The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is an MMORPG based on The Elder Scrolls franchise developed by ZeniMax Online Studios. Though the game faced a rocky reception upon its initial release in 2014, it has since attracted millions of players thanks to consistent expansion releases, with the 2017 Morrowind expansion being a notable turning point.
Lately, the video game industry hasn't had the best reputation when it comes to plagiarism and proper credit. Major companies like Activision have faced controversies for allegedly stealing art and turning it into new skins. Fortunately, public outcry and support often prevent the original concept art from making it into the final product.
Now, ZeniMax Online, the developers of ESO, find themselves under fire for allegedly stealing concept art without the original artist's knowledge and implementing it in-game for players to purchase with Crowns, the in-game premium currency. Like other MMORPGs, ESO offers a variety of cosmetic items for players to display in-game, which can be earned through gameplay or purchased with Crowns.
Artist Relan Daevath shared their Elder Scrolls fan art on Tumblr in July 2020, featuring Sotha Sil, Vivec, and Almalexia, members of The Tribunal, the three ruling gods of Morrowind. ESO is selling a skin called Mercymother's Body Art in their store, which bears a striking resemblance to Daevath's 2020 art.