Artist Douglas Stanley has asked the organisers of the Leipzig Games Convention to “simply turn off” his art installation, which features a mash-up of the attack on the World Trade Centre and Space Invaders, at the show.
On his website Stanley says simply that he’s given the group permission to turn off the exhibit, and then hours later writes that a statement on his website can be considered his official reason for taking down the display. Stanley also mentions on his site that he has received death threats since his exhibit first appeared on Kotaku and then in national and international press.
The decision comes the day Taito said they may be seeking legal action against the artist.
Taito today said they are considering legal action against artist Douglas Edric Stanley and his “Invaders!” exhibition at the Games Convention and that it was produced entirely without their knowledge.
Taito said that in fact the entire “Space Invaders: The Anniversary Show” exhibition by the Computer Game Museum Berlin was likewise planned and presented without their knowledge and authorisation.
“TAITO is seriously considering all available options—including legal actions against the infringer and, if necessary, the Games Convention exhibitor involved—in order to end this unauthorised and impermissible misuse of the Space Invaders content and to protect TAITO’s intellectual properties”.
Taito does not address their take on the art and it’s blending of Space Invaders with 9/11 outside the IP issue. I’m still waiting to hear back from Taito parent company Square-Enix. A press person told me that they do plan on making a statement.
