A recent development in the world of survival games has sparked an intriguing debate. The lead developer of No Man's Sky, Sean Murray, has a cheeky response to a rival game's controversial cosmetic choice.
Once Human, a game striving to make its mark in a crowded survival genre, has been adding some impressive features lately. From a new class system to a PvP-focused zone and even a crossover with Palworld, they're keeping things fresh. However, with the influx of new content, the game's reliance on microtransactions has come into focus.
But here's where it gets controversial... One particular item, an exercise bike cosmetic, has caused a stir. Fans of both games noticed its striking resemblance to an asset from No Man's Sky, specifically the Base Teleport Module. While the colors and some design elements differ, the similarities are hard to ignore.
Murray's response? "Joke's on them." He points out a surprising oversight in the Base Teleport Module's design, highlighting some high-polygon rivets that were seemingly missed in the optimization process. It's a light-hearted take on the situation, but it doesn't change the fact that this incident has brought attention to the issue of imitation in game design.
This isn't the first time Once Human has faced accusations of imitation. Earlier this year, they were called out for using a symbol reminiscent of Rainbow Six Siege's Caveira emblem on a weapon charm. Despite updating the design, the inspiration was still evident.
And this is the part most people miss... While Once Human's developer, Starry Studio, initially defended the exercise bike cosmetic, they've now decided to take action. In a statement, they emphasize their commitment to original and respectful creative work, promising to replace the asset in question. They're also reviewing their internal art and design policies to ensure such incidents don't happen again.
So, what do you think? Is this a case of harmless inspiration or blatant imitation? The lines can be blurry, but it's an important discussion to have in the gaming community. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
