In an unexpected turn of events, the anticipated cozy game “Starsand Island” has been temporarily removed from Steam. Developer Seed Sparkle Lab announced this decision due to the unauthorized use of visual elements from a well-known classic game.
Why Was Starsand Island Delisted?
Seed Sparkle Lab cited an “oversight during the planning phase” as the reason for the removal. They stated: “Certain core visual elements from a classic title were used without proper authorization within our mini-game section.” While the specific classic game has not been named, many players speculate that it refers to Tetris, based on discussions in the Starsand Island subreddit.
Game Developer’s Response
Following this issue, Seed Sparkle Lab has already submitted a revised version of Starsand Island. This new build omits the problematic content, and the studio is awaiting approval for its re-release. To compensate existing players, they will receive the “Shining Star” outfit set once the game becomes available again. Notably, the studio assured players that no game progress will be lost; they can simply update their game to the latest version.
Previous Challenges and Future Plans
This is not the first controversy for Starsand Island since its release in February 2026. Shortly after launch, the game experienced a surge of fake positive user reviews, which Seed Sparkle Lab publicly denounced, denying any involvement in the campaign.
The developer has also committed to enhancing its internal review and auditing processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. A timeline for the game’s return to Steam remains unspecified. However, it is worth noting that Starsand Island is still available for purchase on the Xbox Store.
- Game Title: Starsand Island
- Developer: Seed Sparkle Lab
- Issue: Unauthorized use of classic game elements
- Speculated Classic Game: Tetris
- Player Compensation: “Shining Star” outfit set
- Current Status: Delisted from Steam, available on Xbox Store
This incident highlights the importance of copyright adherence in game development. As the gaming community awaits further updates, players can keep an eye on El-Balad for the latest news regarding Starsand Island’s future.
