Fan Games….

[Nature Guardian]

Okay, so can we make a game centered around something we like like maybe pokemon or something that's copyrghted without getting sued or anything? (I'm a newb so just asking)  :embarrassed:

[Robin]

You can, but it's breaking copyright law.

[chiccora]

Fan games do get shut down once in awhiloe but at the same time there are a ton of fan games that stick around. Just hope the company doesn't find out haha…just try not to make a profit and you will be good. Most of the time the company will send a cease and desist letter ordering to shuttdown the game.

[Nature Guardian]

@chiccora:

> Fan games do get shut down once in awhiloe but at the same time there are a ton of fan games that stick around. Just hope the company doesn't find out haha…just try not to make a profit and you will be good. Most of the time the company will send a cease and desist letter ordering to shuttdown the game.

So it's okay if they don't find out and you don't make a profit on it?

[chiccora]

In that case you will be fine…just check out the fan games on eclipse and the dozens of together maker fan games. You will most likely be fine statistically speaking.

[Robin]

@Nature:

> @chiccora:
>
> > Fan games do get shut down once in awhiloe but at the same time there are a ton of fan games that stick around. Just hope the company doesn't find out haha…just try not to make a profit and you will be good. Most of the time the company will send a cease and desist letter ordering to shuttdown the game.
>
> So it's okay if they don't find out and you don't make a profit on it?

No, it's not okay then. What you're doing is called copyright infringement and no doubt trademark infringement as well, if you're going to be putting their game's name in yours.

Saying it's fine if they don't find out is like saying murder, robbery and fraud is okay if no one finds out.

Use your brain.

[balliztik1]

Certain companies don't mind. I'm pretty sure Nintendo doesn't mind Mario or Zelda fan games. Not sure about Pokemon.

Either way, it's not the best idea to give a fan game a shot as your first Eclipse project. A big part of game creation is creativity. Once you have a good grasp of the engine and how to make your own game, then a fan game actually has a chance to turn out nicely. This is the main reason people hate fan games so much around here. Most of the time they are made by new users who just slap things together poorly.

That aside, yeah, there's not been a problem with fan games much, that I know of.

@Robin:

> No, it's not okay then. What you're doing is called copyright infringement and no doubt trademark infringement as well, if you're going to be putting their game's name in yours.
>
> Saying it's fine if they don't find out is like saying murder, robbery and fraud is okay if no one finds out.
>
> Use your brain.

This. It IS copyright infringement and is illegal.

Like I said above, though, certain game companies don't mind, but it might be a good idea to ask first.

[Patrick]

@Robin:

> Saying it's fine if they don't find out is like saying murder, robbery and fraud is okay if no one finds out.

But with most cases of fangames, they are commiting genocide.