Anthropic Updates Claude Code to Distinguish Game References From Copy Requests

Anthropic’s Claude Code version 2.1.317 now uses named games as references for requested genres or mechanics and offers a similar original project when users ask it to reproduce a title.

The earlier instruction in Opus 5.5’s prompt sought to keep Claude from helping users violate intellectual property rights, which Anthropic’s usage policy prohibits. However, it could also block a request when someone named a game only to explain the mechanics they wanted in a new project.

The revised behavior separates those uses. When a game name describes the genre or gameplay a user wants, Claude can draw on that reference to make an original game. If asked to reproduce the named title, it offers to create a similar game instead.

The revised version clarifies how the rule applies to genre references while keeping the response to a copy request focused on a similar, original project.