Trouble is brewing at Japanese developer Neowiz, the studio behind the critically-acclaimed Lies of P.
The news comes after a cryptic tweet from Neowiz’s official account sparked widespread concern among fans, who were quick to point out a worrying trend of plagiarism and unoriginal concepts in the studio’s recent work.
Specifically, some fans have taken to social media to accuse the developer of borrowing heavily from other games, including the 2012 hit, Dark Souls.
In a statement to Push Square, a Neowiz spokesperson seemed to downplay the allegations, saying, “Our team is dedicated to creating innovative gameplay experiences, and we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of game development.”
Allegations of Plagiarism Mount
Despite the spokesperson’s reassurances, the allegations of plagiarism persist.
Some fans point to a scene in Neowiz’s 2023 title, Soul Hackers 2, which bears a striking resemblance to a level from the 2011 game, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow.
That game, developed by MercurySteam, was a commercial success and widely praised by critics for its atmospheric setting and engaging gameplay mechanics.
Other fans have also pointed to similarities between Neowiz’s recent title, Oninaki, and the 2010 game, Dark Cloud 2.
Oninaki, while well-received by critics, was criticized by some for its unoriginal storyline and lack of innovation.
Concerns Over Lack of Originality
Despite the studio’s claims of innovation, many fans remain unconvinced.
With the release of its highly-anticipated sequel, Lies of P 2, on the horizon, concerns are growing that the studio may be prioritizing quick profits over originality and creativity.
The Lies of P franchise, which debuted in 2023, was widely praised for its engaging storyline and innovative gameplay mechanics.
A sequel was already confirmed, but now fans are worried that the developer may have compromised on quality in favor of a quicker turnaround.
For now, the Neowiz spokesperson remains tight-lipped on the issue, and the studio’s future remains uncertain.
Lies of P 2: What’s at Stake?
The Lies of P franchise has a huge following, and a well-received sequel could cement the developer’s status as a major player in the gaming industry.
On the other hand, a critically-panned sequel could have serious consequences for the studio, damaging its reputation and potentially harming its relationships with publishers and investors.
So, what’s at stake for Neowiz and the Lies of P franchise? Only time will tell.