Anthropic has introduced new restrictions in Claude Code to prevent its AI coding assistant from recreating existing video games. However, some developers say the changes are also blocking projects that use original code and customer supplied materials.
The restrictions reportedly appeared around October 27, 2026, through a server delivered configuration called tengu_heron_brook. They instruct Claude Code to refuse requests involving recreations of specific existing games, even when those projects use different names.
Anthropic has confirmed the change, explaining that the additional instructions are intended to reduce intellectual property infringement.
The company maintains that developers can still use Claude Code to create original games, work within established genres, and develop projects using their own designs and assets.
Claude Code Restrictions Affect Existing Development Projects
The updated instructions specifically distinguish original game development from attempts to reproduce copyrighted games.
Anthropic's Addy Osmani confirmed that two sentences were added to the Claude Code prompt for Opus 5.5 to reinforce existing intellectual property protections.
However, the company has acknowledged that the restrictions could produce unintended refusals and is encouraging developers to report incorrectly blocked projects.
One complaint appeared on GitHub on October 30, when a developer representing Conflict Simulations LLC reported problems with commissioned digital board game modules.
According to the developer, these projects use original code and materials supplied by customers who own the corresponding physical board games.
The developer also clarified that the digital adaptations are not officially licensed by the original publishers.
Claude Code reportedly began refusing work after the developer asked whether the new restrictions applied to an existing project.
This raises questions about how the assistant evaluates projects that involve existing intellectual property without directly copying another game's software.
Game Modding and Reverse Engineering Could Face Uncertainty
Additional complaints have emerged involving reverse engineering workflows, although their connection to the new game restrictions remains unconfirmed.
This could become important for developers using AI coding assistants to create modifications, troubleshoot compatibility problems, and improve older games.
For example, a recent performance modification for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered reportedly used Claude AI to improve average frame rates by more than 40% while reducing traversal stuttering.
Anthropic's updated instructions do not explicitly prohibit such optimization or modding work.
Nevertheless, developers may encounter difficulties if the assistant incorrectly classifies legitimate modifications as attempts to recreate copyrighted games.
Anthropic says it will continue refining the restrictions based on feedback.
The challenge is ensuring that Claude Code can distinguish unauthorized game recreations from original development, permitted modifications, and other legitimate programming activities without unnecessarily interrupting developers' work.
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