Anthropic has updated the system prompts for Claude Code and Claude Opus 5.5 to prevent the models from reproducing specific existing games. The restriction applies even when a recreation is given a different name, according to a report by Tom’s Hardware. Anthropic confirmed the change, citing concerns about potential intellectual property violations.
The company says Claude can still help develop games when users rely on their own designs and materials. Anthropic employee Addy Osmani said on X that recreating existing games violates the company’s usage policies. The restriction may also help Anthropic guard against possible copyright claims.
However, reports indicate that the rule is catching some permitted projects as well. Claude has reportedly blocked attempts to analyze games through reverse engineering, including work involving the widely used Reverse Engineer Anything tool. Developers have also said on GitHub that the model refused to help reproduce game mechanics or patch game code.
Complaints on Reddit and other platforms describe refusals in unrelated tasks, including investigating a Windows crash and removing junkware from a smart TV. It is not possible to verify whether every reported request was legitimate, although some established developers are said to have raised concerns.
Anthropic says it plans to adjust the restrictions to find a balance. Osmani invited users to contact him if Claude refuses a request involving something they own.
Sources: t3n.