Questions about Legality of Remaking Maps from Games - Developers

I have a question about the biggest question that almost always needs to be answered: legality. Basically, I am remaking a map from a pretty old yet popular game (not saying which one; wouldn't want someone to steal it after planning it for months). I am not sure if it is legal or not because the general layout from the map would be taken semi-directly (I would redesign a few things for sake of gameplay) from the game I am deriving it from. I know quite well about copyright law and I feel I may be violating it. I would be taking the layout and some of the prop models from the game, although the materials and brushwork would be made by me since I am attempting to make it much more detailed than it was in-game. So, I ask you this: Would I get sued if I pursued this endeavour?

Depends on what game it's from. Some companies don't mind so long as you don't sell it. However, companies like Epic Games will mind.

Ok. It's a game from Rockstar. Does that clear anything up?

Try just emailing them and asking.

I don't think they can do anything, as long as you don't try to sell it in a mod (Which they can't do anything about if you also recreate models/textures, but they might get a little pissed if you rip models)

[QUOTE=Armotekma;19600646]I don't think they can do anything, as long as you don't try to sell it in a mod (Which they can't do anything about if you also recreate models/textures, but they might get a little pissed if you rip models)[/QUOTE] Well, I am ripping models, but only as references to my brushwork. There are going to be no ripped models. Some materials might get ripped but only logos for in-game companies and organizations (The Police Department's logo, for example). I am ultra paranoid about these things. I mean, I am scared shitless that I am going to get a letter in the mail detailing a multi-million dollar lawsuit against me. In fact, it's to the point where I am planning to just drop the whole project and run away and never look back.

I'm sure you'll be fine. I don't believe Rockstar has a history of going after modders for things like this. What are you planning on doing, specifically? The older the game, the less they'll care (if at all).

If you're recreating it without using the content of it, it's perfectly legal.

[QUOTE=Marlwolf78;19600842]I'm sure you'll be fine. I don't believe Rockstar has a history of going after modders for things like this. What are you planning on doing, specifically? The older the game, the less they'll care (if at all).[/QUOTE] I am making a L4D2 campaign out of the various locations from Vice City. [QUOTE=ssa gib A;19600841]If you're recreating it without using the content of it, it's perfectly legal.[/QUOTE] Well, the problem lies that I am using locations from the game and placing them in this campaign. I am using the models from the game to make a to-scale representation of all locations. Since I am using the models (to an extent) and the locations from it, I would still consider it "using content". [editline]09:30PM[/editline] Also, if they did plan on shutting down my project, would they sue me outright or would they just notify me that I am violating the copyright and ask that I abandon it or else they will sue?

They're not going to have a problem with stuff from Vice City, I can almost guarantee it.

[QUOTE=Fhenexx;19600959] Also, if they did plan on shutting down my project, would they sue me outright or would they just notify me that I am violating the copyright and ask that I abandon it or else they will sue?[/QUOTE] This thread is pointless, I don't know how people like you get the assumption that people from game companies have nothing better to do than go on Facepunch and look for people recreating locations from their games. A rich company like that doesn't give two shits about what you do.

I know it sounds silly, but I am very, very paranoid about these kinds of things. I mean, paranoid out of my mind. I mean, they could easily sue the living shit out of me for even considering the idea, and that'd ruin not only my life but the lives of my family and people who depend on me. I rather that I take any and all precautionary measures so I never have to risk putting me or anyone I know at risk of something like that.

[b] TAKE A FUCKING CHILL PILL [/b] NO ! You really cant sue people for haveing a idea... Also Please have riped TONS of stiff from there games - they havent been sued now have they? They dont give a fuck as long as you dont sell them - You can rip and Re-texture them as then that cannot sue you As far as copyright - are you copying there game? to the point were its almost as if its the same?

If they would care, it would be on behalf that you were inspired by their part of the city. They would be happy, not sue you.

