Gaming studio Bungie has resolved copyright litigation brought by author Matthew Kelsey Martineau, who claimed the developer appropriated elements from his online writings for the Red War storyline in Destiny 2. The plaintiff alleged similarities between his work published on WordPress between 2013 and 2014 and content featuring the Red Legion faction.
Judge Susie Morgan rejected the studio's dismissal motion after Bungie proved unable to supply direct campaign examples because the contested material had been removed from the game and rendered incompatible with current systems. The court rejected alternative evidence, including gameplay videos from YouTube and wiki documentation, because the complaint did not specifically reference those sources.
Following unsuccessful dismissal attempts and extended discovery proceedings, both parties reached an undisclosed settlement. Court filings confirm the matter concluded through successful negotiations, with a 60-day window allowing either side to reopen proceedings if settlement terms are not fulfilled.
Judge Susie Morgan rejected the studio's dismissal motion after Bungie proved unable to supply direct campaign examples because the contested material had been removed from the game and rendered incompatible with current systems. The court rejected alternative evidence, including gameplay videos from YouTube and wiki documentation, because the complaint did not specifically reference those sources.
Following unsuccessful dismissal attempts and extended discovery proceedings, both parties reached an undisclosed settlement. Court filings confirm the matter concluded through successful negotiations, with a 60-day window allowing either side to reopen proceedings if settlement terms are not fulfilled.
