Microsoft and Epic Games have filed DMCA takedown notices against browser recreations of their games, Kotaku reported on October 26. Both companies have been vocal supporters of generative AI.
Microsoft's notices covered browser ports of Minecraft, Call of Duty and Halo. Epic's targeted a Fortnite browser port from October 10.
Kotaku counts these among hundreds of notices that also cover recreations of Slay the Spire 2, Celeste and RimWorld. Its headline argues that "now that the shoe is on the other foot," the two companies "suddenly agree that AI is theft."
Magica reported that Mojang's notice covers a network of 111 repositories built around Eaglercraft, a long-running browser version of Minecraft.
Tim Sweeney responded on October 27, saying no one may use Fortnite IP without permission. He also confirmed that Epic currently restricts AI training on outputs from Unreal Engine and MetaHuman, and said the company is "working to remove this restriction from EULA terms."
Why it matters: until now, the debate over cloning has mostly centered on indie developers protecting unreleased games. The largest platform holders are now using copyright law the same way while still promoting AI tools to developers. That draws a clearer line: building with AI is welcome, but recreating another company's game is still infringement, however it was made.
What to watch next is the Unreal and MetaHuman EULA. Removing that clause would change what Unreal projects can legally be used to train.
