First-person shooter Ion Maiden in metal band’s crosshairs.

Metal band Iron Maiden has filed a $2 million lawsuit against video game publisher 3D Realms for trademark infringements over the first-person shooter game Ion Maiden.

As reported by CNN, the band claims 3D Realms is “attempting to take advantage of Iron Maiden’s worldwide recognition” with Ion Maiden and related merchandise which includes mouse mats and posters.

Iron Maiden claims the name of the first-person shooter is “nearly identical to the IRON MAIDEN trademark in appearance, sound and overall commercial impression… ”

The lawsuit also claims it would “confuse customers” and lead them to think that the game is endorsed by the band. Iron Maiden has claimed that fans have contacted the band with complaints they have been “misled” into thinking there was an affiliation between the two entities.

Ion Maiden’s central character – Shelley Harrison – is also a point of contention as the band claims the name is in reference to Iron Maiden founder and songwriter Steve Harris.

In response to the lawsuit, 3D Realms posted a four-part thread on Twitter, describing the various claims as “frivolous”.

“We’ve recently heard about a lawsuit filed in California by the band Iron Maiden, claiming our old-school first-person shooter Ion Maiden… is infringing on their trademark,” the publisher said.

“From what we’ve heard, the suit claims our main character Shelly Harrison, originally debuting in 2016’s Bombshell, is based on their musician Steve Harris; our skull bomb icon found in-game is based on their skeleton mascot Eddie; our logo in itself is based on theirs; and other frivolous claims anyone who has played Ion Maiden would find more over the top than Shelly’s “Loverboy”, her signature 18-round triple-barreled revolver.

“We at 3D Realms, our co-publishers 1C Entertainment, and developer Voidpoint will review our options once we receive official notice of the lawsuit and will make any necessary decisions at the appropriate time.”

Ion Maiden is currently available through Early Access for Linux and Windows and a console launch is scheduled this year for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Regardless of the lawsuit, 3D Realms says that everyone will continue “… to work diligently on Ion Maiden to deliver the best possible experience later this year.”