If you’ve logged into the Dreamervse in the PlayStation 4 game Dreams, you’ve undoubtedly come across levels that are made with characters and IP owned by various game companies beyond Sony.
One popular gaming franchise that is getting a lot of attention inside Dreams is Mario, and Nintendo is reportedly not very thrilled with its franchise being used in this manner. Creator Piece of Craft wrote on Twitter (via GoNintendo) that Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe recent contacted them with a message from Nintendo stating its objection to the use of Mario in Dreams.
As you can see in the image below, Piece of Craft’s creation has been removed from Dreams on the basis that it “contains copyrighted material.” Plenty of other Mario levels inside Dreams remain online and available, however, including “Super Mario Infinity,” which you can see at the bottom of the page.
Good news and bad news
We flew too close to the sun boys! A big video game company who i will keep nameless obviously didn’t read my “be cool” note in dreams
no worries though have a back up plan. But for now Mario projects in dreams are on hold until i put said plan into effect pic.twitter.com/ifGDM0jFZ3— Piece of Craft (@Piece_of_Craft) March 20, 2020
The email came through to the same email i have linked to my psn but it was from the legal and business affairs Division of Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
so not from Mm.
And stated Nintendo, themselves, had objected to my use of their Super Mario IP in Dreams— Piece of Craft (@Piece_of_Craft) March 21, 2020
Mario is just one of many copyrighted franchises that exists in Dreams right now. These kind of takedown notices are likely to continue as company’s take notice and take action.
Dreams is much more than a game. It’s a suite of robust game-making tools that have spawned countless fascinating and impressive creations.
For what it’s worth, Dreams developed Media Molecule plainly and openly stated before launch that players who made levels based on copyrighted materials should expect their creations to be removed.
GameSpot’s Dreams review scored the PS4-exclusive a 9/10. “It’s a stunning achievement that encourages limitless creative expression, a place where people can come together, collaborate, and explore each other’s imaginations,” reviewer Richard Wakeling said.
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