NetEase has accused Tencent’s “Honor of Kings” of copying its character artwork, sparking widespread on-line debate.
Two of China’s high tech giants, NetEase and Tencent, have taken their battle over copyright infringement accusations to social media, participating in a heated dispute over the artwork design of two digital characters of their respective cell video games, “Onmyoji” and “Honor of Kings.”
Final week, the official account of “Onmyoji,” a cell sport launched in 2016 by NetEase, posted a letter from its legislation agency on the microblogging platform Weibo warning Tencent’s “Honor of Kings” of copyright infringement and unfair competitors.
In keeping with Netease, the 2 designs in query comprised a brand new pores and skin for the “Honor of Kings” character Li Bai, launched in January, and Dasiming, a personality debuted on Thursday. The letter demanded that Tencent promptly tackle all allegations of plagiarizing two “Onmyoji” character designs.
An hour later, the “Onmyoji” official account took to Weibo once more, this time posting a screenshot that includes a derogatory phrase to mock “Honor of Kings.” “If you wish to cooperate, you may contact us straight. ‘Onmyoji’ is an unique sport, not some library,” it acknowledged.
Over 70,000 followers shared the second put up, notably after the “Onmyoji” account introduced that 20 gamers who shared the put up on social media would obtain the sport’s latest digital pores and skin.
On social media, a hashtag associated to the “Onmyoji” letter to “Honor of Kings” drew over 100 million views, with tens of thousands and thousands of customers taking part within the debate.
In response, “Honor of Kings” accused “Onmyoji” of defamation in their very own Weibo put up three hours later, whereas pledging to pursue authorized motion. “Honor of Kings” argued that they’ve been wrongfully accused of plagiarism, highlighting earlier situations the place “some video games” had been suspected of copying their characters.
A spokesperson for “Honor of Kings” confirmed to Sixth Tone Monday that their put up was meant to disclaim all accusations of plagiarism made by “Onmyoji,” together with the 2 situations specified within the lawyer’s letter. NetEase didn’t reply to Sixth Tone’s interview request.
Proceed to learn the total article right here
This text initially appeared on Sixth Tone
