Pokémon has admitted that it has plagiarized fan art as part of the latest set of cards to be released inPokémon TCG Pocket.The latest set of cards released in the mobile game contained illustrations of Ho-Oh that have used incorrect reference materials and have since been replaced by temporary placeholder items until new artwork is read.
The officialPokémon TCG Pocketaccounton X posted a statement this morningconfirming that the new illustration has been identified as being created using the incorrect reference materialsand has been removed from the mobile game. The company offered apologies for any inconvenience caused and confirmed it’s conducting a “broader investigation to ensure no similar issues exist.”
Pokémon TCG Pocket Owns Up To Ho-Oh Card Controversy
Two Cards Pulled From The Game
This comes on the day that the newPokémon TCG PocketsetWisdom of Sea & Sky was released, containing the Ho-Oh illustration. Shortly before The Wisdom of Sea & Sky was dropped into the game, the statement was released onto Pokémon’s social media channels.
It confirmed that the company was aware of theissue regarding the Ho-Oh illustration that were used in two immersive cards, Ho-Oh EX and Lugia EX, which had been illustrated using what the statement referred to as “incorrect reference materials.”
Due to this, both cards have been pulled from the new setwhile the Ho-Oh artwork is replaced. The statement further apologies to fans, admitting the mistake and has confirmed there will be several steps taken going forward.
Pokémon Is Working To Ensure This Doesn’t Happen Again
Further Actions To Be Taken
One of the biggest takeaways from the statement is that the company has confirmed itwill be doing everything they can to avoid this happening again.This indicates that it’s going to look back at previous illustrations to check the appropriate reference materials have been used forPokémon TCG Pocket.
One of the standout aspects of the cards in the game is the specialist immersive cards, which will now be under scrutiny. The statement fromPokémon TCG Pocketalso confirms they will bestrengthening their quality control processes to prevent this from happening again.
This is certainly not the look Game Freak would have wanted for the launch of arguably the biggestPokémon TCG Pocketexpansionsince the game launched last year.However,Pokémon TCG Pockethas at least been able to remove the cards and issue a statement before the new cards were released into the game for players to open.
Source:Pokémon TCG Pocket/X
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is a mobile adaptation that reimagines the classic TCG experience for iOS and Android devices.
