Indie Dev Accuses Zenless Zone Zero Of Copying His Game Ouros: ‘It’s Basically The Same Game’

Why It Matters

The dispute spotlights intellectual‑property risks in the high‑revenue gacha sector and could erode trust in Hoyoverse’s brand. It also shows how indie developers can leverage copy‑cat claims for publicity and leverage market pressure.

Key Takeaways

• Kamm alleges Zenless Zone Zero copied Ouros' track‑bending minigame.
• Both games feature portals, reverse button, and hint system.
• Ouros released 2024; ZZZ version appeared in 2025 event.
• Hoyoverse previously accused of copying indie game Map Map in Genshin Impact.
• Fan backlash may affect Hoyoverse's brand amid billion‑dollar revenues.

Pulse Analysis

The controversy began when Michal Kamm, creator of the experimental puzzle title Ouros, posted a comparative video on Bluesky. In Ouros, players manipulate a flexible track to guide a rolling ball through numbered targets, using portals, a direction‑reversal button, and a visual hint overlay. Kamm argues that Zenless Zone Zero’s event‑driven minigame replicates these exact mechanics, effectively re‑packaging his indie concept for a massive audience without credit or compensation. This claim raises questions about how large studios source inspiration and where the line between homage and infringement lies.

Hoyoverse’s track record adds weight to the debate. Earlier this year, the company was accused of borrowing a map‑marker mechanic from the indie demo Map Map for Genshin Impact, prompting a wave of Reddit discussions and social‑media scrutiny. Such patterns suggest a broader strategy of integrating popular indie micro‑games into their flagship titles, leveraging the built‑in player base of billion‑dollar gacha franchises. While some fans dismiss the allegations as harmless cross‑pollination, others view them as a threat to the creative ecosystem, fearing that powerful publishers can co‑opt innovative mechanics without proper licensing.

For the industry, the episode underscores the growing leverage indie developers possess through direct‑to‑consumer platforms and viral content. By publicizing alleged copying, creators like Kamm can generate press coverage, drive traffic to their Steam pages, and potentially pressure larger firms into licensing deals or public acknowledgment. Meanwhile, publishers must balance rapid content updates with rigorous IP vetting to avoid reputational fallout. As the gacha market continues to expand, clear guidelines and transparent collaboration could become essential to sustain both innovation and consumer trust.