Games Workshop Issued DMCA Takedown for Void War Over Shoulder Pad Design

A dispute over a shoulder pad design led to the temporary removal of the strategy game Void War from Steam. The takedown notice wasn’t issued by a disgruntled fan, but by Games Workshop, the owner of the Warhammer 40,000 intellectual property.

The Takedown and Initial Confusion

Last month, Void War, a game described as similar to both FTL and Warhammer 40,000, was pulled from Steam following a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice. Initially, the developer, Tundra Interactive, believed the notice might be a nuisance claim from a troll impersonating Games Workshop.

Similarities to Warhammer 40,000

The game draws clear inspiration from Warhammer 40,000. Gameplay resembles Subset Games’ 2012 title, FTL, while the aesthetic incorporates elements like Imperial Navy Vessels, Space Marines and even a character called a “Psyker.” References to “Imperial Shrineworlds” and “Imperial astrogation authorities” further solidify the connection.

Did You Know? The DMCA takedown notice originated from Games Workshop’s public infringements inbox and was submitted under the name “Mal Reynolds,” a character from the television show Firefly.

Games Workshop Confirms Involvement

Valve informed Tundra Interactive that the DMCA claim came directly from Games Workshop. After over a week of no response, Games Workshop confirmed the notice was theirs, specifying the issue centered on a single image in the game’s trailer. The concern was that the image could create the impression that Void War was officially associated with Games Workshop.

Specifically, Games Workshop took issue with “the oversized convex shoulder pads with a metallic rim” featured on a character resembling a Space Marine. Tundra Interactive disagreed with the assessment but removed the trailer to expedite the game’s return to Steam and avoid a prolonged legal battle.

Expert Insight: This case highlights the aggressive protection of intellectual property often employed by Games Workshop. While the dispute centers on a specific visual element, it underscores the potential challenges faced by indie developers creating works inspired by established franchises.

Void War is now back on Steam. Tundra Interactive may re-upload an updated trailer after adjusting the identified image, but their current priority is continuing development and adding multi-language support.

What Could Happen Next

Games Workshop may continue to monitor Void War for further potential infringements. Tundra Interactive could choose to alter additional visual elements to further distance the game from Warhammer 40,000. Alternatively, the two companies could reach an agreement regarding the use of similar imagery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the initial takedown of Void War?

A DMCA takedown notice was issued by Games Workshop, claiming copyright infringement related to imagery in the game’s trailer.

What specific element of Void War did Games Workshop object to?

Games Workshop objected to “the oversized convex shoulder pads with a metallic rim” on a character in the game’s trailer, believing it too closely resembled elements from Warhammer 40,000.

Is Void War currently available on Steam?

Yes, Void War is currently available on Steam after Tundra Interactive removed the disputed trailer.

Does this incident suggest a broader trend of intellectual property enforcement within the gaming industry?