Wizards of the Coast DMCA Hits Fan-Made Baldur's Gate 3 Mod, Larian CEO Reacts

Wizards of the Coast, the company behind Dungeons & Dragons and the Baldur's Gate IP, has recently issued a DMCA takedown notice for a fan-created mod called "Baldur's Village." This mod, which integrates characters from Baldur's Gate 3 into the popular farming simulation game Stardew Valley, had initially received public praise from Larian Studios CEO Sven Vincke shortly after its release earlier this month. Vincke had lauded the mod on Twitter, describing it as a labor of love and an impressive piece of work.

However, the mod's fate took a turn when Wizards of the Coast intervened, leading to its removal from Nexus Mods. A spokesperson from Nexus Mods expressed hope that this was merely an oversight on the part of Wizards of the Coast, who often rely on external agencies to monitor IP infringements. They suggested that the decision might be reversed, emphasizing their support for the mod with a message of "Fingers crossed for Baldur's Village."

In response to the takedown, Sven Vincke once again took to Twitter to voice his support for the mod and to discuss the complexities of IP protection. He highlighted the value of fan mods as a testament to the resonance of a work and a form of organic promotion, distinct from commercial ventures. Vincke expressed his hope for a resolution, stating, "Protecting your IP can be tricky but I do hope this gets settled. There are good ways of dealing with this."

This incident may be indicative of a broader strategy by Wizards of the Coast concerning the Baldur's Gate IP. At the recent Game Developers Conference, hints were dropped about upcoming plans for the IP, suggesting that the takedown could be part of a larger initiative to protect and possibly expand their intellectual property. Alternatively, it might simply be a mistake that will be corrected soon. Efforts to reach Wizards of the Coast for further comment on the situation are underway.