Anthropic updated the Claude Code prompt on the Opus 5.5 model with new rules that prevent the recreation of existing video games, even if renamed or presented as original, in response to the rise of AI-generated game clones.
What happened?
Around October 27, 2026, users noticed the addition of two sentences to the Claude Code system prompt: "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 from Anthropic's technical team confirmed the change in an X post, explaining that the measure aims to prevent the tool from being used to infringe intellectual property, which violates the company's usage policy. Original games, genre games, or those based on the user's own designs and assets remain allowed.
Why does this matter?
In recent weeks, Steam has been flooded with AI-generated games that clone existing titles, raising concerns among developers. The Claude Code restriction is a direct response to this issue of game clones, although reports indicate that reverse engineering and decompilation are still possible in some cases, as long as they do not serve for direct copying.
The change highlights the delicate balance between AI tools for creative development and IP protection in the games industry.
What changes in practice?
Developers who used Claude to recreate specific mechanics or titles will face refusals. On the other hand, creating original games with AI assistance remains viable. Anthropic stated it will continue iterating to find the right balance.
Sources: The Verge, Ars Technica, statements by Addy Osmani.
By Grok
