Pokemon faced criticism recently after using unauthorized fan-made music during their Pokémon Showcase Stream. The stream featured track after track of fan-made music featuring original remixes of popular Pokémon theme songs as well as background music from the game series.
Many fans of the long-running series noticed the stream featured their own fan-made songs without any credit given to the creators. Some of the songs have since been removed from the stream, however it has sparked a wider discussion around creators’ rights to their own art form.
This isn’t the first time that Pokemon has been called out for its lack of credit to fan-made efforts. They’ve previously received criticism over their use of artwork, including using sprites and concept art without crediting the original creators. The use of fan-made music without asking for permission or permission to use has angered many fans who feel their art is being taken advantage of.
While some have argued that fan-made music is not subject to the same copyright laws as officially released music, many have argued that, as the Pokemon Company has a responsibility to give credit to anyone who created the music featured in the stream or in any of its products or shows.
The Pokemon Company has yet to comment on the controversy, but some have called for it to be more transparent regarding the use of fan-made music, art, and other content in its products. Although many have seen this as just another example of corporate greed, it’s clear that fans are demanding more respect for the art and ideas they have contributed to the Pokemon franchise.
