Monster Energy Goes After Indie Game Developer for Using the Word 'Monster' in Title
Monster Energy, the popular energy drink brand, has once again targeted a video game developer for using the word "Monster" in the title of its game. This time, Monster's legal team has targeted indie developer Glowstick Entertainment, sending the studio far-reaching settlement terms for its game, Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals.
monster
According to Vincent Livings, founder and CEO of Glowstick, the terms state that in exchange for being allowed to use the current name, the studio must refrain from naming any other game with a variation of the word "Monster." This means that if Glowstick were to develop a sequel to Dark Deception: Monsters & Mortals, it could never have the term 'Monster' in the title.
trademark everything
However, that's not all. Monster's settlement terms also require Glowstick to never use a green and white logo on a black background in any future game, claiming ownership of the colors green and white (Grass and paper is fucked from now on). Furthermore, any logo with a monster-style font will be considered confusingly similar to Monster Energy's logo, and the company may require Glowstick to change Dark Deception's logo as well.
fight
Instead of caving in to Monster Energy's demands, Livings has decided to fight the case. He shared the settlement terms in a series of Tweets and promised to share everything he receives from Monster's lawyers so that other developers who are harassed by the company are aware of their tactics.
not my first rodeo
This isn't the first time Monster Energy has taken legal action against a video game developer for using the word "Monster" in its title. The beverage company clashed with Ubisoft in 2020 over the name Gods and Monsters, which was the original name for Immortals Fenix Rising. Monster claimed that the trademark was too similar and would cause confusion among users, prompting Ubisoft to change the game's title.
contradict
While Monster Energy markets itself as a drink for gamers and sponsors various gaming events, the company's actions toward game developers appear to contradict this image. Monster appears to be more interested in protecting its brand and trademarks than in supporting the gaming industry, even if it means stifling creativity and innovation.
easy prey
The fact that Monster Energy is targeting indie developers like Glowstick Entertainment, who may lack the resources to fight such legal threats, is especially concerning. It calls into question the fairness of trademark law and its impact on small businesses and creative industries.
concerning
It remains to be seen how Glowstick Entertainment and Monster Energy's legal battle will play out. But one thing is certain: Monster's actions toward video game developers are concerning and should be viewed with suspicion. While the energy drink company markets itself as a drink for gamers, its actions toward the gaming industry indicate otherwise.