Riot Games suing Imba Games over TFT lookalike I Am Hero
Ahead of the launch of
Teamfight Tactics: Neon Nights, Riot Games is suing a company named Imba Games for allegedly infringing on copyrights related to TFT.
Fans have remarked in the past on the blatant similarities between characters in Imba Games’ I Am Hero: AFK Tactical Teamfight and those in Riot Games’ League of Legends universe. I Am Hero is a hex-based hero fighter with some striking similarities to Riot’s hit auto battler Teamfight Tactics that go beyond the name.
I Am Hero: AFK Tactical Teamfight heroes resemble TFT pieces
The lawsuit was leveled by Riot Games for the very clear similarities between characters from League of Legends and those from games produced by Imba. In the lawsuit filed in California, Riot Games is looking to restrict Imba Technology from further alleged imitations of its creations.
Fans identified a long list of parallels between Teamfight Tactics and I Am Hero: AFK Tactical Teamfight. It’s not particularly surprising that Riot is taking action.
The lawsuit includes side-by-sides between League of Legends champions featured in TFT and Imba’s I Am Hero equivalents, including one focusing on the infamous Teemo. I Am Hero: AFK Tactical Teamfight has a character named Tomee with a similar aesthetic and lore that is seemingly copied word-for-word.
This isn’t the first time Riot Games has taken legal action against another developer for allegedly infringing on its copyrighted works. Previously, Riot Games parent company Tencent Holdings sued developer Moontoon over its MOBA game Mobile Legends. Riot Games is seeking $150,000 for each alleged instance of copyright infringement.
Nicholas James
About Nicholas James
Nicholas James is a gaming writer with a passion for all things geekdom, as well as live theater. Nicholas is best known for covering League of Legends and other top MOBA titles, but his expertise covers numerous games across multiple genres. When not watching the LCS or playing the latest new release, Nicholas can be found doing some tabletop gaming and painting his favorite miniatures. Nicholas has also published with Hotspawn, TheGamer, Dexerto, Esports.gg and other industry outlets.
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