Relic Castle, a website repository of fan-made Pokémon games, has been taken offline following a reported Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown notice. Read on to learn more about the situation.
Relic Castle Gets Taken Down
Website Archive and Discord Server Still Available
Established in 2014, Relic Castle served as a platform for Pokémon trainers and fans to play, access, and discuss various fan-made games within the Pokémon franchise. "We have something to offer players and developers, both old and new," the site prided itself.
However, it has been taken down as of today due to a reported DMCA takedown notice. Relic Castle posted a message on Twitter (X), confirming that the site has been closed. With over 20,000 members and 65,000 posts, the forum had become a significant hub for Pokémon fans.
"Relic Castle has always been a non-profit, ad-free, tight-knit community and we pride ourselves in what we have achieved. Members have felt at home, made friends, and even careers with us," the site owners wrote in their message. "The Discord server is not going anywhere, and the site is still visible as an archive using the Wayback Machine."
Although the specific sender of the DMCA notice was not disclosed, it is presumed to have originated from the Pokémon Company, given Pokémon's track record. The Pokémon Company has a reputation for taking action against fan projects that they deem infringe on its IP rights.
In a recent interview with news site Aftermath, The Pokémon Company's former chief legal officer revealed that the company actively monitors major fan projects but they "don't send a takedown right away." The former officer said that Pokémon typically refrains from immediate takedowns but may act if developers attempt to monetize their projects.
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Pokémon fan game repository taken down by a reported DMCA notice
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