Pubg Developer Krafton Has Filed A Lawsuit Against Garena Free Fire

Intro

In this article, we will discuss a lawsuit filed by a Pubg Developer, Krafton, against Garena Free Fire for allegedly copying multiple features of Pubg. And also against Apple and Google for distributing the games on their respective app stores. Krafton also accused Google of hosting YouTube videos showing the gameplay of Garena’s Free Fire and Free Fire Max. According to reports, Krafton has made several moves against the disputed battle royale games.

On January 10, in a Los Angeles Federal Court, Pubg developer Krafton filed a lawsuit against Garena free fire. Garena Free Fire and Garena Free Fire Max are the two video games for which Krafton is suing these companies. Both games are available to download for free with in-app purchases from the App Store and Play Store.

Things To Know About Garena Free Fire

The Battle Royale video game Free Fire invent and released by Garena. The Garena Free Fire has become one of the most-played battle royale games in just a few years. No one knew about this game three years ago, but now everyone plays it.

According to data from Sensor Tower provided to The Verge, player expenditure on Free Fire reached $1.1 billion in 2021 (approximately Rs. 8,153 crores), a gain of 48% from the previous year. On the other hand, although Krafton made $2.98 billion (or around Rs. 22,087 crores) during the same period, there was only a 7% gain from the previous year. The media outlet also confirmed the Appfigures statistics. It noted that, while having different revenue totals, the data revealed that Free Fire was catching up to PUBG in popularity and income.

The Lawsuit Filed By A Pubg Developer Krafton Against Garena Free Fire

Pubg Developer Krafton lawsuit filed against Garena Free Fire has copied several elements of PUBG. For example, the lawsuit claims that Garena Free Fire’s interface, characters, and gameplay are all similar to PUBG. The lawsuit also alleges that Garena Free Fire has copied elements from other popular games, including Fortnite and Apex Legends. Due to unfair competition and copyright infringement, Krafton sued Garena for damages. Additionally, the firm requests an injunction to stop Garena from continuing to incorporate PUBG-related features into its game.

According to Krafton, it started action against Free Fire and Free Fire Max on December 21, 2018. The first demanded Garena “immediately stop its exploitation of Free Fire and Free Fire Max. Including by revoking its apparent authorization to Apple and Google.” Garena reportedly objected to doing so. Additionally, the developer of PUBG asked Apple and Google to “cease distributing and exploiting” the two games on their systems, even though both app stores still have a listing for the games.

The lawsuit also mentioned that Garena sold a game in 2017 in Singapore that is said to have copied PUBG: Battlegrounds. Krafton mentioned that while the claims were stable, there was no licensing contract between the two gaming developers. Apple and Google have not spoken about Krafton’s lawsuit yet, and a spokesperson from Garena’s parent company, Sea, Jason Golz, has told The Verge that Krafton’s claims are “groundless.”

Garena’s Free Fire Response On Pubg Developer Krafton Filed Lawsuit

Garena Free Fire has responded to the lawsuit by expressing surprise and denying any intentional infringement of PUBG’s intellectual property. The developer asserts that its game has unique elements and dynamics that set it apart from PUBG. Garena Free Fire plans to vigorously argue its case and demonstrate that it has not broken copyright restrictions. Hence, it means Garena has not yet responded to the lawsuit publicly. However, the company has previously denied allegations of copyright infringement in a statement released in 2019.

The Future of the Pubg Developer Krafton Filed Lawsuit Against Garena Free Fire

At the moment, it’s uncertain how the lawsuit will proceed. The action, however, draws attention to the ongoing argument in the gaming sector. Thus, regarding the use of identical components in various games. Lawsuits like this one are estimated to increase in frequency because other creators have charge with stealing gameplay components from other games.

Potential Consequences for Garena Free Fire

Suppose the court rules in favor of Krafton, Garena Free Fire may be required to pay substantial damages to compensate for the alleged infringement. Moreover, the game might be open to modifications or even removing the contentious elements to avoid further violations. Such outcomes could hamper Garena Free Fire’s growth and force the developers to reconsider their design choices, potentially impacting their player base and revenue.

Krafton is also suing Google and Apple.

Krafton is also taking Google and Apple to court for hosting the games on the Play Store and App Store. The company also asked Garena to “immediately stop its exploitation of Free Fire and Free Fire Max” and asked Google to remove YouTube videos featuring Free Fire gameplay. It also includes a feature-length film that depicts similar visuals to PUBG: Battlegrounds. This film reportedly has nothing to do with the game but continues to be found on YouTube.

Krafton’s lawsuit aims to receive damages from the named parties, including “defendants Apple’s and Google’s profits in amounts to confirm at trial.” Krafton’s lawyers have been busy this January. Last week, Krafton and Tencent Games were awarded £ 7.3 million in damages following a lawsuit against a “hacking group” that created and sold cheats for PUBG Mobile. According to both companies, the money received in damages will be re-invested in the battle royale’s anti-cheat systems.

Similarities and Differences Between PUBG and Garena Free Fire

Battle royale games, such as PUBG and Garena Free Fire, pit players against one another in a race to be the last individual or squad standing. Similar aspects of gameplay, like looting weapons and supplies, shrinking play areas, and environmental dangers, are present in both games, including Battlegrounds’ copyrighted unique game opening “airdrop” feature, the gameplay and structure, locations, the combination and variety of weapons, and the overall color schemes, materials, and textures.

However, there are also notable differences between the two games. PUBG is a more realistic and tactical game requiring players to make strategic decisions based on available resources and terrain. Garena Free Fire, on the other hand, is a more fast-paced and arcade-style game that emphasizes action and agility.

Impact of The Lawsuit on The Gaming Industry

The lawsuit between Krafton and Garena could have significant implications for the gaming industry. Particularly regarding copyright and intellectual property law. For example, if Krafton proves that Garena Free Fire copied elements from PUBG, it could set a precedent for other video game developers to pursue legal action against competitors using similar gameplay mechanics or visual elements.

Conversely, if Garena can successfully refute the charges, it might establish a standard for more liberal interpretations of copyright law in the gaming sector. In either case, the legal dispute will probably affect how video game makers handle intellectual property issues.

Conclusion

Hence, this article gives detailed information about Pubg Developer Krafton Has Filed a Lawsuit Against Garena Free Fire. The legal conflict between Krafton and Garena Free Fire has brought attention to the problem of intellectual property infringement in the gaming sector. The case outcome could have significant repercussions as it develops, not just for the two corporations involved but for the industry as a whole. The legal dispute underscores how important originality and the observance of intellectual property rights are. Only time will tell how the legal case will continue and how it may affect games’ development.