Games Workshop has reportedly issued takedown requests for popular Steam Workshop mods that recreate the in-person Warhammer 40,000 tabletop experience. This action follows the recent launch of the game's 11th Edition.
While Games Workshop has not officially commented on these requests, a modder known as hutber stated on Reddit that their 11th Edition map for Tabletop Simulator was removed "after a request from GW." Another prominent mod, ForceOrg, which facilitates digital play of Warhammer 40,000, has also been taken down from the Steam Workshop.
Modder Seaborne described the situation as a "Dark Age Of Technology" for the Tabletop Simulator modding community. Those who had not previously subscribed to ForceOrg can no longer do so, and while existing subscribers may retain access, its longevity is uncertain. This move marks a continuation of Games Workshop's history of protecting its intellectual property through takedown notices and DMCA strikes.
The timing of these requests, occurring after years of relative inaction regarding these specific mods, is speculated by Seaborne to be linked to the 11th Edition's release. One theory suggests that Games Workshop aims to prevent fans from opting for digital play over purchasing the expensive physical miniatures and box sets, potentially impacting revenue from the core hobby.
Conversely, some players argue that these Tabletop Simulator mods are essential for maintaining connections with friends who live far away or cannot meet in person, and that they have served as a vital tool for gaming, especially during periods like the COVID-19 lockdowns. These digital recreations offer a way to play with others when in-person meetups are not feasible.
It is noteworthy that existing Warhammer 40,000 video games do not offer a direct simulation of the tabletop experience. Strategy games within the franchise adhere to established video game conventions rather than replicating the precise rules and gameplay of the physical game. This approach aligns with Games Workshop's apparent strategy to ensure that its video game adaptations serve as complementary experiences, rather than direct substitutes for the tabletop, which remains its primary product.
The Tabletop Simulator Warhammer 40,000 modding community has faced similar crackdowns in the past, with the community eventually resuming its activities. The future of mods like ForceOrg is expected to become clearer in the coming days, with Seaborne suggesting that modders should take precautions such as hiding their work, delisting it, and creating backups until the situation stabilizes. This period is viewed by some as a temporary impediment rather than a permanent halt to digital tabletop recreations.