Bungie has been hit with a copyright complaint after supposedly lifting plot elements for Destiny 2's Red War Campaign from an online story.
The former Halo developer is facing a new lawsuit after a Louisiana man claimed that the studio stole plot elements from his own story. The suit accuses Bungie of copyright infringement related to Destiny 2's 2017 storyline, The Red War.
Bungie Faces Copyright Complaint
The plaintiff is Kelsey Martineau who created work under the pen name Caspar Cole in 2013 and 2014. He alleges that the video game company lifted elements from a story that he published on WordPress.com.
The suit was filed on Oct. 2, 2024, and claims that the defendants have deliberately and intentionally copied the characters, storyline, and other protectable expressions from Martineau's works.
The latter never authorized or gave his consent to Bungie to use his copyrighted works in the matter complained in the lawsuit, according to IGN.
The author is also aiming to halt the distribution of all content related to the storylines in question and is demanding a jury trial. His claims include a laundry list of examples from both Martineau's work and Destiny 2.
The plaintiff claims that these are proof of Bungie's wrongdoing in the situation. Each story features mentions of groups known as the Red Legion. The lawsuit also points to character similarities between Destiny 2's Dominus Ghaul and Martineau's Overlord Yinnerah.
The lawsuit claims that both characters are shown as "societal outcasts who rise to prominence as leaders."
They both aim to take control of a powerful celestial entity that is hovering above the planet Earth. These are Martineau's Tononob Station and Destiny 2's Traveler, The Game Post said.
Taking Plot Elements From Online Story
The plaintiff claims that the similarities between the two characters are striking and clearly establish more than a mere coincidence. It adds that the rise of Dominus Ghaul replicates the rise of Yinnerah. Both characters are urged, guided, and assisted by outcast mentors.
The author claims that Destiny 2's Red Legion operates under a hierarchy that is quite similar to his version. Both factions have soldiers known as "Legionnaires."
Another point that was made is the portrayal of War Beasts in Bungie's game. Martineau argues that they are nearly identical to his creation known as "Miogas."
The lawsuit also detailed similar technology that both parties used, including powerful weapons. Martineau's story had a weapon known as the "Atonizer." This was a laser-based superweapon that could deal devastating damage.
Destiny 2 had a similar weapon known as "The Almighty" that threatened the destruction of Earth's Sun. As part of his lawsuit, Martineau is seeking damages for copyright and willful infringement, according to Games Industry.
