On November 18, 2025, Facepunch Studios’ COO Alistair McFarlane publicly accused the developers of the military shooter Delta Force of stealing asset designs from his popular survival game Rust. The controversy began when McFarlane spotted a 3D model of a plastic explosive in Delta Force’s new “Asarah” Season trailer that bore an uncanny resemblance to Rust’s original asset, created by Facepunch lead weapon and prop artist Thomas Butters.
The accusation was posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where McFarlane called out Delta Force directly, stating: “Hey Delta Force, thank you for being huge Rust fans. Please remove our assets. If you wanted to collab, you should have reached out.” He shared visual evidence highlighting the undeniable similarity between the two assets.
Swift Resolution and Apology
The developers behind Delta Force, Team Jade, responded quickly and professionally, reaching out to Facepunch Studios to apologize for the oversight. McFarlane updated the community the same day, confirming that the matter was resolved amicably. He even praised the cinematic, stating it was great and humorously hoped to see a “Rust Hazmat” featured in future Delta Force seasons.
This outcome reflects a refreshing departure from the often bitter public legal battles over intellectual property in the gaming industry. Instead, both studios appear interested in maintaining community trust and possibly exploring legitimate collaboration opportunities in the future.
Implications for the Industry
Asset reuse and plagiarism, whether intentional or accidental, remain a major issue for game developers, especially smaller studios that may cut corners under tight deadlines. The viral nature of today’s social media means such controversies quickly come to light and impact reputations.
For fans of both Rust and Delta Force, the quick and respectful resolution is welcome news. It’s a reminder that communication and respect in the industry can prevent unnecessary drama and foster cooperative relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What asset was stolen?
A 3D model of a plastic explosive device showcased in the Season Asarah trailer for Delta Force closely resembled the one created by Facepunch Studios for Rust. The asset was originally made by Thomas Butters, Facepunch’s lead weapon and prop artist.
Did Delta Force devs admit to stealing?
Delta Force developers apologized for using the asset and reached out to Facepunch Studios to make amends. There was no indication that the asset theft was intentional or malicious.
What was Rust’s COO’s reaction?
Alistair McFarlane publicly called out Delta Force on social media, thanked them for being fans, but requested removal of the assets. He later confirmed the issue was settled and hinted at possible collaboration between the studios.
Will there be a Rust and Delta Force collaboration?
While nothing is confirmed, McFarlane’s hopeful mention of seeing Rust-themed content in future Delta Force seasons suggests both parties are open to collaboration stemming from the incident.
How common is asset theft in game development?
Unfortunately, asset theft and plagiarism are relatively common, especially with indie developers under time pressure. Public exposure and community monitoring have increased transparency, making it harder for studios to get away with copying assets without consequence.
What can developers learn from this incident?
The situation underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property and maintaining open communication with other studios. When issues arise, swift acknowledgment and resolution can preserve goodwill and even open doors for partnerships.
Conclusion
The Delta Force asset theft controversy serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in game development to protect original content. However, the incident ended on a positive note with honesty and apology, reflecting a mature approach from both parties involved. For players and the broader industry, it highlights the balance between creative inspiration and respecting ownership, and the potential benefits of collaboration over conflict.