According to US media outlet Polygon, Square Enix has filed a lawsuit in the United States against HK Ten Tree, publisher of the game "Ash Echoes" (鋼嵐-メタルストーム), alleging the game unauthorizedly used development assets created under a licensing agreement for Square Enix's "Front Mission" series. The lawsuit claims the development team is the same as the original project and seeks damages.
The background to the dispute is that Square Enix had previously licensed Chinese developer BlackJack Studio to create "Front Mission-2089: Borderscape". However, that project was terminated in October 2022, with development canceled and no release. The intellectual property (IP) rights for the project remain with Square Enix.
In October 2024, BlackJack Studio (identified in court documents as HK Ten Tree) released the PC and mobile game "Ash Echoes" (鋼嵐-メタルストーム). However, Square Enix alleges that "Ash Echoes" directly appropriated systems and art designs from the previously unreleased "Front Mission-2089: Borderscape" without any official authorization. Evidence submitted by Square Enix to the court includes multiple comparison images, which reportedly show nearly identical interfaces and visual styles between the two games.
Furthermore, in February 2025, Square Enix requested Steam, Apple, and Google to remove "Ash Echoes" from their platforms. Currently, the game's Steam store page is no longer accessible. In addition to the US lawsuit, Square Enix also initiated legal action in the Tokyo District Court on March 4, 2025, underscoring the company's serious stance on the matter.
"Ash Echoes" had previously sparked considerable discussion among Japanese players, with many questioning its connection to the "Front Mission" series. Whether Square Enix's allegations will be upheld, and the outcome of the lawsuits in both Japan and the US, are keenly watched by players and the industry.
via： polygon