Microsoft retracts DMCA complaint against independent developer Unomelon

Microsoft has rescinded its copyright claim against the independent game developer, Unomelon.

The previous day, February 10, Unomelon highlighted on social media that Microsoft had made a "false DMCA claim" regarding its voxel-based sandbox game, Allumeria, which was available on Steam.

A segment of this claim was shared on Unomelon’s Discord channel, as reported by PC Gamer. Microsoft accused Unomelon of using Minecraft elements “including but not limited to gameplay and assets without authorisation.”

Further posts on the developer's server indicated that the claim could have been automatically generated. GamesIndustry.biz is seeking additional details from Microsoft.

Unomelon subsequently posted email exchanges on its server, confirming that the copyright issue had been resolved.

The developer expressed relief, stating, "This is the best case scenario. The details are still unclear, but whatever took place, it succeeded. Allumeria's Steam page and the game are fully operational again, and I did not need to pursue a counterclaim, avoiding any potential litigation."

Continuing, the developer noted, "I hope automated claims like these are investigated or prevented in the future. Independent creators like myself can suffer significant harm from DMCA claims, whether on platforms like YouTube or Steam."

They added, "I wish for change and hope this incident gives other developers of block games a sense of hope."