As the lines between mobile games and classic titles continue to blur, a former Nintendo developer has shed light on an unsettling trend. Takaya Imamura, a seasoned game creator with over 32 years at Nintendo, took to Twitter to express his astonishment after spotting a mobile game ad using imagery from a beloved Nintendo game without permission.
Steel Diver: Sub Wars in the Crosshairs
Released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2014, Steel Diver: Sub Wars was a game that Imamura directed during his time at the company. This underwater combat game required players to operate realistic submarines, using sonar to detect enemy ships and sink them with torpedo attacks. The title also featured offline single-player missions and online battles.
Battle Warship: State War.io's Suspect Ad
Imamura's Twitter post revealed an ad video for Battle Warship: State War.io running within another mobile game. This naval strategy battle game, operated by Special Gamez/Magic Prime Group Limited, allows players to command battleships and aircraft carriers, expand their base, organize their fleet, and sink enemy ships and pirates.
AI-Powered Mobile Apps and Classic Games Converge
What's striking is the convergence of AI-powered mobile apps like Battle Warship: State War.io with classic games like Steel Diver: Sub Wars. While both share a naval battle theme, their gameplay styles are vastly different. It appears that Steel Diver: Sub Wars is being used as marketing material without permission for a game in a completely different genre.
The Rise of AI-Powered Mobile Apps
Mobile apps have become increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence (AI) to drive engagement and attract players. Ads for mobile games often appear within other free-to-play mobile games, YouTube videos, and promoted tweets on Twitter. Unfortunately, this has led to instances where scenes and images don't even appear in the game being used as promotional material – including footage and images taken from other companies' games.
Addressing Copyright Concerns
Fortunately, platforms like Twitter and YouTube provide features to report PR videos, allowing copyright holders to report ads and take action. In this case, since Imamura, the director of Steel Diver: Sub Wars, spotted the issue and gathered evidence, the advertising side is unlikely to be able to talk their way out of any copyright claims.
The Future of Mobile Apps with AI
As AI-powered mobile apps continue to evolve, it's essential that developers prioritize ethical practices and respect intellectual property rights. By doing so, we can ensure a brighter future for both classic games and modern mobile apps.