Wizards of the Coast has recently issued a DMCA takedown notice targeting a fan-created mod for Stardew Valley titled "Baldur's Village," which integrated characters from Baldur's Gate 3 into the game. This action came shortly after the mod's release earlier this month, which had garnered public praise from Larian Studios CEO Sven Vincke, who lauded the mod's creativity and dedication on Twitter.
Despite the initial positive reception, the mod was removed following the DMCA notice from Wizards of the Coast, the company that owns the Dungeons & Dragons and Baldur's Gate intellectual properties. A spokesperson from Nexus Mods expressed hope that the takedown might be an oversight, suggesting that Wizards of the Coast often relies on external agencies to monitor IP infringements. They remain optimistic that the decision might be reversed.
In response to the takedown, Sven Vincke took to Twitter once more to voice his support for the mod while acknowledging the complexities of IP protection. He emphasized the value of fan mods, stating that they serve as a testament to the resonance of the original work and should not be treated as commercial threats. Vincke expressed his hope for a resolution, hinting at more constructive approaches to handling such situations.
This incident may be part of a broader strategy by Wizards of the Coast to protect the Baldur's Gate IP, especially in light of upcoming announcements about the franchise's future, as hinted at during the recent Game Developers Conference. Whether the takedown of the Stardew Valley mod was a strategic move or an error remains to be seen. Wizards of the Coast has been contacted for further comment on the matter.
