Nexon, a prominent game developer and publisher, has recently come under fire after accusations surfaced claiming that its new looter shooter, The First Descendant, has borrowed heavily from Destiny 2’s artwork. Paul Tassi, a writer at Forbes, made the initial claims, showcasing similarities between the two games’ icon art and weapons. Tassi pointed out that some of the similarities are mere references, while others appear to be direct copies.
In response to the allegations, Nexon released a statement acknowledging the concerns and expressing its intention to address the issue. According to the statement, the company understands the importance of creating a unique identity for its game and has taken the concerns seriously. Nexon has decided to “make adjustments” to ensure that any imagery that appears similar is distinct from Destiny 2’s and The First Descendant’s own unique style.
It’s worth noting that Destiny 2 and The First Descendant share many similarities, both in terms of gameplay and mechanics. Both are futuristic, online, free-to-play co-op looter shooters that reward players with loot and allow for microtransactions. Destiny 2 has faced criticism in the past for its microtransactions, which some have deemed “pay-to-win.” Nexon, on the other hand, has faced backlash for its own microtransaction practices in the past, including a $9 million fine earlier this year for manipulating in-game item drop rates.
Nexon’s The First Descendant Accused of Copied Artwork from Destiny 2
Despite the controversy surrounding the game’s artwork, The First Descendant has reportedly seen over 10 million players in its first week, with positive reviews coming in for its solid combat mechanics and more character-focused gameplay. The game’s inclusion of a grappling hook and more dynamic mission structure have been praised by critics and players alike.
However, some critics have expressed reservations about the game’s microtransactions, which have been criticized for being too aggressive and intrusive. Additionally, the game’s repetitive mission structure and lack of variety have been cited as areas for improvement. Despite these criticisms, The First Descendant has received a positive overall response from players, who appreciate its fast-paced combat and engaging storyline.
As the controversy surrounding The First Descendant’s artwork continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Nexon will address the concerns raised by Tassi and other critics. Regardless, fans of the looter shooter genre will likely be keeping a close eye on the game’s development and, of course, the impact of its microtransactions on the overall gaming experience.
