Bungie Battles New Allegations: Writer Claims Destiny 2’s Red War Lawsuit Includes Stolen Ideas from Curse of Osiris Expansion

Bungie, the studio behind Destiny 2, is facing a renewed lawsuit from writer Kelsey Martineau, alleging that the company not only copied ideas for the game’s Red War campaign but also took content from the Curse of Osiris expansion. Martineau claims that his unpublished science fiction stories, written under the pen name "Caspar Cole," share notable similarities with Bungie’s work. The lawsuit first surfaced in October 2024, and Bungie has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that there are no genuine parallels between his stories and the game’s content.

Recently, Martineau filed an amended complaint which expands his allegations. Now, he specifically names Curse of Osiris as another target of his claims, pointing to characters and story elements that he believes were lifted from his work. He highlights "striking similarities" in not only themes but also character arcs, plotlines, and dialogue.

For instance, in his original complaint, Martineau mentions his creation of a militant alien group known as the Red Legion, led by Yinnerah, a warlord aiming for power. This mirrors Destiny 2’s Red Legion and its leader, Dominus Ghaul. Both narratives involve these leaders vying for control of a major celestial object.

Moreover, Martineau claims that elements from Curse of Osiris echo his character Exemplar Forinis, who manipulates timelines. He draws parallels to Osiris, who in the game, has prophetic abilities related to time. This expanded lawsuit underlines how often content can be inspired or borrowed, particularly in the gaming industry.

Martineau’s comparisons delve into specific dialogue echoes as well. For example, he cites similar lines from his work and the game, suggesting that Bungie utilized not just similar themes but exact phrases, which he argues points to intentional appropriation rather than coincidence.

The legal implications go beyond just Martineau’s case. This situation raises questions about originality in video games. Many creators struggle with the fine line between inspiration and imitation, leading to ongoing debates within the industry.

As the case develops, it’s evident that it touches on broader discussions about copyright in entertainment. According to a recent study by the Authors Guild, over 75% of authors reported concerns about their work being misappropriated, reflecting a growing sensitivity towards intellectual property rights in creative fields.

This isn’t the first time Bungie has encountered legal challenges. The company is also dealing with a lawsuit from former director Chris Barrett over alleged wrongful termination. With ongoing legal pressures, Bungie’s future projects may be influenced by these disputes.

You can read the full amended complaint here.

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