Games Workshop, already known for its strict protection of its intellectual property, recently issued a DMCA takedown notice to indie game studio Tundra Interactive regarding its latest title, Void War. The notice centered around a single frame from the game’s trailer that contained visual elements resembling the iconic Space Marines from the Warhammer 40,000 universe, specifically the design of their shoulder pauldrons.
Following a resolution of the situation, Tundra Interactive confirmed that the complaint from Games Workshop was focused on just one specific shot in the trailer. While Void War draws considerable inspiration from the Warhammer universe, incorporating features such as cybernetic-infused characters and a universe-spanning narrative filled with cults and ancient starships, the creators acknowledged that the resemblance in question was significant enough to warrant concern.
Developers of Void War clarified that the DMCA claim pointed out the potential for viewers to mistakenly associate their game with Games Workshop due to what they described as “oversized convex shoulder pads with a metallic rim.” This design was reminiscent of the familiar Chaos Space Marines well-known to fans of Warhammer 40,000.
In light of the concerns raised, Tundra took swift action, and the contentious imagery has been removed from both the game and its promotional materials. With these adjustments, Void War has returned to Steam, where it is now fully available for players, along with a free demo to entice potential fans.
Meanwhile, in the broader context of the Warhammer 40,000 franchise, Games Workshop continues to expand its licensing with a variety of video games. Titles like Space Marine 2 are rolling out new content and mod tools to enhance player experience, while Dawn of War 4 is set to revive familiar gameplay mechanics with an anticipated launch later this year. Despite the challenges, the future of both Void War and the wider Warhammer gaming universe appears promising, offering fans an array of experiences to look forward to in the coming months.