The debate over originality in gaming has resurfaced after an indie developer publicly accused HoYoverse of copying core gameplay ideas for a minigame in Zenless Zone Zero.
The controversy began when game designer Michal Kamm shared a video comparing his 2024 title Ouros with a limited-time event minigame from the popular gacha RPG. The similarities highlighted in the clip quickly gained traction across social media, drawing mixed reactions from fans and developers alike.
Developer Claims Zenless Zone Zero Minigame Mirrors Ouros
Kamm’s central claim focuses on the puzzle mechanics that define both experiences. In Ouros, players manipulate a flexible track to guide a moving ball through numbered targets in a specific sequence. The gameplay relies heavily on spatial reasoning, requiring players to bend and reshape the path to solve increasingly complex layouts. According to Kamm, the Zenless Zone Zero minigame mirrors this exact concept, presenting nearly identical challenges with similar visual logic and execution.
In his video, Kamm did not hold back, stating,
“It’s basically the same game,”
while showcasing side-by-side footage of both titles. He further pointed out that the overlap goes beyond just the core mechanic, extending into specific features like teleportation portals, direction-reversing controls, and even a hint system that previews the correct solution. These shared elements, he argued, make the resemblance difficult to dismiss as a coincidence or inspiration.
The timeline has become a key part of the discussion. Kamm released Ouros in 2024, while a similar minigame appeared later during a limited-time event in Zenless Zone Zero. This sequence has strengthened his argument, especially as some players initially accused Ouros of copying the HoYoverse title instead. Kamm created the comparison video partly to address those claims and clarify the origin of his work.
The side-by-side footage he shared highlights not just the gameplay loop but also detailed design similarities. Elements like portals that reset the ball’s position and mechanics, allowing players to reverse movement, appear in both versions. For critics, these specifics go beyond general inspiration and point toward direct borrowing.
HoYoverse Faces Similar Allegations in the Past
This is not the first time HoYoverse has faced such accusations. Earlier, developers on Reddit claimed that Genshin Impact featured a minigame resembling mechanics from Map Map – A Game About Maps. That case focused on a map interaction system involving falling markers that appeared visually and functionally similar.
While no official conclusions were reached in either situation, these repeated claims have added to ongoing scrutiny around the studio’s design approach. At the same time, many players argue that borrowing and iterating on ideas is common practice across the gaming industry.
