The maker of an upcoming video game starring Jack Black has accused gaming giant Activision in a lawsuit of trying to kill the project to preserve its popular "Guitar Hero" franchise.

The allegations were made in a countersuit filed last week by San Francisco-based Double Fine Productions against Activision Entertainment Inc., which sued the gamemaker in June. Activision's suit aimed to stop release of "Brutal Legend" by rival firm Electronic Arts.

"Brutal Legend" is scheduled for release in October. It features Black as a heavy-metal roadie transported to a mythical ancient world to fight evil.

A hearing is scheduled July 30 on a motion by Activision to block the game's release.

Double Fine's countersuit contends Activision's lawsuit was filed to hurt the company and the game, and that it was involved in unlawful business practices and a conspiracy to protect "Guitar Hero" sales.

Activision's "purpose is not only to cancel 'Brutal Legend,' but to kill it completely so that 'Guitar Hero' would not have to face the competition," the lawsuit claims.