[Ensemble Stars] Server-Exclusive Card Art Exposed for Incorporating Real-Life Photos, Artist Controversy Ignites

Recently, a new card was released for the Chinese server of 'Ensemble Stars'. However, within just two hours of its launch, observant players detected something suspicious.

Initially, players suspected that the calendar in the background featured real-life photographs. As the investigation intensified, the truth was revealed: not only were they real photos, but they belonged to members of a Chinese boy band. Through image overlay analysis, netizens confirmed this outrageous case of 'inserting private agendas' (a popular Chinese term for staff embedding their personal preferences into games).

Faced with backlash, the developers issued an apology, but the compensation offered—a mere two pulls, or '0.67% of a hard pity'—was mocked by the community for its lack of sincerity. Some players sarcastically remarked that the artist essentially decorated the character Sena Izumi’s room with 'idol memorabilia'.

In subsequent updates, the officials were forced to revise the art.

Commenters were baffled, praising the 'microscope-level' observation skills of the players. Many deemed the act petty, concluding that it was a bizarre yet 'reasonably expected' type of controversy within the industry.