Loving Eyes (Holo) Sticker Likely to be Removed from CS2

In the dynamic world of CS2, custom stickers, and artwork are cherished by the community for their creativity and uniqueness. However, a recent controversy has arisen around the popular "Loving Eyes (Holo)" sticker, as it has been discovered that portions of its artwork were traced from an original piece by Japanese artist @kikyo_toruko. This has prompted the artist to take legal action, which could lead to the sticker's removal from the game.

Discovery of Traced Artwork

The controversy began when CS2 workshop artist @Quzga_ noticed striking similarities between the "Loving Eyes (Holo)" sticker and a piece of artwork by @kikyo_toruko. Detailed comparisons revealed that significant elements of the sticker's design were indeed traced from the artist's original work. @Quzga_ was the first to inform @kikyo_toruko about the issue, sharing the discovery on social media and drawing widespread attention and concern.

Artist's Response and Legal Action

@kikyo_toruko, upon being informed of the situation, confirmed that their artwork had been used without permission. In response, the artist informed pricempire.com of their intention to file a DMCA takedown request with Valve. This legal action aims to protect the artist's intellectual property and ensure that their work is not exploited without proper credit or compensation. Kikyo's initial reaction to the news was one of surprise and dismay, as reflected in their tweet questioning whether their artwork had been used as game material or learned by AI. Furthermore, in response to a query from pricempire.com, @kikyo_toruko stated, "With the help of many people, we plan to run DMCA from now on."

Community Reactions

The news of the traced artwork and the impending DMCA takedown request sparked a significant reaction within the CS2 community. Many players and fans expressed their support for @kikyo_toruko, emphasizing the importance of respecting artists' rights. The community's reaction highlighted a strong stance against plagiarism and the need for greater oversight in the creation and approval of in-game content.

Valve's Potential Response

As of now, Valve has not made an official statement regarding the situation. However, if the DMCA takedown request is filed and validated, it is highly likely that the "Loving Eyes (Holo)" sticker will be removed from CS2. This incident underscores the necessity for gaming companies to implement stringent measures to prevent the unauthorized use of artwork and to swiftly address such issues when they arise.

Impact on Sticker's Market Value

The controversy has caused a sharp increase in the price of the "Loving Eyes (Holo)" sticker as speculators rush to buy what may soon become a rare item. However, it is important to note that Valve will likely jureplace the sticker with a new design, similar to how they handled the AWP Doodle Lore incident. This could lead to significant financial losses for those speculating on the sticker's value based on its potential removal.

Conclusion

The future of the "Loving Eyes (Holo)" sticker in CS2 remains uncertain as the community awaits Valve's response to the DMCA takedown request. This situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of protecting artists' original works and maintaining the integrity of custom content within the gaming industry. As developments unfold, the outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the future.