- Square Enix alleges that TenTree Games continued to use Front Mission’s IP and other assets without proper authorization.
- Square Enix seeks a jury trial, damages, Ten Tree’s profits, $150,000 per violation, legal reimbursements, and injunctive relief to stop further infringement.
- They also provided infringement images and suspects TenTree Games’ team includes former Front Mission 2089: Borderscape developers.
Square Enix has filed a lawsuit against the creator of high-end strategy RPG, Mecharashi, HK TEN TREE LIMITED (TenTree Games), alleging copyright infringement related to their beloved Front Mission franchise.
TenTree Games recently launched Metal Storm (Mecharashi) in Japan in October 2024 and opened global pre-registration on February 22, 2025, and the game is expected to launch worldwide on June 20, 2025, on mobile and PC.
Square Enix claims TenTree Games has infringed on the Front Mission IP for Mecharashi
The mobile gaming industry continues to face controversies, and in a recent development, Square Enix has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against HK TEN TREE LIMITED, creator of Mecharashi. The game was originally developed under Square Enix’s supervision as part of Front Mission 2089: Borderscape.
However, Square Enix later terminated its contract agreement with Zlong Games, and its subsidiary BlackJack Studio, canceling the project just six months after its announcement.
Despite the termination, Square Enix claims that TenTree Games continued using Front Mission’s IP and other assets without authorization. According to them, TenTree Games repurposed Mecharashi, retaining key elements, designs, and more inspired by the Front Mission game.
Square Enix initially issued a formal demand later, but TenTree Games didn’t fully comply
In December 2024, Square Enix issued a formal letter to TenTree Games, requesting the removal of infringing content and written assurances to prevent future violations. Although TenTree Games initially agreed, they didn’t fully remove all infringing content and provide written assurances.
In response, Square Enix escalated the matter, in February 2025 by sending DMCA takedown notices to Valve, Apple, and Google, to remove Metal Storm (Mecharishi), but TenTree Games contested the takedown.
Square Enix is seeking damages, along with various reimbursements, and additional remedies
With no option left, Square Enix filed a legal complaint on March 4, in the Tokyo District Court, followed by another one in the United States on March 13, 2025, citing copyright infringement. They are now demanding a jury trial and are seeking damages, including Ten Tree’s profits, which remain disclosed.
They are also requesting up to $150,000 for each copyright violation, reimbursement of attorneys’ fees, full legal costs, and various injunctive reliefs to prevent further infringement by TenTree Games.
As the legal battle unfolds, we can expect the outcome to have future implications, considering both companies aren’t backing off. Personally, I stand with Square Enix on this one, considering the long legacy of the Front Mission franchise.
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