Games Workshop Targets Warhammer 40,000 Mods on Tabletop Simulator
Games Workshop has reportedly issued takedown requests for popular Tabletop Simulator (TTS) Steam mods that recreate the in-person Warhammer 40,000 tabletop game. While the company has not officially commented on the matter, modders have confirmed the move, with some suggesting that the timing is tied to the recent release of Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition.
TTS is a long-running physics-based sandbox game that allows users to create and play virtual versions of their favorite tabletop games. Since its launch over a decade ago, the platform has grown into a hub for community-created content, with thousands of mods available on Steam Workshop. Among these are several high-profile Warhammer 40,000 mods that enable players to simulate the game digitally, often using the latest rules and units.
The Impact of Takedown Requests on the Modding Community
This week marked the release of Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition, the latest iteration of the company’s flagship tabletop game. The new edition features updated rules and units, along with expensive box sets that fans must purchase, assemble, and paint to play in person. However, some players prefer the digital experience offered by TTS mods, which allow them to engage with the game without the cost and logistics of physical miniatures.
Two of the most popular TTS Warhammer 40,000 mods have been taken down from Steam Workshop. Hutber, a modder who released an 11th Edition map for TTS just a week ago, confirmed the removal in a Reddit post. They stated that the map was taken down "after a request from GW" and acknowledged that Games Workshop has the right to enforce its policies.
Another widely used mod, ForceOrg, was also removed from Steam. TTS modder Seaborne shared the news on Reddit, noting that the mod was taken down due to Games Workshop’s actions. Seaborne lamented the situation, saying, "Regrettably, this is going to be our version of the Dark Age Of Technology." They explained that new users can no longer subscribe to ForceOrg, and existing subscribers may still be able to use the mod, but the future of the project remains uncertain.
Why Now? A Clash of Interests
Games Workshop is known for aggressively protecting its intellectual property, often issuing takedown requests or using DMCA strikes to remove unauthorized content. Earlier this year, the company reportedly pulled a strategy game called Void War from Steam, citing a DMCA takedown over the use of a Warhammer 40,000-themed shoulder pad image.
Seaborne speculated that the current crackdown on TTS mods is linked to the release of Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition, as the company may be concerned about potential revenue loss. If players can enjoy the game digitally, they may not feel the need to purchase the physical box sets, which are a major source of income for Games Workshop.
However, some fans argue that TTS mods are essential for playing with friends who may not live in the same area or have other limitations that prevent in-person gameplay. The modding community has also been a lifeline for some players during the Covid-19 pandemic, and many have continued using these mods even after lockdowns ended.
The Future of Warhammer 40,000 on Tabletop Simulator
Despite the current challenges, the TTS Warhammer 40,000 modding community has weathered similar situations before and eventually resumed its work. Seaborne noted that the continuation of ForceOrg will be determined in the next 48 hours, but they expect the situation to be a temporary setback.
In the meantime, modders are advised to hide, delist, and create backups of their work until the situation stabilizes. While the takedown requests may disrupt the community for a short time, the broader trend suggests that the demand for digital recreations of Warhammer 40,000 will persist, even if the company continues to push back against such efforts.
