NCSoft claims that ROM: Remember of Majesty, which Kakao games will release, imitates its Lineage franchise, providing a significant challenge for the worldwide launch and highlighting the ongoing battle against ‘Lineage-like’ titles in the dynamic gaming industry.
ROM: Remember of Majesty, a cross-platform MMORPG developed by South Korean firm Red Lab Games, will be released internationally on February 27, 2024.
However, the game’s release is now overshadowed by legal issues, as NCSoft, a significant player in the gaming industry, sues Kakao Games, the publisher of ROM, for alleged copyright infringement.
NCSoft contends that ROM: Remember of Majesty imitates its Lineage W mobile game regarding concept, content, artwork, and user interface.
The gaming giant has taken legal action in Korea and Taiwan, citing copyright infringement and violating Taiwan’s Fair-Trade Act. This move echoes NCSoft’s previous legal maneuvers, having filed a similar suit against Kakao Games in April 2023 regarding the MMORPG ArcheAge War.
Industry Dynamics
The Korean gaming industry refers to such imitative games as “Lineage Like,” drawing parallels with NCSoft’s popular Lineage franchise. This legal clash exemplifies the industry’s ongoing struggle to eradicate titles reminiscent of established gaming franchises.
Despite the legal wrangling, ROM: Remember of Majesty is set to launch globally in ten countries, including Korea and Taiwan, on February 27. Interested players can pre-register on the official website until February 26, securing their nicknames and server preferences.
Kakao Games Responds
In response to the allegations, Kakao Games has yet to receive the legal documents. A company spokesperson said they will review the details upon receipt and provide further information. Importantly, Kakao Games asserts that the game’s release schedule remains unaffected by the legal proceedings.
The trial date for the case has not yet been set, leaving the gaming world in anticipation. In a previous case, the Seoul Central District Court favored NCSoft over Webzen in August 2023 for the mobile game R2M, igniting an ongoing legal struggle with an appeal.
ROM: Remember of Majesty Overview
ROM: Remember of Majesty is a medieval fantasy game catering to an adult audience seeking competitive gaming, large-scale battles, and strategic siege warfare. The game’s recent successful testing from January 23 to 25, 2024, prompted the launch of an additional server due to overwhelming demand.
As the gaming world eagerly anticipates the global release of ROM: Remember of Majesty, the legal clash between NCSoft and Kakao Games adds a layer of uncertainty. The outcome of this dispute will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry.
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