Furniture store horror game must not appear like this

Ikea is defending itself against the game The Store Is Closed. According to the company’s lawyers, the game must not be released in its current form because trademark rights would be violated. In fact, the game unmistakably takes place in a furniture store that can actually only be Ikea.

Ikea: The Store Is Closed needs to be changed

The survival horror game The Store Is Closed isn’t even on the market yet, when Ikea really boosts its popularity. The indie game currently on Kickstarter The company’s lawyers don’t like it at all. Now solo developer Jacob Shaw has been asked to make changes to the game. Ikea gives the developer just ten days to “remove all references to the famous Ikea furniture stores”.

In fact, The Store Is Closed takes place in a furniture store that is certainly reminiscent of Ikea. According to the lawyers, while they are flattered that “others are inspired by the Ikea brand,” they are the parallels go a bit too far for them.

Among other things, they list “a blue and yellow sign with a Scandinavian name”. The clothing of the characters appearing in the game is similar to that of the Ikea staff. There are more to come “Furniture that looks like Ikea furniture”.

According to Ikea, the elements mentioned “immediately suggest” that it is not just any furniture store, but an Ikea branch – even if it is called “Styr” in the game. The developer counters this and explains that the furniture in the game was created with pre-made assets. So far, he has left open whether he will make the required changes. However, he would look for legal assistance (source: kotaku).

IKEA or not? Make up your own mind:

Ikea helps Kickstarter game succeed

Ikea’s attention helped The Store Is Closed even before its release. The Kickstarter campaign was originally intended to raise just over $11,500. The developer can now look forward to more than 65,000 US dollars.