A recent controversy in The Elder Scrolls Online (TESO) involved a series of tattoos in the in-game store that replicated the artwork of Russian artist Relan Daevath. Reports indicate the designs appeared without permission, prompting questions about copyright and proper attribution within the game’s marketplace.
Relan Daevath took to social media to share her reaction, noting that the same drawings had appeared on Tumblr about a year prior. The incident drew a response from the MMORPG developers, who issued an apology and described the inclusion of the artist’s work in the game as an inadvertent mistake. Company representatives asserted that copyright protections for the Russian artist would be respected moving forward.
Following the initial statements, the studio reached out to Daevath to work toward a resolution. Daevath confirmed that communications had begun but indicated that a final decision had not yet been made. She expressed appreciation for the support she has received from the TESO community, while also conveying disappointment that her artwork was used without consent.
Details about any proposed remedies or agreements from the developers have not been publicly disclosed. The situation highlights ongoing discussions in the gaming industry about asset reuse, licensing, and the responsibilities of studios when content closely mirrors works created by external artists.
In a separate note, a different outlet reported on a debate surrounding another popular title, describing a provocative and controversial stance about a unrelated topic. This aside serves to illustrate how online discourse around gaming can intersect with broader social issues, yet it remains unrelated to the art dispute at hand. [Citation: Relan Daevath’s public statements and studio responses compiled from social media posts and official communications.]