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A24 Is Reportedly Copyright-Striking Backrooms Content It Doesn’t Own
A24 has reportedly been issuing copyright strikes against independent artists and developers who have created content inspired by the "Backrooms", the eerie liminal-space internet phenomenon that the studio adapted into a film. Because the Backrooms originated as collaborative online folklore rather than a piece of owned intellectual property, many affected creators and observers have questioned the legal basis for A24's takedown requests, arguing the studio is claiming ownership over material that predates, and is broader than, its own film.
Examples cited include an artist whose Backrooms-themed wallpaper design was removed from Redbubble, and the developer Davilkus Games, whose Google Play account was reportedly banned after three strikes, taking down their game "Exit the Backrooms: Level 94". Several other small developers were said to have been hit in a wave of bans on 3 July, while larger studios were unaffected. Kane Parsons, director of A24's Backrooms film, responded on Reddit that he was "looking into" the situation and said the strikes "should not be happening", though A24 itself did not comment on the reports at the time of publication.
In short
- A24 reportedly copyright-struck indie Backrooms fan content it doesn't own
- Redbubble artist and Google Play developer Davilkus Games hit with strikes
- Backrooms film director Kane Parsons says strikes "should not be happening"
Explained simply
The Backrooms is an internet phenomenon that originated as collaborative folklore online, describing strange, unsettling spaces created and shared by many contributors. It developed over time with no single creator or copyright holder. A24, a film studio, adapted this existing internet culture into a feature film.
A24 has reportedly issued copyright strikes against independent artists and developers who created Backrooms-inspired content, including a designer whose wallpaper design was removed from Redbubble and the developer Davilkus Games, whose mobile game was taken down after receiving three strikes. Multiple smaller creators report being affected, whilst larger studios appear to have been spared.
The strikes have provoked questions because the Backrooms originated as internet folklore created and shared by many contributors before A24's film, raising doubt about whether the studio has the right to claim ownership over this material. The film's director, Kane Parsons, indicated he was investigating the matter and suggested the strikes should not be happening, though A24 itself has not publicly commented.
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