now-cancelled 'Front Mission: Borderscape' project were illegally utilized in 'Steel Thyella'. This title, released for iOS and Android in October 2024 and later on PC via Steam in November, raises questions not only about intellectual property rights but also about industry practices regarding asset utilization.
'Steel Thyella' is set in a war-torn world dominated by mechanized vehicles, and players can create their own mecha squads to battle opponents on Mihama Island, a location that has now become a battleground for precious resources. Each character, like protagonist Kai Newman and the formidable warrior Rose Daze, adds depth to the game's narrative, which is heavily rich in strategy and character development.
According to the documents filed by Square Enix in a U.S. court, the root of the dispute stems from the use of designs, characters, and mechanics originally crafted for 'Front Mission: Borderscape', which was intended to be a new entry in the 'Front Mission' franchise under a licensing agreement with Shanghai Zishun Information Technology. However, this agreement was terminated in October 2022, leading to speculation that the assets from the canceled game had been repurposed without authorization into the game now known as 'Steel Thyella'.
The emergence of 'Steel Thyella' as a product, especially after the close of 'Front Mission: Borderscape', has raised eyebrows in the gaming community regarding its rightful ownership. Square Enix claims that these illegally obtained assets not only include mecha designs but also extend to overall gameplay mechanics and even characters that seemed to migrate from the concept of 'Front Mission: Borderscape'. This is evident in the comparison of screenshots presented by Square Enix to illustrate the similarities.
In pursuit of justice, Square Enix is seeking a court order to cease the infringement and is also demanding damages from TEN TREE. The company filed a similar complaint in Tokyo District Court on March 4, 2025, indicating its resolve to protect its intellectual property across multiple jurisdictions.
In addition to its litigation against TEN TREE, Square Enix has issued a DMCA notice to Valve regarding the availability of 'Steel Thyella' on Steam, which has resulted in the game's page being inaccessible as of March 20, 2025. While Steam's version of the game is no longer available, the title continues to be distributed via official launchers and on mobile platforms like the App Store and Google Play.
As discussions around the legality and originality of 'Steel Thyella' continue to unfold, it's crucial to keep an eye on how various courts will rule on this matter. Both the game's launch and the ensuing legal battles reveal the complex nature of intellectual property in the gaming industry. The heart of the debate remains whether 'Steel Thyella' is an innovative product or merely a repackaged version of canceled 'Front Mission: Borderscape' assets. As such, gamers and industry insiders alike are left contemplating the ethical implications of asset reuse and the broader ramifications for the future of game development.
With the continual evolution of technology and ever-changing landscapes of game design, the gaming community is increasingly scrutinizing how companies create and protect their intellectual properties. This ongoing case could set important precedents in how such disputes are handled within the industry, potentially changing the norms of what is acceptable regarding the reuse of assets. The outcome holds significant implications not only for Square Enix and TEN TREE but for the gaming industry at large.
As the situation develops, stakeholders on both sides will undoubtedly monitor the legal proceedings closely, as the resolution may define the landscape of copyright law in gaming for years to come.
