A few days ago, a new game called “HeliCity Demolition Man” was released for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. The price: 2 euros. The content: A brazen copy of one of the worst missions in GTA history.
What is behind “HeliCity Demolition Man”? The game from publisher Erik Games has been released in the past few days for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. For 1.99 euros, you can expect in HeliCity the “thrill of precision and strategy” – at least that is the promise from the developers.
However, a closer look reveals that this is essentially a quasi-remake of one of the worst missions from GTA: Vice City. In other words: You have to destroy buildings with an RC helicopter – which, due to the clunky controls, amounts to a hellish trip. At least the devs promise a comparatively quick Platinum trophy.
The problem is: Publisher Erik Games clearly does not possess the rights to develop or sell such a brazen copy of a GTA mission. Consequently, the company behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise responded quickly.
Since the trailer for “HeliCity Demolition Man” is no longer available, here’s something for the eyes:
Take-Two reacts quickly, but …
How is the publisher behind GTA responding? Those wishing to access the trailer for HeliCity Demolition Man on YouTube are now greeted with the message: “This video is no longer available due to a copyright complaint from Take-Two Interactive.” The lawyers at Take-Two have acted very quickly against the game.
Also, the two PlayStation product pages for “HeliCity Demolition Man” are now offline or lead to an error (via story.playstation.com). Meanwhile, “HeliCity Demolition Man” is still available in the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo Switch (via nintendo.com). There it still states: “Get ready for an explosive experience where every decision counts!”
It is unclear whether Sony simply reacted faster to the lawyers’ complaint than Nintendo or whether the publisher has simply overlooked the Nintendo Switch version so far. The billion-dollar company behind GTA has shown that it likes to take strong action, as shown in May: Publisher of GTA 6 shuts down studios behind OlliOlli, Rollerdrome, and Kerbal Space Program
