From NeoGAF:

This happened Today, and I'm still shocked by it.

I'm sure many of you already seen the new UT3 360 trailer, but what most of you don't know is that one of the maps shown there ( DM-ArcticShipment ) is actually a user created map done by a member that goes by EpicJon on the Epic Forums.

The map, while not being exactly the same, is a blatant rip off, it's a cargo boat, in the middle of the Artic ocean, with snow falling and with icebergs on the background. When EpicJon posted about his discontent in the Epic Forums he got banned and his thread deleted.

You guys can see the map in action in this trailer:
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/32978.html

And here is a shot of the user created one:


And the thread for the map on Epic Forums:
http://utforums.epicgames.com/showth...605011&page=10


I wonder if this is what Epic means by getting MODs on the 360 version, stealing them from users and putting them on XBL without any notification. While they're most likely allowed to do that legally it's a very low blow for the modding community.

Screen from the trailer:

Screen from the mod:

Wow, you mean two people made a level on a boat with snow!? OMG!

you should keep reading the thread.

^no Epic is pulling some BS

 I've read it already on Kotaku and yeah, it's a little fishy they banned him but it's a little dickish to say someone copied you because a level takes place in a similar location.

So...this thread is pointless? I only read 2-3 pages into that neogaf thread.

Eh, both copied CoD4's level first.

They don't actually look all that similar in the end

EpicJon's Arctic Ship














Epic Games Arctic Ship

That said, I think it's pretty sad that the user made stage looks signifficantly better than Epic's best efforts.  Also, come on, even if the design isn't exactly the same are we really arguing that Epic's map wasn't inspired by this?  It's apparently one of the most downloaded user created maps... surely Epic knew about it.

I wouldn't say pointless because it's interesting at least, I just think it's stupid to assume they copied you because a level takes place in a similar location. How many games have taken place in some famous WWII location? How many games have taken place on a fictional spaceship that looks just like every other fictional spaceship?

thats bs from epics part, PC FTW!

I like the user stage better.