Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved

1001 Video Games

The Xbox 360 version of Geometry Wars appears in the book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die by General Editor Tony Mott.

Controversy

Soon after the game's Xbox 360 release, PC clones started appearing on the web. Developer Bizarre Creations targeted one game in particular: Grid Wars. They wrote a letter to the developer, requesting the removal of the download citing IP infringement. At the same time, they put out a statement that called for better intellectual property protection and more originality from developers.

In response, one of the developers of the clone, Mark Incitti, said he offered to change Grid Wars' name and look and even include in-game disclaimers and links to the original developer's webpage. He heard no answer until he received an e-mail demanding to remove the game:

Incitti said:

"I appreciate their position," [...] "I understand that they need to protect their ideas (or their particular amalgam of pre-existing ideas) - is anything new really?" [...] "I don't know if legally they have the right to shut it down - but I took it down out of respect for their developers and the cool work they do. I don't really think it is affecting their sales on Xbox 360 - but if they do want to move into the PC market then it's better if the confusion is cleared up," [...] "I hope that they are approaching the rest of the 'clone' makers with a [cease and desist] stance," [...] "My game may have been popular, but there were several others that had gameplay that was closer to Geometry Wars than Grid Wars is."

Awards

• GameSpy
  • 2005 – Best Xbox Live Arcade Game (Xbox 360)