GSC Game World Targets Misery with DMCA
Developer GSC Game World, known for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, has issued a DMCA notice against the co-op survival horror shooter Misery, alleging copyright infringement.
Valve Steps In
Following GSC’s claim, Valve announced it was compelled to remove the game from its platform to avoid potential copyright issues. The Misery development team, led by solo developer Maewing, expressed that they were “under attack!” and emphasized that Misery is set in the fictional Republic of Zaslavie, distinct from GSC’s Stalker 2.
Defense from the Misery Team
The Misery team argued that their game does not incorporate any characters, narratives, or assets from GSC’s titles, claiming all elements are either original or legally licensed. They criticized the DMCA action as an abuse of power by a large corporation against smaller developers. “We pose no threat to GSC or their intellectual property,” they wrote, stressing their creative inspirations.
Steam Removal Consequence
As a result of the DMCA claim, Misery has been taken down from the Steam storefront. The development team remains optimistic, stating, “We are confident this misunderstanding will be resolved, and Misery will return to Steam soon.” They acknowledged the situation as distressing both financially and emotionally but promised ongoing updates and support for their game.
Comparisons and Controversy
Valve provided screenshots illustrating similarities between Misery and Stalker 2, showcasing comparable environments and scenarios. The team requested that players refrain from engaging in negative commentary directed at GSC, particularly concerning nationality issues.
Internal Discord Remarks
Despite their public stance, a developer made inappropriate comments within their private Discord channel, leading to an apology acknowledging past errors. They emphasized they do not endorse extremism in any form and are focused on addressing the DMCA claim professionally, confident in their legal standing.
Ongoing Investigations and Context
Some Reddit users have reported potential evidence suggesting that assets from Stalker 2 may have been used in Misery, which could explain GSC’s aggressive approach. It’s also noted that the developer’s connections to pro-Russia sentiments amid the ongoing conflict may have impacted GSC’s decision. Meanwhile, GSC Game World plans significant updates for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl into 2025, including enhancements to the A-Life system and Unreal Engine 5.
