The First Descendant changed some icon designs to match almost exactly those found in Destiny 2.
When free-to-play shooter The First Descendant released last month, accusations swirled online that developer Nexon had copied Bungie’s icon designs. At least a dozen icons in the game shared eerily similar designs to those in Destiny 2, with only the colors or other small details changed. You can see some of the similarities in the tweet below.
‘The First Descendant’ Uses Barely Altered ‘Destiny 2’ Icons via @forbes https://t.co/rGdbfKNfJX pic.twitter.com/gGKfoTkLk9July 7, 2024
Shortly after, Nexon promised to change the icons in question, but did not specify how they were incorporated into the game. For what it’s worth, the icons in question are included in the open-source Iconhub database, which is available for personal and commercial use.
The first descendant Hotfix 1.0.3 has now “updated some icon images,” and a follow-up note from the director explains that the game “was developed with a deep affection and respect for various looter shooters,” meaning the team takes “feedback regarding other similar games very seriously.” This certainly implies that Destiny-like icons are the ones that have been changed, as the patch is apparently intended to “reflect the unique identity” of looter shooter #78.
“Destiny 2, being a world-renowned looter shooter, is also personally admired and respected by the team, and it served as an inspiration during the development process,” Nexon said in a statement released last week.
In other news, The First Descendant has surpassed 10 million players in less than a week, though player reviews have been mixed. Nexon has also announced that no, it’s not about gaming your drop rates – in fact, the team is working on a way to prove that it doesn’t make you work harder than necessary.
For now, check out how to upgrade weapons in the first descendant And how to unlock hard mode.