Hello,
I would like to address a situation regarding a recent HoYoLAB guide that received First Prize in the Version “Luna IV” Creator Incentive Program.
I am sharing this post to document the situation transparently after attempting to resolve it privately through both official channels and direct communication.
Background
I have been creating infographic-style character guides on HoYoLAB since March 2022. Over time, I have continuously developed my guide layout and infographic design, with my current format introduced in May 2024. Several guides using this format have previously been recognised in official HoYoLAB creator competitions.
Recently, I encountered another creator’s guide that uses a format extremely similar to the one I developed.
To be clear: Gameplay ideas themselves can naturally overlap between creators. My concern is not gameplay theory, but the visual format, structural framework, and presentation design of the guides.
Visual Comparison
Credits: aceiicle (151578876) and 炉華 (215921855)
The overall infographic structure follows the same layout and presentation style.
Credits: aceiicle (151578876) and 炉華 (215921855)
The layout hierarchy and section arrangement closely mirror the format I created and have consistently used.
Key structural similarities include:
- Weapons positioned at the top centre with 5-Star, 4-Star, and Free-to-Play options
- Talent priority displayed at the bottom centre with suggested levels above icons
- Artifact sets positioned on the right side
- Artifact stat recommendations displayed in three rows using artifact icons separated by slashes
Text Structure Comparison
Credits: aceiicle (151578876) and 炉華 (215921855)
Please note that the compared guide was translated from Japanese, so wording differences may result from translation.
However, the structural flow remains highly similar:
- Introductory sentence identifying rarity and weapon type
- Short play-style summary
- A role-explanation section equivalent to my recurring format (“How [Character] Helps”)
- Matching stylistic formatting choices, including bolded character names coloured by element
This section format was introduced into my guides in October 2024 to help players better understand character roles.
Development History of the Guide Format
To provide transparency, I would like to share part of the development process behind my infographic layout. This format was not created all at once. It evolved through multiple iterations, feedback discussions, and updates over time.
Early Design Discussions (2024)
During the initial design phase, I discussed layout ideas and section organisation while experimenting with how information should be presented clearly for players. These conversations show the framework being planned and refined before publication.
Design Evolution (2024 → 2025)
Over time, I continued refining the design based on my follower's feedback and usability improvements.
Notable changes included:
- Changing weapon categories from 5★ / 4★ / 3★ to 5★ / 4★ / F2P
- Allowing two artifact sets within a single recommendation slot
This progression reflects an iterative design process rather than a single finished template.
Timeline and Private Resolution Attempts
Before posting publicly, I attempted to resolve this privately.
1. Contact with the Creator
I reached out directly to discuss the similarities and requested evidence of an independent design process (such as drafts or earlier layout iterations).
The creator acknowledged the similarity but did not provide development drafts showing independent design creation. Screenshots shared by the creator only demonstrated assembly of the final image within Canva.
2. Communication with Moderation and Staff
I submitted a formal report through customer support on 3 March 2026, but despite multiple follow-up requests, no response has been received at the time of this post's publication.
Clarification of the Concern
Gameplay information itself is factual and cannot be owned. However, the creative arrangement, structure, and visual presentation of information are forms of original creative work developed by individual creators.
When a submission closely derives its presentation framework from an existing creator’s established format, awarding it First Prize may unintentionally encourage imitation over original design development.
My intention here is not to attack another creator, but to clarify the origin of this guide format and document the situation for transparency.
Why I Am Sharing This
I believe creators deserve recognition for the formats and presentation styles they develop, especially when those designs become widely recognisable within the community.
After attempting private discussion and official reporting without resolution, I am documenting the similarities and timeline so that the origin of my work is clearly understood.
Thank you to everyone who has supported my guides over the years.
aceiicle
