Summary
NetEase has accusedHonkai: Star Raildeveloper HoYoverse of plagiarism over Sunday’s trailer. The character recently debuted as a playable unit inHonkai: Star RailVersion 2.7.
ThoughHonkai: Star Railplayers first met Sunday very early in the Penacony arc, the character did not become playable in later patches, despite his popularity. Fortunately for fans, HoYoverse confirmed that Sunday would join the roster in Version 2.7, the last patch beforeHonkai: Star Railmoves on to Amphoreusin Version 3.0. On December 2, the game released Sunday’s official trailer. The video quickly gained traction on social media and while many players enjoyed it, some have pointed out its controversial similarities to another game. Now, Chinese developer NetEase has also noticed a resemblance to its content.
Developer NetEase has claimed that some CG Story videos for its turn-based MMORPGOnmyojihave been plagiarized. On December 4, NetEase posted a lengthy text onOnmyoji’s official Weibo pagethat reflected on the game’s original aesthetics and how NetEase puts a lot of effort into creating great character designs and stories. NetEase also stated that it hoped more companies in the market would compete healthily in the future. Finally, in a comment under the post, NetEase said that it has presented evidence to authorities and, if there has been a copyright infringement, NetEase will reserve its rights to pursue legal action. Although NetEase’s post does not specify which rival company has committed plagiarism, it’s likely referring to HoYoverse’s promotional trailer forHonkai: Star Rail’s Sunday, which users have compared toOnmyoji’s CG Story videos of the characters Tsukuyomi and Jinkougyou.
NetEase Accuses Honkai: Star Rail of Plagiarism Over Sunday’s Trailer
NetEase also announced thatOnmyojifans have a chance to get a free Tsukuyomi skin by sharing the post, and there will be a limited free trial for both SSR units Tsukuyomi and Jinkougyou. This could be a nod toHonkai: Star Rail’s alleged plagiarism as well. On social media, users have spotted that the first seconds of Sunday’s trailer resemble Tsukuyomi’s CG Story video, while two other frames resemble Jinkougyou’s. This isn’t the first time that a HoYoverse title has been accused of copyright infringement, asGenshin Impactwas accused of plagiarismfor its shared similarities withThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
While HoYoverse is on the accused end in this controversy, NetEase was under fire in 2024, too. Earlier in November,NetEase had to fire nine of its executivesbecause of money laundering investigations. On the other hand, NetEase has kept itself busy working on major upcoming titles likeMarvel RivalsandProject Mugen. Meanwhile,Honkai: Star Railrecently launched its 2.7 update, with lots of new content available for players, including a new Trailblaze mission.
Honkai: Star Rail
WHERE TO PLAY
Board the Astral Express and roam the universe in search of myths and legends. From global interactive entertainment brand HoYoverse comes a new space fantasy RPG. Harness the spirirt of the Trailblaze in a cel-shaded space fantasy adventure where you’ll embark on an unforgettable intergalactic odyssey. You and your fellow Astral Express passengers will hop from world to world, resolve conflicts, form friendships and uncover a wealth of mysteries. In this exciting new free-to-play game, you’ll journey through immense worlds of the unknown and bond with a series of memorable characters. Choose your companions and arrange the ultimate four-person combat team to help you take down a looming threat to the universe.
