Pokémon TCG Pocket, a popular digital trading card game, has found itself embroiled in a plagiarism controversy surrounding its latest expansion, Wisdom of Sea and Sky. The controversy revolves around the artwork of two key cards featuring the iconic Pokémon, Lugia and Ho-oh, which have been accused of bearing striking similarities to the work of artist Lanjiujiu from 2021.
The issue came to light when images of Ho-oh’s immersive art card surfaced on social media, with fans noting the resemblance to Lanjiujiu’s previous work. Subsequent videos and comparisons further fueled the allegations of plagiarism, prompting The Pokémon Company to address the situation. In an official statement, the company acknowledged a “production issue” where incorrect materials were provided to the illustrator responsible for creating the cards.
As a result of the controversy, Pokémon TCG Pocket has taken the unprecedented step of replacing the original artwork for Ho-oh and Lugia with temporary placeholders in the Wisdom of Sea and Sky expansion packs. Players who manage to obtain these cards will receive the placeholders until new artwork is ready for release.
The response from the gaming community has been mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment over the situation, while others commend The Pokémon Company for taking swift action to address the issue. Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit have been abuzz with discussions and reactions to the controversy, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the art production process.
Media outlets and industry insiders have also weighed in on the controversy, with publications like Kotaku and The Escapist covering the story and providing analysis on the implications of plagiarism in the gaming industry. The incident has raised questions about quality control, artist attribution, and the importance of ethical practices in game development.
From a cultural standpoint, the plagiarism controversy highlights the challenges faced by artists and creators in the digital age, where the line between inspiration and infringement can blur. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and integrity in the creative process, especially in a beloved franchise like Pokémon.
In conclusion, the Pokémon TCG Pocket plagiarism controversy serves as a cautionary tale for the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of ethical standards and artistic integrity. As players await the unveiling of the new artwork for Lugia and Ho-oh, the incident underscores the impact of community scrutiny and the power of social media in shaping the narrative around gaming controversies.
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References:
– Destructoid: https://www.destructoid.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-replaces-key-wisdom-of-sea-and-sky-cards-in-packs-after-card-art-controversy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pokemon-tcg-pocket-replaces-key-wisdom-of-sea-and-sky-cards-in-packs-after-card-art-controversy
– The Gamer: https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-wisdom-of-sea-and-sky-booster-packs-can-have-six-cards/
– Kotaku: https://kotaku.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-ho-oh-art-plagiarism-card-apology-1851787290
– Nintendo Life: https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/07/pokemon-tcg-pocket-pulls-new-expansion-card-art-amid-accusations-of-plagiarism
– GameSpot: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-tcg-pocket-removes-card-art-following-potential-plagiarism-issue/1100-6533542/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
– The Escapist: https://www.escapistmagazine.com/news-pokemon-tcg-pocket-latest-card-game-to-be-hit-with-plagiarism-issues/
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