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An author has filed a copyright lawsuit against Bungie, after claiming the studio copied his “original work about a unique and captivating fantasy world” for Destiny 2’s Red War campaign.
According to The Game Post, Matthew Kelsey Martineau, also known under the pen name Caspar Cole, initiated legal action with the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Martineau reportedly published the “original work about a unique and captivating fantasy world” on WordPress in 2013 and 2014. It told the story of a “powerful military force… embroiled in an unending cycle of warfare” known as the Red Legion.
The suit alleges: “Although Destiny 2 offers an immersive and thrilling gaming experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats, the game is based directly on Martineau’s source work.”
In addition to pointing out that Destiny 2’s Red Legion Cabal shares the same name as his creation, the writer argues that the motivations of both armies’ leaders are strikingly similar.
He claims that his character, Yinnerah, and Destiny 2’s villain, Dominus Ghaul, are both “urged, guided, and assisted by outcast mentors (scholars) to overthrow their leaders to rise to power with the intentions of invading Earth.” Both leaders also aim to achieve their goals by seizing control of an orbital installation—Destiny 2’s Traveler in Ghaul’s case, and Martineau’s Tononob Station.
Martineau claims that Bungie’s “need to completely start over” on Destiny 2’s development just 16 months before its release led to the alleged copying of his work. He is seeking damages and injunctive relief. Bungie has yet to respond to the lawsuit.
Plus, his lawsuit also demands that Bungie cease distributing any materials “substantially similar to Destiny 2” and provide a detailed accounting of “all sales of productions or services” that infringe on his rights, among other requests.
Is Bungie in trouble?
In August, ReadWrite reported that Bungie was in serious trouble before PlayStation acquired it in 2022, hence it cut 220 jobs despite the game’s latest expansion success. Bungie chief executive Pete Parsons attributed the job losses to “costs of development and industry shifts as well as enduring economic conditions.”
Destiny 2: The Final Shape launched on June 4 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. It’s the last expansion for Destiny 2.
ReadWrite has reached out to Bungie for comment.
Featured image: Bungie
