Paladins dev questions new Overwatch hero design—is Brigitte a copy of Ash?

It’s usually Hi-Rez Studios that’s pegged with the Overwatch copycat label—but Hi-Rez Studios president Stew Chisam is turning the tables by ribbing Blizzard Entertainment for its newest Overwatch hero, Brigitte.

Chisam posted a “quick poll” to Twitter on Feb. 28: “If I happened to notice and point out any similarities between these two characters, would that make me the Pot calling the Kettle black, or the Kettle calling the Pot black?” he asked. “This will kep me up tonight unless I get a clear answer.”

Related: Brigitte is on Overwatch’s PTR now

The Hi-Rez developer is questioning the similarities between Overwatch’s new hero Brigitte and Paladins champion Ash. His comments aren’t unfounded: There are definite resemblances in their appearance, as both have a bulky, Knight-like design with reddish brown hair. The abilities have some notable similarities, too. Brigitte has Shield Bash, while Ash has Shoulder Bash. Brigitte has Barrier Shield, Ash has Siege Shield.

Ash has a gun strapped to her arm, which is one of the bigger differences between the Paladins and Overwatch characters, design-wise. Brigitte, of course, wields a hammer-like weapon like her dad and godfather do.

Hi-Rez is often called a free-to-play Overwatch clone for its similarity in character design, despite some clear differences in gameplay. The studio has long combated Overwatch comparisons, with Hi-Rez COO Todd Harris plainly stating that Overwatch wasn’t the inspiration for Paladins—it’s just the nature of game design that similar concepts happen.