# Claude Code stops cloning existing games — Anthropic adds a two-sentence rule

> Claude Code on Opus 5.5 now declines to recreate someone else's specific game, citing Anthropic's IP rules.

- Org: Anthropic
- Date: 2026-10-30
- Category: tool, ecosystem
- Source: https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/anthropic-appears-to-have-ordered-ai-tool-claude-to-stop-remaking-video-games
- Canonical page: https://ai-tldr.dev/releases/anthropic-claude-code-game-recreation-rule/

## In short

Anthropic added two sentences to Claude Code's prompt on Opus 5.5 so Claude will not rebuild a specific existing game, even under a new name. Original games, genre games and games from your own assets still work.

## What it is

Claude Code now refuses requests to recreate a specific existing video game, even when the user renames it or calls it original. Anthropic's Addy Osmani confirmed on X on 30 October that two sentences were added to Claude Code's prompt on Opus 5.5, because using Claude to infringe intellectual property is against Anthropic's usage policy.

## How it works

The change is prompt text, not a new model. As reported by X user Chasm, the rule sits under the name "tengu_heron_brook" and reads: "Do build original games, games in a genre, and games from the user's own designs and assets. Do not build a recreation of a specific existing game, even if it is renamed or called original." Chasm reported that there is no way to turn it off.

## Why it matters

Game developers who use Claude Code for ports, remakes or clone-style prototypes may now see their requests declined mid-project. Some users say general reverse-engineering work is also being blocked, but it is not confirmed that the new rule causes this. Claude cannot check whether a user owns the game, and locally run models do not carry the same limit.

## Who it's for

game developers and Claude Code users

## Try it

Original, genre and own-asset games keep working; Anthropic asks developers whose work was wrongly declined to reach out.

## Quick facts

- Product: Claude Code on Opus 5.5
- Change: Two sentences added to the prompt
- Blocked: Recreating a specific existing game, even renamed
- Still allowed: Original games, genre games, own designs and assets
- Reason given: IP infringement breaks the usage policy
- Confirmed by: Addy Osmani (Anthropic), 30 October

## FAQ

### Can I still make a game in the same genre as an existing game with Claude Code?

Yes. According to Anthropic's Addy Osmani, original games, genre games and games built from your own designs and assets are meant to keep working in Claude Code. The new rule only targets recreating a specific existing game, including a copy that is renamed or described as original.

### Can I turn off Claude Code's game recreation rule?

No setting is known. X user Chasm, who first reported the Claude Code rule listed as "tengu_heron_brook", said there is no way to disable it. Anthropic has said it will keep adjusting the guidelines to strike the right balance and asks developers whose work was wrongly declined to contact it.

### Does Claude Code now block all reverse engineering?

That is not confirmed. Some Claude Code users report that general reverse-engineering tasks are also being declined, but Inven Global notes it is unconfirmed whether the new game rule causes this. Anthropic's statement only describes steering Claude away from recreating someone else's specific game.

### Why did Anthropic add the game recreation rule to Claude Code?

Anthropic says using Claude to infringe intellectual property is against its usage policy. Addy Osmani said the two added sentences in Claude Code's prompt on Opus 5.5 steer Claude away from recreating someone else's specific game for that reason. Claude itself cannot check whether a user owns the rights to a game.

## Links

- [Game Developer Report](https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/anthropic-appears-to-have-ordered-ai-tool-claude-to-stop-remaking-video-games)
- [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/anthropics-ai-model-is-now-blocking-attempts-at-video-game-recreation-and-cloning-users-also-claim-non-malicious-generic-reverse-engineering-tasks-are-blocked)
- [Mashable](https://mashable.com/tech/anthropic-takes-steps-to-block-video-game-cloning-and-reverse-engineering)
- [Inven Global](https://www.invenglobal.com/articles/27986/cloning-games-with-one-click-ai-claude-blocks-it)
- [HN Discussion](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50320255)