For those who might remember Leisure Suit Larry, you guys might recall that it wasn’t too long ago that the game was announced for a revival after successfully funding it via Kickstarter. Now it looks like Leisure Suit Larry’s creator, Al Lowe and his company Replay Games are looking to shut down a Kickstarter project by Wisecrack Games, who is currently seeking $500,000 in funding for a game dubbed “Sam Suede in Undercover Exposure”. Given its name and its somewhat suggestive title, we have to admit that it does sound vaguely similar to Leisure Suit Larry, which is apparently why Replay Games is looking to shut the project down. and file a lawsuit against the developer.Now before you think that Sam Suede is a blatant copycat, it should be noted that its creator, Ken Wegrzyn had worked on the game with Al Lowe about seven years ago and was originally a pitch he made to Lowe and was reportedly based on an original design, but apparently mentioning that did not sit well with Replay Games. According to Paul Trowe, “I think the blatant misuse of the Leisure Suit Larry name and copyrighted material shows clear disregard for copyright law […] To piggyback on someone else’s success is not only rude but also illegal. Those who continue with this will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. We are suing today.”
Wisecrack Games issued a statement of their own saying:
“Wisecrack Games has not infringed or otherwise violated any rights of Replay Games. Wisecrack’s references to Al Lowe’s accomplishments, including his work on the Leisure Suit Larry series, are truthful, come directly from Mr. Lowe’s website with his permission pursuant to a written agreement, and constitute de minimis and fair uses under applicable law.
Based on records of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S. Copyright Office, Replay Games owns neither the trademark nor copyright to Leisure Suit Larry, so any claim on Replay’s behalf is entirely baseless. As Kickstarter fans are aware, Al is currently working on Leisure Suit Larry. The references to Al Lowe’s extensive work with Ken Wegrzyn on the design of Sam Suede in Undercover Exposure is truthfully stated and a historical fact. The original design and prototyping have been completed by Al and Ken, as well as a written agreement with Al Lowe for the Sam Suede in Undercover Exposure Kickstarter with Wisecrack Games. Upon completion of a successful Kickstarter campaign, Wisecrack Games moves into full production to complete the game.”
We’re not sure how this one is going to play out, but check back with us in the future for more updates.
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