Just a few weeks ago, we reported on a suspiciously titled, familiar-looking game that reminded us — and many others — of Dinosaur Polo Club's Mini Metro. That game, Mini Subway: Logic on the Metro Line, appeared on the eShop, and fans of the addictive 2018 puzzle game immediately spotted the similarities.
Now, GoNintendo reports that the knock-off has now been removed from the eShop. When speaking to Eurogamer about the issue, Dinosaur Polo Club stated "While we always try to reach out to the developers first, if required, we will take legal action" and, thankfully, it looks like some kind of progress has been made.
- Further reading - Mini Metro Developer Responds To Knock-Off Release On Switch eShop
In an email to Go Nintendo, Ryan Tatum at Stride PR confirmed that Mini Subway has now been removed from digital storefronts, and had this to say:
"We wanted to give an update that the copycat has officially been removed from the eShop. The team would like to express their thanks for your support in spreading awareness!"
While it's all well and good when games are inspired by other games, it's clear that this was a case of leaning over someone's shoulder, given that you can no longer get the game on the eShop. We hope this will stand as an example for others who attempt to copy other developers, and we're glad to hear that Dinosaur Polo Club can rest easy now.
Let us know your thoughts on this development in the comments!
[source gonintendo.com]
Comments 22
will they remove multiversus then? Or Crash CTR?
@abdias no because as the article says, this wasn’t just an inspiration or a game in the same genre. This was pretty much a straight copy and paste.
Well it gave them some free advertising anyway.
It was to the point where, with a side by side image, I couldn't tell which was which.
@PeteW
Free advertising for a horrible game. At least the rip off version was reasonably priced. I wish I got my ten bucks back on Mini Metro, it is trash, controls awful, and often has game breaking issues. And all from the first moment.
And there goes the chances of my original game "The Tale of Xelda"
@abdias Yes, Multiversus was already removed on Switch 😁
@Bobb Haha that made me laugh a lot for some reason
@msvt I disagree. Mini Metro is fantastic and in my opinion worth every penny. Super addictive gameplay that works well both on handheld and on TV.
Mini Motorways is also super fun. Hard to decide which I prefer.
@BabyYoda71 glad to hear, I was trying to be funny
@KoopaTheGamer
Do you prefer to use touch screen or controller?
@msvt I usually use the controller on Switch. I have played it on my phone as well, in which case I obviously use the touch screen. Haven't played with the gyro controls on the Switch version though.
I often stop the time when I need to do some thinking and change the layout of the metro. That might help you if you struggle with the controls.
@abdias Not a relevant comparison. Those games you mentioned are the same genre as Smash Bros and Mario Kart and clearly take a lot of influence from them but they have their own characters, art style and unique features to make them a unique game.
This was literally the exact same game with nothing new added.
@KoopaTheGamer
I'll give it another shot. To stop time, just click the clock?
What if you bought that game…where is the refund…that’s why I am always buying physical , and try to stay away from digital. Just like video killed the radio star…digital will kill the physical star…and your welcome for that comparison 😉
There was also this game called Pokemon Sword that clearly just straight up copied Pokemon Shield. Barely any differences. The nerve.
Cool? Now get them to remove the countless thousands of the other clones of other games while you're at it I guess.
I personally hate/love the names of knock-off games
They've re-badged it you fool!
@Hemibear I am a radio star though, with many listeners. As long as the audience (general population) is there, video never truly killed my kind. Besides, what do / did The Buggles know anyway.. that was really the only big hit song that they ever gave us anyway.. 😄
The same thing goes for video games. Digital downloads have been around for a long time now and although the sales of physical games has certainly dwindled a bit over the years, as long as people continue to buy physical games they may still exist.
IDK how I feel about this. It seems good that nobody can copy your work. The problem is that's it's such a basic games. I know some people have made some comparisons that don't quite hold up. This really seems like Apple Maps being canceled because of Google Maps. I've watched Shark Tank and they ask do you have a trademark/copyright. What makes your product unique enough that somebody will not be allowed to copy it. It seems like in this case the answer is nothing.
Mini Metro is such a simple game, you'd kinda have to expect a clone or two to pop up once in a while.
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