Toby Fox, creator of UNDERTALE and DELTARUNE, recently posted a PSA to let his fans know about an ongoing issue he’s dealing with.
Important UNDERTALE/DELTARUNE PSA for YouTubers, streamers:
If you upload gameplay of my games, there is a chance your video may get flagged because of the in-game music. PLEASE dispute these claims and they should be resolved.
— tobyfox (@tobyfox) June 6, 2025
He makes it clear that fans shouldn’t worry about playing his games in Let’s Plays. He actually appreciates the content.
But unfortunately, YouTube’s copyright system prevents him from doing anything about it.
I wish there was some way to not have these claims. However, YouTube’s music system forces their existence. And if I try to remove my rights to the music from the system, bad actors will pretend that they own it to claim videos and make money.
— tobyfox (@tobyfox) June 6, 2025
Why doesn’t this happen with every game? Toby explains that this issue is unique to Undertale and Deltarune because of how wildly popular the music is.
By the way, the reason this problem specifically happens to UNDERTALE/DELTARUNE is because the music has so many streams it hit a threshold for increased copyright strike aggression. Not kidding.
— tobyfox (@tobyfox) June 6, 2025
Finally, he wraps things up with a call to action. By tagging YouTube and asking for a fix. He doesn’t seem optimistic though.
All of this is simply because of the way @YouTube‘s system works. if they could fix it so our music / associated music can’t get strikes, that would be amazing. But I don’t think they ever will. @TeamYouTube
— tobyfox (@tobyfox) June 6, 2025
Who can blame him? Ask any big YouTuber how they feel about YouTube’s copyright tools or support, and you’ll probably get an earful.
Overall though. It’s not the worst situation to be in. To be punished because your game and music or simply too good.
If you haven’t played UNDERTALE or DELTARUNE (fun fact: “Deltarune” is an anagram of “Undertale”), definitely go give them a play. I’d say they don’t get enough love, but I’m not sure that’s true given the UNDERTALE’s 10/10 ratings on Steam and it’s many awards including being crowned GameFAQs’ Best Game Ever in 2015.
Already know how great it is? Why not go check out some of the great merch Toby promotes on FanGamer.
