Indie Game Developer Faces Legal Threat from Ikea

A solo developer is under pressure from Swedish furniture giant Ikea over the setting of an upcoming horror game. The Store Is Closed, developed by Jacob Shaw, is a cooperative survival game currently in development and seeking Kickstarter funding. Players must navigate an 'infinite furniture store', crafting weapons and building fortifications to survive while attempting to escape. Following comparisons to an Ikea store, the retailer has issued a cease and desist letter to Shaw, giving him ten days to alter the game and remove any references to Ikea. The letter, reviewed by Kotaku, outlines Ikea's complaints, including the game's use of a blue and yellow sign, Scandinavian-style store name, and furniture resembling Ikea's products. Shaw has shared an early alpha build, addressing some concerns, such as the store name 'STYR' being a play on words and the furniture being from generic asset packs. Despite this, Ikea's lawyers claim the game constitutes unfair competition and false advertising under US trademark laws. Shaw is seeking legal advice but is preparing to comply with Ikea's demands, which may impact his Kickstarter campaign.