The Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket team has officially responded to the controversy surrounding the Ho-Oh EX 3-star card, which faced plagiarism allegations. The card is part of the upcoming expansion titled Wisdom of Sea and Sky, set to launch soon.

Shortly after its reveal, fans on social media pointed out striking similarities between the Ho-Oh EX artwork and a fan-made illustration from 2021. The comparison sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the developers of using the fan art without proper attribution.

In an official statement, the company acknowledged a production error involving the Ho-Oh and Lugia 3-star EX cards. They revealed that incorrect reference material was provided to the card production team, leading to the unintended similarity. While Lugia's artwork hasn't faced plagiarism claims, it shares design elements with the disputed Ho-Oh illustration.

To rectify the situation, the developers will replace the controversial artwork with new designs. Until the updated versions are ready, temporary placeholder images will be used when the expansion launches. Additionally, the team is conducting a thorough review of all existing cards to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.

Despite the controversy, the Wisdom of Sea and Sky expansion remains highly anticipated. Scheduled for release on July 30, it introduces numerous new cards expected to shake up the game's meta. The update also includes a significant overhaul of the trading system, along with new ways for players to earn Hourglasses, the in-game currency used for purchasing card packs.