Despite the tireless efforts of developers and publishers, like in the case of HoYoverse titles, leaks have become an inseparable part of the gacha game ecosystem. Many fans even consider them essential in deciding whether to spend or save their limited premium resources. However, regardless of the community’s perception, leaks still violate legal agreements, and HoYoverse has now taken a firm legal stance against one particular Honkai: Star Rail leaker.
The developer’s ongoing battle against gacha content leaks has shown no signs of slowing. While they have yet to achieve total success in curbing leaks, this latest legal action demonstrates their continued commitment to addressing the issue seriously.
HoYoverse has officially filed a lawsuit against a leaker for US$150,000 in damages. The lawsuit was filed with the United States District Court for the Central District of California on June 6. The target of the lawsuit is Alfredo Lopez, who allegedly went as far as livestreaming unreleased Honkai: Star Rail content.
Specifically, he showcased gameplay of an unreleased character named Castorice. The stream took place in a Discord server with an estimated 12,000 members, far from a private or limited audience.
According to HoYoverse, Lopez’s actions constitute a clear violation of copyright and intellectual property rights. Moreover, the company argues that his leak undermined fan excitement and anticipation for the character’s official debut, damaging the rollout and overall reception of the upcoming update.
This lawsuit serves as a clear warning: HoYoverse is prepared to pursue legal action against those who breach its content protections. As the gacha gaming space grows more competitive and leaks continue to threaten marketing strategies, publishers like HoYoverse appear more determined than ever to protect their intellectual assets, like Honkai: Star Rail, in court.
