Allumeria Sandbox Game Removed After Microsoft DMCA Claim
Unomelon, the developer of Minecraft-inspired sandbox game Allumeria, claims that Microsoft has filed a DMCA takedown notice that resulted in the game’s removal from a major PC platform. The developer stated on Tuesday that Microsoft sent an email claiming a specific screenshot infringes on their copyright, which they describe as a “false DMCA claim.” The screenshot in question shows a forest scene with birch trees, oak trees with green and autumnal leaves, pumpkins, and weeds on grassy dirt. While there are similarities to Minecraft, the developer is now determining their next course of action.
According to Unomelon, the DMCA claim specifically targets a screenshot showing a forest environment. The image features birch trees, oak trees with both green and autumn-colored leaves, scattered pumpkins, and weeds growing on grassy terrain. While the scene bears some resemblance to Minecraft’s aesthetic, the developer maintains this constitutes a false copyright claim. The game’s page and demos remain visible in database listings, though links redirect to the platform’s homepage, while an older version is available on alternative distribution sites.
Allumeria is a procedurally generated, first-person voxel sandbox game focused on exploration, building, and terraforming. Players can explore caves and dungeons, build farms and homes, and customize their world. The game includes online multiplayer, which was showcased in a January demo. Unlike Minecraft, Allumeria places greater emphasis on action and adventure elements, with boss fights and expanded combat systems making it more comparable to a 3D version of Terraria according to the developer’s description.
One of Allumeria’s distinguishing features is its advanced building and lighting systems. The game allows players to change the shape of any block dynamically, enabling creations like glass stairs or dirt fences. It also features a full RGB light engine for creating various atmospheric effects, from dimly lit cabins to bright neon cities. The developer notes that caves are more abundant than in similar games, reducing the need for strip mining and offering unique biomes, plant life, enemies, and structures. While the situation remains unresolved, this DMCA dispute highlights the challenges indie developers face when creating games in established genres.
