Fan-made Warhammer roguelite Void War removed from Steam after DMCA claim

A unique indie game that combined the tactical space management of FTL: Faster Than Light with the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000 has been removed from Steam following a DMCA claim, leaving fans disappointed and the developer scrambling to resolve the situation.

Released in June 2024, Void War quickly gained traction among fans of both franchises, offering a roguelite experience that many described as a "love letter" to the two beloved settings. The game allowed players to navigate procedurally generated sectors while managing crew and ship systems, all wrapped in the distinctive aesthetic and lore of the Warhammer universe.

The removal came suddenly on January 22nd, when developer updates revealed that Valve had pulled the game's Steam page following a DMCA notice. What makes this situation particularly unusual is the lack of direct communication between the developer and Games Workshop, the company that owns the Warhammer IP.

According to the developer's statements, the only information provided by Valve was that the notice came from Games Workshop's public-facing infringements inbox and was signed by someone named "Mal Reynolds" - a name that coincidentally matches the main character from the cult sci-fi series Firefly. This has led to speculation about whether the claim is legitimate or potentially fraudulent.

Despite the Steam removal, Void War remains available for purchase on itch.io, providing a temporary haven for fans who want to continue supporting the game. The developer has stated they will pursue the "standard DMCA process" to get the game reinstated on Steam while awaiting an official response from Games Workshop.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by indie developers working with established IP, even when creating what many would consider homage or transformative works. Void War wasn't just a simple reskin - it genuinely incorporated FTL's core gameplay mechanics while building an original experience within the Warhammer setting.

FTL: Faster Than Light, released in 2012 by Subset Games, became a Kickstarter success story, raising $200,000 against a $10,000 goal. Its blend of real-time strategy, resource management, and roguelike elements created a template that many indie developers have since attempted to emulate. The game's success demonstrated that there was a hungry audience for tactical space sims with high stakes and permadeath mechanics.

Meanwhile, Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 universe has become one of the most successful and enduring science fiction franchises in gaming and entertainment. From the tabletop wargame that started it all to video games like Space Marine, Vermintide, and Rogue Trader, the IP has proven remarkably adaptable across different media formats. The recent Secret Level animated short "They Shall Know No Fear" demonstrates the continued expansion of the franchise into new entertainment territories.

The removal of Void War raises questions about the balance between protecting intellectual property and allowing creative expression within established universes. While Games Workshop has every right to protect its IP, the lack of direct communication and the unusual circumstances surrounding the claim have left many in the indie development community concerned about similar situations.

For now, fans of the game can still access it through itch.io, and the developer remains committed to fighting the DMCA claim. Whether Void War will return to Steam remains uncertain, but the incident serves as a cautionary tale for indie developers considering projects that blend popular franchises, even when done with clear affection and creativity.