Pokémon TCG updates card art after plagiarism claims

Pokémon TCG updates Ho-Oh and Lugia card art after plagiarism allegations arose last week.

: The Pokémon Company swiftly replaced card artwork for Ho-Oh and Lugia in response to plagiarism claims involving fanart by lanjiujiu. The original art was pulled from the Wisdom of Sea and Sky expansion following accusations of copying, attributed to a 'production issue'. Temporary placeholders were used until new artwork was introduced, with apologies issued by TPC. An investigation was launched to prevent further incidents, showcasing responsiveness to fan concerns.

The Pokémon Company (TPC) updated the artwork for the Ho-Oh and Lugia 3-Star EX cards in their recent expansion, Wisdom of Sea and Sky, following allegations of plagiarism. The art for these cards was initially pulled after fans identified similarities to fanart created by artist lanjiujiu in 2021. This incident prompted TPC to issue a formal apology and an immediate investigation into the production of the cards. The company blamed the issue on the card production team incorporating incorrect materials as official documents for their commissioned illustrator, SIE NANAHARA.

TPC's response was swift, implementing temporary placeholder art for the cards until new versions could be introduced. While the similarities between the original card art and lanjiujiu's fanart were emphasized by many, the new artworks have since been praised for their quality. Companies like Serebii and various gaming news outlets have shared images and further information about these developments. TPC also stated that their broader investigation would ensure similar issues would not recur in current or future projects.

Despite the legal terms often granting TPC rights over publicly shared fan content, the company's actions suggest a desire to respect fan creations, avoiding usage without permission. This step is noteworthy considering debates around companies monetizing fan art often surface in the gaming community. Artist lanjiujiu expressed relief at the resolution of this issue and thanked those who provided constructive feedback throughout the ordeal.

The situation has sparked broader discussions on the legal aspects of fan art and intellectual property in the gaming industry. Nostalgia and community involvement often drive fan art, and balancing legal and creative rights remains a delicate matter for all involved. With the expansion update and new art, fans are engaging more with the game, spurred on by updates and TPC's willingness to engage openly with its audience.

For those keeping track of developments in the Pokémon world, this incident underscores TPC's commitment to maintaining a high standard of integrity and responsiveness despite setbacks.

Sources: Nintendo Life, Serebii, IGN

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