Writer sues Ubisoft over Assassin's Creed story
Novelist wants AC3's release halted and millions in damages.
A US novelist has sued publisher Ubisoft for alleged similarities between his 2003 novel Link and the Assassin's Creed series.
As reported by Patent Arcade, plaintiff John Beiswenger's complaint notes that his book details "the conception and creation of a link device and process whereby ancestral memories can be accessed, recalled, relived, and re-experienced by the user."
He sees Assassin's Creed similar Animus concept as breaching his copyright.
Elsewhere in the complaint he notes that both his book and Ubisoft's game make regular religious references to the Garden of Eden, forbidden fruit and Adam and Eve. Not only that, but Link frequently mentions assassins and a wider battle between good and evil for control of the device.
Beiswenger wants $1.05 million in damages and up to $5.25 million if the judge decides Ubisoft deliberately infringed his copyright. On top of that, he wants to stop the release of Assassin's Creed 3.
We've asked Ubisoft for comment and will update if we hear back.