In an interesting turn of events, the Steam game Void War recently experienced a DMCA takedown initiated by Games Workshop, the owners of Warhammer 40,000. Initially thought to be a troll impersonating the company under the name “Mal Reynolds,” it turned out that the takedown was legitimate. The specific complaint revolved around an image in the game’s trailer that featured oversized convex shoulder pads closely resembling those associated with the iconic Space Marines from the Warhammer universe. Following the takedown, developer Tundra Interactive opted to remove the offending trailer to restore the game’s availability on Steam. Despite disagreeing with the claim, the developer stated they prioritize completing the game over engaging in a prolonged dispute.

What is the reason for the DMCA takedown of Void War?

The DMCA takedown of Void War was initiated by Games Workshop due to concerns that a specific image in the game's trailer suggested an association with their intellectual property, particularly due to similarities with the oversized shoulder pads of their Space Marines.

Void War is a strategy game that has drawn comparisons to the popular indie game FTL, integrating elements of both spaceship simulation and the rich lore of Warhammer 40,000. The game's design closely mirrors the aesthetic familiar to fans of the Warhammer franchise, further complicating the legalities surrounding its release. This incident underscores Games Workshop's ongoing commitment to protecting its brand and intellectual property, reflecting its historical precedence for stringent oversight in licensing and trademark issues within gaming.