Crytek sues Star Citizen developer Cloud Imperium, alleging copyright infringement

Interstellar

In documents filed with the California Central District Court yesterday, Crytek alleges that CIG infringed its copyrights by using CryEngine to develop non-Star Citizen game assets – specifically, Squadron 42.

“Crytek has not been compensated for Defendants’ unlicensed use of Crytek technology in the Squadron 42 game, and has been substantially harmed by being deprived of that compensation, which would ordinarily include a substantial up-front payment as well as a substantial royalty on game sales,” plaintiffs argue.

Furthermore, Crytek accuses CIG of deleting Crytek logos in marketing materials and splash screens around the same time studio head Chris Roberts began calling the game’s engine Star Engine rather than CryEngine, which itself was allegedly a breach of the original licensing agreement.

Crytek has demanded “all direct damages (estimated to be in excess of $75,000), indirect damages, consequential damages (including lost profits), special damages, costs, fees, and expenses incurred by reason of Defendants’ breach of contract and copyright infringement” as well as a cut of the profit, punitive damages, and a permanent injunction against CIG’s use of CryEngine.

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Replies • 10

DrR0Ck

Interstellar

Well, at least Cloud Imperium has deep pockets. Or should have given how much money they raised for a game that has yet to be released.

Flexarc

Planetary

So the fact that that Squadron 42 was mentioned from day one Crytek did not notice?

Guess Crytek is looking for any loophole to get some quick cash.

I am sure a settlement will be reached.

Yamero Kudasai

Planetary

Too many sueing cases recently!

lester_chaykin

Galactic

$75k? CIG can just sell a few more ships to gullible fanboys and they're good to go.

paprika911

Interstellar

Just pay the fine and be done with it. $75,000 is nothing in my eyes. They earned way more than that from Star Citizen. Settle it out of court because this will not end well. Pretty sure the CryEngine EULA said something about having the "Achieved with CryEngine" intro when you launch the game. If Cloud Imperium removed that then they are in trouble. And they will lose this court case. Look at Unreal Engine games. And count how many of them mention that it's using the Unreal Engine. Pretty much all of them. The same should be for every single CryEngine game as well. You can only remove these engine logos if you signed a contract with them in which they allow you to remove them. If there was nothing like that and you removed it you are guilty again. We will see what happens but I'm sure Crytek will win this case.