Design Director denies Shadow of Mordor coding accusations
ShareAll sharing options for:Design Director denies Shadow of Mordor coding accusations
- Twitter (opens in new window)
- Facebook (opens in new window)
- Linkedin (opens in new window)
- Reddit (opens in new window)
- Pocket (opens in new window)
- Flipboard (opens in new window)
- Email (opens in new window)
The Design Director for Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor has denied they copied or stole coding from Assassin’s Creed – something they were accused of earlier this year.
Back in January, Warner Bros. released a gameplay trailer, as shown above, showcasing Monolith Productions’ upcoming Middle-earth set fantasy title.
Upon viewing the trailer, former Assassin’s Creed II Combat Designer Charles Randall called into question the similarities between the gameplay of that title and Shadow of Mordor.
He wrote: “Seriously, can someone tell me how Assassin’s Creed II code and assets are in this Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor game?”
He followed up, writing: “This is my code in that game! I better at least see myself in the special thanks. WTF?” and “I spent two years staring at AC2. I know it when I see it.”
He later insisted that he wasn’t insinuating that the coding was directly stolen but questioned whether Ubisoft and Warner Bros. had struck a deal to possibly use coding from Assassin’s Creed.
Monolith Productions nor Warner Bros. never responded to the accusations.
Now, Design Director for the game, Michael de Plater, has spoken to Gamespot about the issues and denied that any coding or gameplay was copied or stolen.
“Honestly, we built everything from the ground up,” he said. “I think we were just a bit surprised because in any other genre it’s such a given. Nobody would bat an eyelid with a shooter, or a sports game, that two games in the same genre have some elements in common.”
Plater did however say that they took inspiration from the Batman: Arkham games developed by Rocksteady Studios but that Shadow of Mordor would be “its own thing”.
Set in Middle-earth, you’ll play as Talion, a valiant ranger who, moments before his own death, witnesses his family slain the night Sauron and his army return to Mordor. Resurrected by a spirit of vengeance, and powered with Wraith abilities, Talion ventures into Mordor to exact his revenge, whilst learning about the spirit that compels him and the rings of power.
Developed by Monolith, in collaboration with Middle-earth Enterprises, Peter Jackson and artists from Weta Workshop, who worked on the Academy Award winning film adaptation of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will also be lending a helping hand with settings, characters and story.
It hits stores on October 7th for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC.
Discussion feed