Anthropic has modified the system prompt for its Claude Code AI on the Opus 5.5 platform to block requests that aim to recreate specific, existing video games. The change was first reported by Tom’s Hardware and confirmed by Anthropic’s spokesperson, who said, “We added two sentences to Claude Code’s prompt on Opus 5.5 to steer it away from recreating someone else’s specific game because using Claude to infringe IP is against our usage policy.”
Anthropic’s move reflects its broader usage policy that prohibits the generation of content that violates intellectual-property rights. By embedding the restriction directly into the model’s prompt, the company aims to prevent the AI from being used as a tool for producing unauthorized copies of commercial titles, a practice that could expose both developers and users to legal risk.
The updated prompt explicitly preserves the ability to develop original games, genre-based projects, and titles built from a user’s own assets. Anthropic stated, “Original games, genre games, and games built from your own designs and assets are meant to keep working,” signaling that creative endeavors that do not copy existing IP remain fully supported.
Anthropic indicated that the prompt adjustment is part of an ongoing iteration process. The company added, “We’ll continue to iterate to ensure we’re striking the right balance. In the meantime, if Claude turns down something that’s yours, send it my way,” inviting users to report false positives and help refine the system’s behavior.
The policy shift arrives amid a surge of AI-driven reverse engineering in the retro-gaming community, where tools are being used to decompile, recompile, and port classic titles to new platforms. Industry observers have noted that such activity raises concerns about copyright infringement, prompting several AI providers to reconsider how their models are applied to existing game assets.
Despite the new restriction, Claude Code remains available for developers who wish to craft entirely new experiences. Anthropic’s statement makes clear that the AI can still assist with game design, scripting, and asset generation, provided the output does not replicate protected works, thereby supporting innovation while respecting creators’ rights.