Crytek and Star Citizen developer Cloud Imperium Games have finally settled a lawsuit between the two companies, putting an end to a years-long legal battle. The drama between the two companies has been going on for about two years, over a dispute about Star Citizen's use of CryEngine 3.
Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, though the two companies will file a joint motion to have the case dismissed within the next 30 days, giving them the opportunity to "document and execute" their agreement, according to court documents. Similar documents have been something of a treasure trove for Star Citizen fans, previously leaking the supposed release date for Squadron 42, a single-player game set in the Star Citizen universe.
The settlement should take some weight off both companies' shoulders, as being wrapped up in a legal battle makes game development, and ironing out future licensing agreements in Crytek's case, all the more difficult. Star Citizen is a crowdfunded project, so any time or resources spent on development rather than dealing with courtrooms should shake out better for fans of the sci-fi game.
The actual terms of the agreement between the two companies will be interesting to see. There were likely some heated negotiations between the two parties to iron out anything solid, and there will almost certainly be some money changing hands as part of the deal. However, the specifics remain a mystery for the time being.
Cloud Imperium Games has been in a few other legal battles in the past too, with the company winning a case against issuing refunds for Star Citizen. It was a big win for the company, though it did upset some of the player base in the process. There's no telling what legal trouble the company may be wrapped up in next.
Star Citizen has been in development for more than eight years at this point, leading to a split among the internet community over whether or not the game is ever actually going to come out. With more than $250 million raised in crowdfunding, some have accused the game of being incredibly expensive vaporware, while others remain married to the possibility of exploring a fully-realized universe. Either way, it doesn't seem like there will be a full release anytime soon.
Star Citizen is currently in development.
Source: Court Documents