Netflix has been hit with a lawsuit for axing a game development contract based on Zack Snyder‘s widely anticipated Rebel Moon franchise
In a filing today in federal court, Evil Genius Games claims it was working hand-in-hand with the streamer to put together a tabletop role-playing game that was intended to be released in conjunction with the first Rebel Moon film, set for a Christmas release.
Then, after months of nothing but positive collaboration, it all came crashing down.
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“Nevertheless, just weeks after the work was finalized and turned over to Netflix, Netflix did a complete about face, and accused Plaintiff of breaching the Agreement’s confidentiality provisions—’and Netflix’s trust’—by allegedly releasing confidential Rebel Moon content at a trade show and then disclosing unapproved artwork for the Rebel Moon game to retailers,” the filing says of the suddenly terminated a licensing deal in May this year (read the Evil Genius lawsuit against Netflix here).
Evil Genius insists they had permission from the streamer in March to show some artwork at this year’s Game Manufacturers Association Exposition to “create some industry buzz” about the project. The plaintiffs emphasis that two Netflix staffers even helped distribute the materials to retailers at the show.
The breach of contract from LA’s Kibler, Fowler & Cave LLC seeks unspecified damages. While mentioned in the document, Zack Snyder is not named as a defendant in the complaint.
Netflix has not responded to request for comment on the suit. If and when the streamer does we will update this post.
Before everything went south on this arrangement, Evil Genius claims it did its job and delivered a 228-page World Bible that expanded on Snyder’s vision for the Rebel Moon universe. The company also asserts they handed over a 430-page Player’s Guide, and a 337-page Game Master’s Guide.
That all occurred even though the initial script for Snyder’s film was “missing background information vital to the story as a whole and to the world,” the lawsuit states. To fill that void, Evil Genius says it suppled “all the missing pieces,” along with “a cohesive backstory for the entire Rebel Moon franchise.”
“It became clear’’ the lawsuit alleges, “that Netflix was simply using the alleged breach and termination to hijack [Evil Genius’] intellectual property and prevent [Evil Genius] from releasing the game.’’
David Scott, Evil Genius’ CEO said in as statement today the decision to file a lawsuit was not made lightly.
“Our aim is to ensure our team is recognized for their fantastic work, and that we can release this game for millions of TTRPG enthusiasts to enjoy,’’ Scott said. “It’s disheartening to see Netflix backpedal on content that was jointly showcased and had received their prior consent. We urge our supporters to contact Netflix and Zack Snyder to push for the release of this game.’’
Evil Genius Games is best known for its Everyday Heroes gaming platform. The company has licenses on such films as The Crow, Escape from New York, Highlander, Kong: Skull Island, Total Recall, Rambo, Pacific Rim, and Universal Soldier.
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