Marvel Snap has carved out its niche as a dynamic digital card game with fast-paced battles. Central to the game is the character cards, which often come with different art styles. With well over 250 cards, many having alternative art versions, there is plenty of artwork needed. Recently, Marvel Snap found itself in controversy, accused of plagiarizing fan art, precisely that of the beloved M’Baku character from the Black Panther series.
Marvel Snap Accused of Plagiarism
Marvel Snap is a powerhouse in the mobile gaming space. Developed by Second Dinner and now published by Skystone Games, this card battler requires strategy, creativity, and a deep appreciation for Marvel’s rich character lore. Players strive to build the most potent decks, leveraging the unique abilities of each card to conquer the game’s three-zone battlefields.
The accusation comes from Jason Kiantoro, an artist who, back in 2018, created fan art featuring the character M’Baku. Recently, he shared the image alongside the pixel art version of the Marvel Snap card, which was released in 2022. The artist claims this is an example of companies profiting off of already published fan art.
The two images definitely have similarities. The facial expression, pose, and general look of the card are very similar. However, this highlights the trickiness of these situations. The two images are not exactly identical. They have enough differences that it is feasible that one of the artists for the game created something similar. This highlights the challenges in these situations. It’s definitely frustrating for independent artists, and this game isn’t the first one to be accused.
Final Thoughts
For fans of the Marvel universe, Marvel Snap remains a vibrant platform to engage with over 270 unique cards inspired by iconic characters. The game’s challenges and community forums allow players to share strategies, voice concerns, and celebrate victories together. Despite the current controversy, the game offers a fresh and exciting perspective on the Marvel legacy, inviting new and seasoned players to dive into its action-packed world.
At its core, Marvel Snap is a testament to the power of community-driven content and the importance of respecting and acknowledging the creative contributions of fan artists. The hope is this can be a catalyst for conversation on how to properly compensate independent artists. It’s a reminder that in the expanding digital media landscape, collaboration and respect for intellectual property can lead to richer and more inclusive experiences for gamers and creators alike.
