Anthropic has updated its Claude Code AI model with a new rule to prevent users from creating direct copies of existing video games. This change, discovered on the X platform and reported by Game Developer, is a direct response to the proliferation of AI-generated game clones, particularly those seen during Steam Next Fest.
The specific rule, listed under "tengu_heron_brook," now instructs the AI "Do build original games, games in a genre, and games from the user’s own designs and assets. Don't build a recreation of a specific existing game, even if it is renamed or called original." Addy Osmani of Anthropic confirmed that two sentences were added to the prompt for Claude Code on Opus 5.5 to steer it away from intellectual property infringement, stating that "using Claude to infringe IP" violates company policy.
The surge in AI-created clones has become a significant concern for developers. Tools like Claude Code have enabled individuals to rapidly produce games that mimic successful titles, sometimes appearing before the original games have even been released. This issue was particularly evident during Steam Next Fest, where the event was reportedly flooded with low-effort AI-generated titles. Some developers even canceled their demos out of fear that their code could be quickly reverse-engineered and copied.
Valve, the platform owner of Steam, has acknowledged the situation, stating that it is "aware of the situation" and that many parties are considering solutions. However, their current advice to developers, which emphasizes building strong communities and player support, is seen by some as insufficient given the speed at which AI clones can be generated and capitalized upon. The recent trend of "needle in a haystack" simulator games, mimicking the viral success of an unreleased title, exemplifies this problem.
While the update to Claude Code is a positive step, it may not entirely resolve the issue. Users might still find ways to circumvent the new restrictions, and other AI models lacking similar safeguards remain available to those seeking to create game clones.