Wizards DMCA Strikes Baldur's Gate 3 Mod, Larian Responds

Wizards of the Coast has issued a DMCA takedown notice targeting a popular Stardew Valley fan mod that integrates Baldur's Gate 3 characters, despite public endorsement from Larian Studios CEO Sven Vincke. Vincke has since responded to the legal action.

PC Gamer reports that the mod, titled "Baldur's Village," seamlessly blends Baldur's Gate 3 characters into Stardew Valley's world. Shortly after its release earlier this month, Vincke praised the creation on Twitter, calling it "an incredible labor of love with amazing attention to detail."

However, the mod was recently removed following legal action. A Nexus Mods representative told PC Gamer that Wizards of the Coast, as rights holder for Dungeons & Dragons and Baldur's Gate, initiated the DMCA takedown. "We're hoping this was an administrative oversight," the spokesperson stated. "WotC frequently employs third parties to identify copyright violations, and we remain optimistic they'll reconsider. Our fingers are crossed for Baldur's Village."

Vincke addressed the situation again today via Twitter, expressing continued support for the fan project while acknowledging intellectual property complexities:

IP protection presents challenges, but I'm hopeful for an amicable resolution. There are constructive approaches to these situations.

— Swen Vincke @where? (@LarAtLarian) March 31, 2025

"High-quality fan mods that celebrate your characters across different gaming genres demonstrate your work's cultural impact," Vincke explained. "They represent organic marketing rather than commercial infringement. While IP protection requires care, I believe there are positive solutions available here."

This incident may relate to Wizards of the Coast's broader plans for Baldur's Gate. Recent Game Developers Conference discussions hinted at imminent announcements regarding the franchise's future. Whether the mod conflicted with these plans or resulted from procedural error remains unclear. We've contacted Wizards of the Coast for clarification.