UPDATE: Developer BGS Studios has responded to Insider Gaming’s request for comment on the clear comparisons between its game Fay Keeper and the Pokémon series.
The studio says that every pixel and line of code was made by scratch and that it “avoided all patented mechanics that could bring us any legal repercussions.” They also touched on a number of features in the game that will have that differ from the Pokémon games.
You can see their response in full below:
You’re right that, at first glance, Fay Keeper does look similar to Pokémon, since it was an idea originally born from nostalgia. But we did a lot of research regarding the legal side; each pixel and line of code was made by us from scratch, and we also avoided all patented mechanics that could bring us any legal repercussions.
Our goal here is to create a game that, while itches that nostalgic scratch for games like early gen Pokémon titles, is also its own thing with different mechanics and new features. Since we’re still in the development stage, many of these features haven’t been publicly shown yet, but here are some that I can disclose:
- Quests system with main and side quests, so it’s closer to a turn-based RPG with monster-catching elements
- Player can pick their favourite Fay to follow them on the screen, as an actual companion/familiar with possible customization options in the future
- Day/Night systems
- Seasonal festivals where player gets to purchase exclusive items
- A huge focus on scenario/world-building, making this a beautiful 2D, pixel art game with an open world that players can explore
- Quests system with main and side quests, so it’s closer to a turn-based RPG with monster-catching elements
- Player can pick their favourite Fay to follow them on the screen, as an actual companion/familiar with possible customization options in the future
- Day/Night systems
- Seasonal festivals where player gets to purchase exclusive items
- A huge focus on scenario/world-building, making this a beautiful 2D, pixel art game with an open world that players can explore
Based on their response to the questions, what do you think of BGS Studio’s stance regarding Fay Keeper?
ORIGINAL: One of what appears to be the most blatant Pokémon clones is now available to be wishlisted on Steam. Insider Gaming was recently contacted by the developers behind “Fay Keeper,” a brand-new creature-catching game where players collect and battle hundreds of creatures called “Fays.” The request was for a paid partnership – and in the current game industry climate it’s an opportunity that comes few and far between.
Yet, having looked at the game initially, we couldn’t help but feel inclined that the game is a clear clone of Pokémon.
From the color pallet to the creatures themselves, the comparisons are strikingly similar, and although it’s clear that the developers want to capitalize on an itching Pokémon audience on the PC, you can’t help but feel the team is likely going to run into legal issues. You even get your very own “Faydex.”
Insider Gaming compiled a couple comparisons between Fay Keeper and Pokémon below (click to enlarge) so you can muster your own opinions.
In their defense, the developers of the game have addressed them slightly on social media when asked by fans about the comparisons to Pokémon. BGS Studios doesn’t hide the fact that it takes inspiration from the classic franchise, but maintains that there will be enough differences between the titles to avoid any potential legal claims.
“Pokémon was a huge ref and the idea was for it to feel nostalgic, but me and the team are working on a lot of unique features that Pokémon games never had,” one post reads.
In another response to a question regarding copyright, BGS Studios said, “Although we took inspiration from a very nostalgic reference, every single pixel and line of code is being made from scratch by us. We’ll also have mechanics that were never in the original ref, so it will hit close while also being a different thing.”
Insider Gaming did reach out to BGS Studios for further comment on the similarities, and to talk about any potential worries or concerns. Those attempts, however, have gone unanswered as of publishing.
What do you think of the similarities between Fay Keeper and Pokémon? Do you think this could lead to problems down the road? Let us know down below, and join more discussions in the official Insider Gaming forums.
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