Anthropic's Claude AI blocks video game cloning and reverse-engineering — sweeping new restrictions also hit legitimate developers and basic troubleshooting tasks

Anthropic's Claude AI models, specifically Claude Code and Opus 5.5, are reportedly blocking attempts at video game reverse-engineering and cloning. This includes the use of popular tools like Reverse Engineer Anything (REA). The restrictions appear to stem from a new text rule instructing the model to avoid recreating specific existing games, even if renamed or claimed as original. The rule aims to curb a flood of AI-generated cloned titles and address extortion scams targeting game developers. However, the broad enforcement is also affecting legitimate developers, who report refusals for standard game development tasks such as replicating game mechanics, patching tabletop-like games, and midway development work. While the exact rule text is not officially confirmed, it is considered plausible given the clear refusals encountered by developers over the past week.

(Source：Tom's Hardware)