The Day Before copyright dispute leads to removal of gameplay footage
In a surprising turn, material from the official channel of the Russian MMO shooter The Day Before has been pulled from Google’s platform. The action followed a separate claim on social media where the game’s developers outlined the situation themselves. The timing suggests a coordinated effort to address ongoing concerns about branding and rights management surrounding the project.
The core issue centers on copyright and the use of the game’s name. Earlier, a page dedicated to The Day Before on Steam disappeared for similar reasons. In a post, the Fntastic studio explained that a creator of a calendar application, who has no involvement with video games, asserts ownership of the name The Day Before. According to the studio, this individual had previously sought trademark protection for the game’s name after its public reveal, and has since invited Fntastic to initiate a dialogue, though the exact purpose of that outreach remains unclear. Fntastic emphasized its intention to defend its stance in court or through other formal channels if necessary.
Alongside the notice about the video removal, the developers indicated that a new video would soon be published. This forthcoming piece is expected to demonstrate how the project has evolved since 2019, offering viewers a glimpse of the changes and updates that have shaped the game’s current state.
The Day Before is slated for release on November 10 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Observers are watching closely to see how the developer and publishing teams resolve the naming dispute while keeping their published schedule intact. The situation underscores the growing importance of clear branding and trademark strategy in the cross-platform launch cycle for modern multiplayer titles.
Source: VG Times