The Elder Scrolls Online developer, ZeniMax Online Studios, has responded to claims that fan art incorporated into the game was used without proper credit, and possibly without compensation. In a tweet from the game’s official account, the studio stated, “It was never our intention to include any community fan art without proper credit.” The tweet confirmed that the developer is currently in contact with the artist and will work towards a resolution of the situation.
Alleged Misappropriation of Fan Art
Tumblr user relan-daevath recently claimed that they created fan art in July 2020, which was later turned into an official cosmetic skin in The Elder Scrolls Online. The skin, Mercymother’s Body Art, can be purchased via the game’s store with real money. The fan artist presented a comparison photo depicting their original fan art and the body art available for purchase within the game. The artist expressed their dismay in social media posts, stating that their art was used without mentioning them.
Response from ZeniMax Online Studios
In response to the claims, ZeniMax Online Studios admitted that the fan artist was not credited and that it is not the company’s practice to use community fan art without proper credit. The studio is currently in contact with the artist to ensure a proper resolution is reached.
Other Accusations in the Gaming Industry
This is not the first incident of its kind within the gaming industry. Recently, in 2022, Activision found itself in a similar situation where it allegedly used a dog/wolf skin that had been submitted to the company as a proposal. The artist claimed that Activision had plagiarized their work, and the skin was subsequently removed. Activision later apologized for the incident.
About The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that was released in 2014. Since its release, the game has been updated and supported regularly, and it remains popular with a dedicated fan base. The game’s latest expansion, Necrom: Shadow over Morrowind, is scheduled to launch in June.
Conclusion
Although in this case, it appears that ZeniMax Online Studios acted unintentionally by failing to credit the fan artist, it has taken the matter seriously and is working towards a resolution. Nonetheless, the incident serves as a reminder within the gaming industry to ensure that proper credit is given where necessary to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
