license enforced on mod creators?

[BlackEyez]

Hey all

I'm thinking of creating a mod but before I jump head-first I'd like to know what kind of license a modmaker must follow? I ask this because I'd like my artwork and 3D models to be used in another project, thus I don't want to spend time on something that will end up "locked"...

[CrysAk]

to my knowledge your art is yours to do with what you like, only under paid contract work when you are creating art for another for money is it "they're" work and you cant use on other projects.

if you haven't signed anything its yours to do with what you like

[WickedPenguin]

One of the big ones is you can't sell the mod.

Let's say you make a nice mutator or a Total Conversion mod, you can't go ahead and sell that mod as a whole. However, the individual artwork and creative assets are yours.

For example, let's say you make a car racing mod. It would be illegal to sell the mod itself as a whole. The mod runs off of Epic-based code and is therefore tied in with their terms of use. However, if you wanted to sell individual 3D car models - which use no Epic assets or code - on Turbo Squid there should be no issue at all. They're your intellectual and creative property.

[BlackEyez]

One of the big ones is you can't sell the mod.

Let's say you make a nice mutator or a Total Conversion mod, you can't go ahead and sell that mod as a whole. However, the individual artwork and creative assets are yours.

For example, let's say you make a car racing mod. It would be illegal to sell the mod itself as a whole. The mod runs off of Epic-based code and is therefore tied in with their terms of use. However, if you wanted to sell individual 3D car models - which use no Epic assets or code - on Turbo Squid there should be no issue at all. They're your intellectual and creative property.

Thanks, that answers my question :)

[Jonny]

Hey all

I'm thinking of creating a mod but before I jump head-first I'd like to know what kind of license a modmaker must follow? I ask this because I'd like my artwork and 3D models to be used in another project, thus I don't want to spend time on something that will end up "locked"...

Hey Blackeyez, that the 'i eat flak for breakfast' eyez i know? If it is, good to see ya here!

[BlackEyez]

Hey Blackeyez, that the 'i eat flak for breakfast' eyez i know? If it is, good to see ya here!

Indeed my friend, indeed ;)

[karmatized]

well the way is see it is this. MAke what you gotta make, if you end up managing to make the next best game out im sure epic or another company will be more then willing to buy / give you a copy of the engine license for a portion of your baby.

[el_hefe@RGS]

Hey all

I'm thinking of creating a mod but before I jump head-first I'd like to know what kind of license a modmaker must follow? I ask this because I'd like my artwork and 3D models to be used in another project, thus I don't want to spend time on something that will end up "locked"...

Note: I am not a lawyer and this post should not be viewed as legal advise.

From what I understand:

If you created something, like a MOD, based on someone else's IP (Intellectual Property), that person or company can take your work away from you. They can even sue you in court for copyright infringement, if they wanted to.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intellectual_property

Keep in mind that a lot of companies invest many millions of dollars into their IPs. And a group of unsupervised modders can do a lot of damage to the IP. Naturally the IP owner could come down HARD on the modders, and shut them down. Of course, there are cases where the IP holder has benefited from the MOD community as well. But no matter what, it would be a GOOD idea to get written permission from the IP owner before you start on a project that uses someone else's IP.

Some examples:
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/13/ms-shuts-down-halogen-mod-why-now/
http://cathodetan.blogspot.com/2006/09/halo-rts-shut-down-fair-use-lecture.html

Fan made art taken and used by the IP holder - very interesting...
http://www.scifi-meshes.com/forums/general-discussion/31044-something-amusing.html

I hope this helps

Cheers!