Midway Games Sued Over 'Psi-Ops'
Screenwriter Claims Plot & Characters Stolen from His 1998 Screenplay
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6167348.html
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According to Gamespot, Midway has been sued over their 2004 title Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy for allegedly taking the plot and characters of a 1998 screenplay penned by William L. Crawford III called 'Psi-Ops.' Crawford hopes to have Midway's books checked to see how much the game has made, and expects to receive about $1.5 million from the title's sale for the use of his work.
The suit was filed last month and explains that, "The premise for the Psi-Ops screenplay is government soldiers with paranormal abilities, or 'Psi-Agents,' that fight terrorists that also have paranormal abilities." The suit continues by detailing the video game's premise, which is described almost verbatim as the screenplay.
Not only is the plot almost exactly the same but even the characters are quite similar according to Crawford who gave some examples as part of the lawsuit. The screenplay and title from Midway showcase a foreign-born pyrokinetic, a mind control specialist with a slender masculine build, black hair, trench coat, and sunglasses and a rogue Psi-Agent who establishes his own underground terrorist organization.
Crawford also details how Midway could have learned about the screenplay, claiming that he was shopping it around from 2000-2003. He even attended the 2001 E3 to showcase his project, as well as receiving coverage for the work in 'Star Wars Insider,' 'Indie Slate,' and 'TV Zone.'
Although Crawford seems to have taken his time setting up the suit the evidence he brings to the table seems pretty strong.
The suit was filed last month and explains that, "The premise for the Psi-Ops screenplay is government soldiers with paranormal abilities, or 'Psi-Agents,' that fight terrorists that also have paranormal abilities." The suit continues by detailing the video game's premise, which is described almost verbatim as the screenplay.
Not only is the plot almost exactly the same but even the characters are quite similar according to Crawford who gave some examples as part of the lawsuit. The screenplay and title from Midway showcase a foreign-born pyrokinetic, a mind control specialist with a slender masculine build, black hair, trench coat, and sunglasses and a rogue Psi-Agent who establishes his own underground terrorist organization.
Crawford also details how Midway could have learned about the screenplay, claiming that he was shopping it around from 2000-2003. He even attended the 2001 E3 to showcase his project, as well as receiving coverage for the work in 'Star Wars Insider,' 'Indie Slate,' and 'TV Zone.'
Although Crawford seems to have taken his time setting up the suit the evidence he brings to the table seems pretty strong.