The Nerf Ace of Spades Blaster: A Case of Copying and Plagiarism

In a shocking move, Bungie and Hasbro released a real-life Nerf blaster based on one of the most iconic guns from Destiny 2, but instead of creating it from scratch, they seem to have borrowed the design from a fan artist who created it nine years ago.

Bungie’s Credit

While some might question Bungie’s judgment, it’s worth noting that the game developer has since announced plans to compensate and credit Tofu Rabbit, the artist behind the original fan art, for their incredible artwork.

Unmistakable Case of Copying

As shown in Tofu’s examples, the similarities between the original fan art and the released blaster are uncanny, with changes made by Bungie or Hasbro’s artists appearing to be minor adjustments. This raises questions about ownership and permission, particularly considering the detail-oriented brushstrokes present in both the fan art and the blaster.

Bungie’s Reputation

It’s not the first time that Bungie or one of their contractors has borrowed fan art without permission. However, in previous cases, they have made amends by compensating and crediting the original creators. With this new incident, Bungie will need to demonstrate its commitment to ethical practices.

The Verge Interview

According to an interview with The Verge, Tofu expressed hope that the situation could be resolved amicably, as Bungie has a history of handling similar situations. This positive outlook could potentially lead to a fair outcome for all parties involved.

A Brief Look at Fan Art in Destiny

Fan art has played a significant role in the Destiny franchise, with many creators inspiring the developers with their own interpretations of the game’s characters, weapons, and environments. While fan art can sometimes blur the line between creative expression and ownership, it’s crucial to recognize the value of artists’ hard work and credit them when necessary.

Licensing Issues

Bungie may own the underlying blaster design, but details like brush strokes and composition, as evident in the blaster and fan art, indicate a more significant borrowing than initially assumed. With licensed products, it’s crucial to strike a balance between creative freedom and responsible intellectual property management.

• To create an authentic fan experience, developers often turn to fan art for inspiration.

• A six-shot revolver with two removable cylinders and battery-powered motors makes this blaster a desirable item.

• The absence of revolving cylinders in some licensed blasters, such as the Overwatch revolver, might have raised concerns about their authenticity.