3D Realms sued over alleged theft of Earth No More concept

Now let’s return to another constant flashpoint of controversy, game developer 3D Realms. Next Generation reports that the oft-maligned developer is now being sued by Darin Scott and Edward Polgardy of Cinegraphix Entertainment over the copyright to an action game titled Earth No More.

In 2005, Scott and Polgardy allegedly courted developers with their concept for Earth No More, including 3D Realms, who passed on the title. However, 3D Realms announced Earth No More last year (2007), slating it for a release sometime in 2009. According to Tre Lovell, an attorney for the plaintiffs, the game’s premise – where a small New England town is under siege by a spore which can turn animals and plants into deadly versions of their former selves – is allegedly similar to the Scott/Polgardy concept. The concept art was also described as “virtually identical in substance.”

In addition to 3D Realms, its development partners, Action Entertainment and the Helsinki-based Recoil Games, are also targets of the suit. Cinegraphix is seeking $150,000 in damages as well as a cut of the game’s profits.

Read [Next Generation] Also Read [Kotaku]