Holmér: AI clones of rotational Tetris made sharing progress a risk

The spread of AI-generated clones has become a practical concern for indie developers trying to build an audience before launch. Holmér's account illustrates the tension: clones of his rotational Tetris prototype appeared daily in the first week, which he said made him less inclined to share progress. That reluctance is not just about lost sales; it changes how developers sequence their public demos and updates.

The debate within the community splits over what such cloning reveals. Howltide Games' Ivan Lago argued that games easily copied overnight were likely thin concepts to begin with, suggesting originality and complexity as the real defense. Charlie Greenman, who posted a clone, told 404 Media he saw nothing wrong with it and questioned where the line between inspiration and copying sits, comparing it to debates over songs or games like Blox and Jenga versus Tetris.

Holmér's own experience offers a counterpoint to the alarm. He told 404 Media that clone engagement dropped sharply after the initial burst, leaving him feeling more able to take his time on a polished version. That suggests the immediate flood may not permanently block a developer from promoting work, even if it complicates the early-sharing calculus.