Netflix is sued for canceling the Rebel Moon TTRPG and breaching the contract with Evil Genius Games. Learn more about what happened, accusations over both parties, and what may happen to the franchise.
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Netflix and Rebel Moon TTRPG Developer Clash Over Intellectual Property
Is the Rebel Moon TTRPG Over?
A legal dispute has arisen between video game maker Evil Genius Games and streaming juggernaut Netflix in a story reminiscent of the great wars in the Rebel Moon universe. The point of conflict? The development, ownership, and intricate narrative of a Rebel Moon Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG).
The Genesis of Rebel Moon
Zack Snyder dreamed up the idea for a Star Wars prequel film set in the Rebel Moon universe. After being rejected by Lucasfilm and Disney, he found a partner in Netflix, who greenlit a Rebel Moon trilogy and supported his aspirations to develop the universe into a franchise with sequels, TV programs, graphic novels, and a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG).
Netflix commissioned Evil Genius Games to create the Rebel Moon TTRPG, providing them with a skeleton screenplay and limited resources. Despite the difficulties, Evil Genius Games made a thorough World Bible, a secretive guide to direct the TTRPG's development.
Snyder was intrigued with the World Bible, even hinting at its inclusion into his larger creative vision, the Snyderverse,
promising a ridiculous scale
RPG experience. To coincide with the film's debut, Netflix set a challenging deadline for the Rebel Moon TTRPG.
Evil Genius Games delivered a nearly finished Player's Guide and Game Master's Guide by May 2023, exceeding expectations. All contractual requirements were fulfilled, and the project finished earlier than expected.
The Dispute: Broken Agreements and Accusations
A significant twist came afterward. Evil Genius Games was charged with violating the contract by Netflix for allegedly disclosing private information and unlicensed artwork. This accusation served as the impetus for Netflix to unilaterally terminate the agreement and assert its ownership of the intellectual property of Evil Genius Games.
Netflix's allegations are vigorously refuted by Evil Genius Games, who maintain that they obtained the streaming giant's approval to display the artwork. According to their argument, the Rebel Moon trademarks and logos were already in the public domain. According to their Evil Genius Games' website, Netflix claimed that sharing an artwork at the GAMA Expo constituted a breach of contract; nevertheless, all of the artworks were submitted to Netflix for approval and received that consent, and the presentation was made jointly by personnel from Evil Genius Games and Netflix.
The Legal Battle: What's at Stake?
Evil Genius Games has filed a lawsuit against Netflix, seeking either the original agreement's enforcement or recovery of their intellectual property and damages for the disruption caused.
Evil Genius Games requested Netflix to allow them to release the game so that millions of TTRPG fans may enjoy it, as well as be recognized and compensated for their efforts. They invite fans to sign a petition supporting the game's release and share it on social media for Netflix to take action. As of this writing, Netflix has not responded to the lawsuit.
Sources:
Legal Document of Evil Genius Games vs Netflix Lawsuit
Evil Genius Games’ Website page about the lawsuit
Zack Snydee Mentions of the TTRPG at the Nerd Queens Podcast
