Nodusfall: HoYoverse Accused of Copying Elden Ring, But the Truth May Be Different

HoYoverse, the renowned developer behind Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, has just announced a new project called Nodusfall. Surprisingly, this time they have abandoned their signature anime style in favor of a dark fantasy aesthetic with realistic graphics. Immediately after the first trailer was released, the gaming community began comparing Nodusfall to Elden Ring – the masterpiece from FromSoftware that won Game of the Year 2026. Many claimed that the character designs in the trailer were too similar to Malenia, Melina, and other bosses from Elden Ring, even using the term 'rip-off' to criticize it. However, is this a blatant copy or just a coincidence in the context of the soulslike genre dominating the market? In this article, we will analyze in detail based on data and the gaming industry context. From the very first seconds of the trailer, Nodusfall made a strong impression with its dark atmosphere, ancient architecture, and bizarre creatures – all reminiscent of the Lands Between in Elden Ring. A female character with white hair and wide wings was quickly compared to Malenia, Blade of Miquella – one of the toughest bosses in Elden Ring. Another character sitting on a throne with a distant gaze also made gamers think of Melina, the guide in FromSoftware's game. Even the melee combat style, stamina system, and open-world layout were accused of being 'copied entirely.' However, looking deeper, Nodusfall has a key difference: a co-op boss hunting mechanic for up to four players. While Elden Ring is primarily a single-player experience (though it allows summoning), Nodusfall focuses on team-based combat. This has led many to compare it to Monster Hunter rather than Elden Ring. In fact, the combination of a dark fantasy world and co-op combat could create a brand new genre if HoYoverse knows how to leverage it. Legally, accusations of design copying are not uncommon in the gaming industry. However, to be convicted of copyright infringement, there must be evidence of direct copying of intellectual property – such as source code, 3D models, or character names. Similarities in art style, color palette, or layout are often insufficient to file a lawsuit. In this case, the gaming community is the one passing judgment, and it is a harsh one. HoYoverse is a financially powerful company, with billions of dollars in revenue from its gacha titles. Investing in a high-graphics dark fantasy project is a strategic move to expand into the premium console/PC market, which is dominated by Western and Japanese developers. However, the reputational risk is real: if the public continues to label Nodusfall as a 'copycat,' sales in Western markets could be severely impacted. Conversely, if HoYoverse proves its own identity through unique gameplay, the current controversy could become a marketing lever. Industry experts believe that the decisive moment will be the next gameplay reveal. If HoYoverse showcases the co-op boss hunting mechanic impressively, the narrative will shift from 'copy' to 'creative fusion.' If not, the wave of criticism will only intensify. Currently, there is no information about an official release date, but with HoYoverse's budget and manpower, Nodusfall will certainly be thoroughly developed. In summary, Nodusfall is in the early stages of a major controversy. Will it become a new masterpiece or just a pale copy? The answer will depend on what we see in upcoming previews. Let's wait and see.