A popular Pokemon website, Relic Castle, which served as a hub for fan-made Pokemon games, has recently been taken offline. Established in 2014, Relic Castle provided a platform for Pokemon enthusiasts to explore and create their own fan games, as well as access a directory of hundreds of fan-made games.
The site's owner cited a DMCA takedown notice as the reason behind the sudden closure. In a heartfelt message posted on the site, the owner expressed their regret over the shutdown, stating, "Relic Castle has always been a non-profit, ad-free, tight-knit community, and we pride ourselves in what we have achieved. It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that the forum part of this community has had to come to an end."
— Relic Castle (@RelicCastleCom) March 21, 2024
Despite the closure of the forum, the site's Discord server remains active, and the site itself is still accessible as an archive through the Wayback Machine. The owner extended their gratitude to the community for their support over the past decade, acknowledging the impact Relic Castle had on its members.
It remains unclear who issued the DMCA takedown notice and the specific reasons behind it. However, recent statements from the former chief lawyer of The Pokemon Company shed light on the issue of fan projects facing takedowns, particularly if they garner press attention or begin generating revenue.
In an interview, former Pokemon general counsel, Don McGowan, emphasized the complexities of addressing fan projects, stating, "The worst thing on earth is when your 'fan' project gets press because now I know about you." McGowan highlighted that legal action is often a last resort and that fundraising and commercialization of fan projects are key factors in triggering takedowns.
While the closure of Relic Castle marks a significant loss for the Pokemon fan game community, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by fan creators in navigating the legal landscape surrounding intellectual property rights in the gaming industry.
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