Copyright rules I do not want to cross

[LouisLouiz]

Hey I'm making a new game fully based around music and how it effects the level, basically your a guitar adventurer yada yada yada, but in it I've put the base plans for a secret level (activated by entering a code into a computer that spells out "SS13-Project-Colonial-Marines") this level is heavily based on this server and it's background (don't worry I won't steal sprites) and because of that, a lot of places and sprites in that level will look very similar to this server's, I was wondering if I could get the go ahead for it, I would post the game download on this forum once it's done and hey, if people like it and I start making money of my things I'll be sure to make sure all staff (and probs some friendly members of this community) would get free copies of everything including add-ons, further more I would come to this community first for beta testing the game and possible other games.

[apophis775]

I have to say no. And let me explain:

We function under Code 17, article 103 and article 107 of the Us Copyright code (A derivative, non-profit work that does not affect the market value of the original copywritten works)

As such, I can ***NOT*** Give any legal permission or authorization to use anything that references us (or Anything we reference) for anything that would be used for profit at all. To the point that, the reason WE remain legal, is that we are non-profit. Any donations cover the server host, and other minor dev costs (like upgrades to the remote or hosting the private git) and no one makes any money, thus allowing us to slightly fall under fair use. This is also why we only have donations open every so often, because we are not trying to make money off of this.

If you *were* to make the game and it had the secret SS13 level based on CM, you have alerted me, which would legally REQUIRE me to file a DMCA claim against your game because it's a for profit derivative work. Which would ALSO legally require me to alert the IP owners of Colonial Marines, Alien, Aliens, and Predator/Predators of an infringement on THEIR copyrights.

Copyright is a VERY VERY VERY slippery slope, and I'm sorry it has to be this way, but for us to continue to function legally as we do, we have to maintain and adhere to VERY STRICT legal guidelines. It basically boils to this:

Alien/Aliens/Predators and any "referenced" material in our game, is copywritten and owned by Fox.
All the code, sprites (without a reference/basis in the previous copyright), and gameplay mechanics (again, that don't replicate existing mechanics in the source games) has the copyright resting with us.
The Medical/Chemistry/Master Controller base code, has the copyright resting with exadv1.

Thus, if you attempt to use anything based on any of those for profit, it's an entire shit-show which would more than likely end with Fox paying lawyers piles of money to shut you down, then suing you to reclaim any "theoretical" losses, and the money they spent on lawyers.


This is sort of how music companies get the ability to go after people for giant piles of money. Because they are able to go after you for any and all losses, including legal expenses to stop you from violating copyright.


If your REALLY interested in this (copyright law), and in the Northern Illinois area, let me know and I can get you a seat in a Digital Works Copyright class at the college I teach at.

[monkeysfist101]

...well fuck

[coolsurf6]

I think the easter egg can be related to ss13 in general but i am not sure on that.

[MedicInDisquise]

I think the easter egg can be related to ss13 in general but i am not sure on that.

SS13 is pretty much fine as a freeware game, but anything relating to movie references (which lets be honest is 90% of ss13) and this server need to be toned down if you don't want to tread on dangerous lines.