Anthropic Updates Claude to Fix AI's Video Game Cloning Issue

Anthropic has updated Claude to curb AI-assisted game cloning, following a surge that critics say crossed a tipping point for the gaming industry. The company quietly added a rule in Claude’s system code directing users to build original games, games in a genre, or games using the user’s own designs and assets, while prohibiting recreations of specific existing games—even if renamed or presented as original. Addy Osmani of Anthropic confirmed on X that the goal is to steer users away from recreating someone else’s game because using Claude to infringe IP violates its usage policy. The restriction appears linked to Claude Code and the Claude Opus 5.5 model, with users reporting refusals to perform typical game-development tasks. The timing overlaps with Anthropic’s Oct. 6, 2026 Cyber Verification Program, adding uncertainty.