Stellar Blade Developer Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Copyright Infringement

Shift Up, the South Korean developer renowned for its successful title Stellar Blade, is now entangled in a copyright dispute. The action-packed sci-fi game made a significant impact upon its release on PlayStation earlier this year, garnering widespread acclaim despite facing a few controversies. However, Shift Up is now confronted with unexpected legal issues.

In Stellar Blade, players take on the role of Eve, who embarks on a mission to reclaim a ravaged Earth from alien invaders. This has become Shift Up's most successful game, with over one million copies sold within just two months of its launch. The studio is also known for other original titles, including Goddess of Victory: Nikke, which shares a similar futuristic action theme.

The legal trouble arises from a lawsuit filed by a small Louisiana-based film company named Stellarblade LCC. Although it’s an indie studio, Stellarblade LCC has been in operation since 2006 and has produced various amateur films. The company’s founder, Griffiths Chamber Mehaffey, has claimed through his attorney in a statement to IGN that his long-standing business has been "pushed into digital obscurity," jeopardizing his livelihood.

Potential Name Change for Stellar Blade?

This situation is not unique, as smaller companies have often found themselves overshadowed by larger firms in similar circumstances, and it likely won’t be the last instance. Several Asian game developers have recently encountered issues when their titles are translated into English, making this case particularly significant. It's worth noting that Stellar Blade was originally named Project EVE until its rebranding in September 2022 during a PlayStation State of Play event.

Mehaffey asserts that both Shift Up and Sony were likely aware of his existing rights to the name, which could become a pivotal point if the case proceeds to court. He is also demanding that all materials featuring the "Stellar Blade" name be surrendered for destruction. While it seems improbable that this demand will be fully met—especially since Mehaffey only claims the web domain as his licensed intellectual property—there remains a possibility that both Sony and Shift Up could be required to pay compensation if the lawsuit succeeds.

As this legal battle unfolds, it will be intriguing to see its implications for the future of the Stellar Blade franchise. With plans for several DLC releases and hints of a potential PC port, Shift Up appears committed to expanding both the game and its brand.