Key Takeaways
1. Game Overview: Void War is a Roguelite game that combines FTL gameplay with the Warhammer universe, honoring both settings.
2. DMCA Notice Issue: The game’s removal from Steam was due to a DMCA notice claiming copyright infringement by Games Workshop, although the developer had no direct contact from them.
3. Developer’s Response: The developer plans to follow the standard DMCA process to reinstate the game on Steam while awaiting official communication from Games Workshop.
4. FTL’s Success: FTL: Faster than Light, released in 2012, is a well-received indie game that achieved significant crowdfunding success, becoming a notable example in the gaming industry.
5. Warhammer Background: Warhammer is a dark tabletop strategy game from Games Workshop, set in a violent science-fantasy universe characterized by constant warfare and conflict.
Released in June last year, Void War is a Roguelite game that mixes the gameplay mechanics of FTL with the universe of Warhammer. Essentially, the game serves as a heartfelt homage to both settings. It was well-received by genre enthusiasts and was performing decently until January 22nd, when the developer announced that the game was taken down from the Steam store but could still be bought on itch.io.
DMCA Notice Confusion
A few days later, the developer shared another update, stating that “Valve pulled Void War’s Steam page after a DMCA notice claiming copyright infringement by Games Workshop.” The developer mentioned that although the DMCA notice was attributed to Games Workshop, they hadn’t received any direct communication from them. The only details Valve could provide about the complainant included “Games Workshop’s public-facing infringements inbox and the name ‘Mal Reynolds’ (yes, like the character from Firefly).” Firefly was a popular sci-fi series that got canceled after just one season.
Clarification from the Developer
The developer clarified that the only hint linking GW to the situation was the peculiar name, although it’s entirely possible that GW has someone named Mal Reynolds working to send out DMCA notices for them. To reassure fans, the developer said they would follow the “standard DMCA process” to get the game reinstated on the Steam store while awaiting an official response from GW.
FTL’s Success Story
FTL: Faster than Light is an indie roguelike space simulation, created by Subset Games and released in 2012. Players take charge of a spaceship’s crew trying to deliver crucial information to the allied fleet while dodging rebel forces. The ship and its crew navigate various sectors to reach safety, all the while evading rebel threats and other dangers. The game was met with an incredible reception, as the developers turned to crowdfunding on Kickstarter, exceeding their $10,000 goal by a whopping $190,000. This game is often regarded as a success story of Kickstarter.
Warhammer’s Dark Universe
Warhammer is a tabletop strategy wargame featuring miniatures, developed by Games Workshop. The universe of Warhammer is described as “In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war.” It presents a dark and violent science-fantasy world where mankind is perpetually in conflict with various races, battling against chaotic forces.
The intellectual property has been adapted into many forms across different media, including several game titles like Space Marine 1 and 2, Vermintide, and Rogue Trader, as well as various television formats, such as the short film by Secret Level titled “They Shall Know No Fear,” which centers on the Primaris Ultramarine, Titus.
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