British metal band, Iron Maiden, is suing 3D Realms over their newest early-access game Ion Maiden, a futuristic first-person shooter that uses the classic Build engine that was used in Duke Nukem 3D and Shadow Warrior.
That’s right, Iron Maiden’s holding company is slapping 3D realms with a $2 million lawsuit over this over-the top, classic 90s-styled shooter. They filed the lawsuit in the Central District of California court on Tuesday claiming that the game’s logo is virtually identical to the band’s Iron Maiden logo.
Also according to the court filing, 3D Realms allegedly based Ion Maiden’s protagonist Shelly Harrison off of Iron Maiden Founder and songwriter Steve Harris. The skull bomb emoji is also allegedly ripping off the band’s mascot Eddie who appears on many of Iron Maiden’s albums.
While these allegations are fair and Iron Maiden has a right to defend their rights, I doubt that’s the reason the game is designed this way. Nontheless Iron Maiden’s holding company seeks $2 million in damages while prohibiting the use of the current Ion Maiden Logo and trademark while seeking to obtain the rights to the Ion Maiden website.
3D Realms is concerned about the issue by announcing on Twitter, “We at 3D Realms, our co-publishers 1C Entertainment, and developer Voidpoint will review our options once we receive official notice of the lawsuit and make any necessary decisions at the appropriate time.”
Despite the lawsuit, production to Ion Maiden will continue as the developers are working on the game to deliver the best possible experience later this year.
Well hopefully 3D Realms will take care of this lawsuit soon in order to both keep their name, characters, and logos for their futuristic first-person-shooter that includes a gun called “Loverboy” which is Shelly Harrison’s 18-round triple-barreled revolver.
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Includes several titles.
Which was showcased at E3 2003.