Problem for indie developer Daikichi: Valve blocks demo of Wired Tokyo 2007
Intelligence Summary
- Valve has blocked the Wired Tokyo 2007 demo over alleged IP infringement, leaving Daikichi wondering why he can’t use his own work.
Problem for indie developer Daikichi: Valve blocks demo of Wired Tokyo 2007
Japanese indie developer Daikichi has seen the demo for his upcoming game Wired Tokyo 2007 blocked by Valve over alleged infringement of a third party’s intellectual property rights. The situation raises questions about Valve’s internal review process and the complexity of copyright, especially for indie developers.
What is Wired Tokyo 2007?
Wired Tokyo 2007 is a vertical 3D action game in which players climb upward through the vast skies above Tokyo. The game promises a unique experience where new abilities can be gained by diving back down, with the slogan, “A climbing game where falling matters.” The demo is said to contain about a third of the final game and is currently marked as “Coming soon” on Steam.
Valve’s block
Daikichi said in a post on the social media platform X that the block was triggered because a motif from a board game he previously made was seen as infringing a third party’s intellectual property. The board game in question is Dinostone, which he developed himself. The situation is especially confusing for Daikichi because he owns the rights to the board game.
Daikichi’s response
In his statement, Daikichi stressed that he simply wants to use his own intellectual property rights. He questioned why Valve is demanding a legal explanation confirming that he owns the rights to his work, and said he cannot afford a lawyer as an indie developer. That has led to a bizarre situation in which the developer had to prove he has the right to use his own creations.
Timeline
April 29, 2026: Daikichi posts on X that the Wired Tokyo 2007 demo has been blocked by Valve, sparking confusion over the intellectual property rights involved.
May 1, 2026: Daikichi says he has prepared a signed document granting him permission to use all works he created, including board games, and has resubmitted it to Valve for review.
May 4, 2026: The situation surrounding the demo block remains unresolved as Daikichi and the gaming community wait for a response from Valve.
The impact on indie developers
The block on the Wired Tokyo 2007 demo highlights a broader issue indie developers face when it comes to intellectual property and the rules of platforms like Steam. While major game studios often have the resources to challenge legal questions, smaller developers like Daikichi face significant hurdles that can limit their ability to innovate and publish.
Conclusion
Daikichi’s situation with Valve is an example of the complicated relationship between indie developers and established platforms in the gaming industry. While the future of Wired Tokyo 2007 remains uncertain, the incident raises important questions about how copyright is handled and the need for better support for independent developers.
