Wizards of the Coast has recently enforced a DMCA takedown on a popular Stardew Valley mod called "Baldur's Village," which introduced characters from Baldur's Gate 3 into the farming simulation game. This action came shortly after the mod received public praise from Larian Studios CEO Sven Vincke, who had lauded the mod's creativity and dedication on Twitter.
The mod, released earlier this month, quickly gained attention and appreciation from the gaming community. However, the celebration was short-lived as Wizards of the Coast, the holder of the Dungeons & Dragons and Baldur's Gate intellectual properties, issued the takedown notice. A Nexus Mods spokesperson expressed hope that the decision might be an oversight, suggesting that Wizards of the Coast often relies on external agencies to monitor IP violations.
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, "Free quality fan mods highlighting your characters in other game genres are proof your work resonates and a unique form of word of mouth." Vincke advocated for a more nuanced approach to handling such mods, distinguishing them from commercial ventures that infringe on IP rights.
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. At the recent Game Developers Conference, hints were dropped about forthcoming plans for the IP. Whether the takedown of "Baldur's Village" was a deliberate move in this context or a mistake remains to be seen. Wizards of the Coast has been contacted for further comment on the situation.