[QUOTE=Fhenexx;19600959] Well, the problem lies that I am using [b]locations from the game[/b] and placing them in this campaign. I am using the models from the game to make a to-scale representation of all locations. Since I am using the models (to an extent) and the locations from it, I would still consider it "using content". [/QUOTE] You do know what Vice City is based of Miami, right? So I see no danger there. Besides, the GTA modding community is huge, so you'll be fine. At most, they'll tell you to stop.

Email them. Ask Permission.

[QUOTE=Fhenexx;19600428][b]I have a question about the biggest question that almost always needs to be answered: legality.[/b] [/QUOTE] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/fp/rating/cross.png[/img]

It's perfectly fine. For a start they won't really care. Just don't try and sell it.

[QUOTE=Fhenexx;19600959] Also, if they did plan on shutting down my project, would they sue me outright or would they just notify me that I am violating the copyright and ask that I abandon it or else they will sue?[/QUOTE] I can almost guarantee you that they're not going to care if you make and distribute a multiplayer L4D map based on an eight-year-old singleplayer game. That said, if for some insane reason in a parallel universe they decided to take issue with it- no, they wouldn't sue you. They'd send you a Cease and Desist and ask that you take it down. For the record, I've seen plenty of maps intended to imitate things from other games, in many cases using directly ported assets, and I've never heard of anybody even getting a C&D. If you were asking for money it might be slightly more complicated, but no, you'll be fine.

[QUOTE=Pilotclan9404;19602995][b] TAKE A FUCKING CHILL PILL [/b] NO ! You really cant sue people for haveing a idea... Also Please have riped TONS of stiff from there games - they havent been sued now have they? They dont give a fuck as long as you dont sell them - You can rip and Re-texture them as then that cannot sue you As far as copyright - are you copying there game? to the point were its almost as if its the same?[/QUOTE] *sued* The summon will be delivered to you shortly. :)

[QUOTE=killer89;19605742]*sued* The summon will be delivered to you shortly. :)[/QUOTE] Why? I dont get it

No offence OP, but you're being an idiot. If you're this worried, why are you using anything from their games? Just play the game, take some screenshots, and map it from that. Don't use their textures, make your own or request them here. Not everything has to be identical. Besides; [url]http://www.garrysmod.org/downloads/?a=view&id=51536[/url] [url]http://www.garrysmod.org/downloads/?a=view&id=45537[/url] [url]http://www.garrysmod.org/downloads/?a=view&id=47728[/url] [url]http://www.garrysmod.org/downloads/?a=view&id=56403[/url] [url]http://www.garrysmod.org/downloads/?a=view&id=46318[/url] [url]http://www.garrysmod.org/downloads/?a=view&id=85335[/url] [url]http://www.garrysmod.org/downloads/?a=view&id=66785[/url] [url]http://www.garrysmod.org/downloads/?a=view&id=66965[/url] I'm pretty sure none of them got sued - if they did, the file would have been removed.

[QUOTE=Sodisna;19605012]You do know what Vice City is based of Miami, right?[/QUOTE] Yes, I know very well that Vice City is based off of Miami. However, I am choreographing my campaign to follow Vice City's layout and all buildings and landmarks will remain intact. In other words, you will pass by important areas of Vice City, all of which are much more detailed then they were in Vice City.

[QUOTE=ssa gib A;19600841]If you're recreating it without using the content of it, it's perfectly legal.[/QUOTE] Intellectual property of the actual design. But unless it's an exact copy of an area that's completely distinct in itself they can't do shit, if they would anyway.

[QUOTE=Pilotclan9404;19602995][b] TAKE A FUCKING CHILL PILL [/b] NO ! You really cant sue people for haveing a idea... [tab]See 1.[/tab] Also Please have riped TONS of stiff from there games - they havent been sued now have they?[tab]See 2.[/tab] They dont give a fuck as long as you dont sell them - You can rip and Re-texture them as then that cannot sue you As far as copyright - are you copying there game? to the point were its almost as if its the same?[tab]See 3.[/tab][/QUOTE] 1. It isn't an idea anymore. I am implementing it as we speak. 2. I am aware of that. However, I foresee this becoming major as it might attract fans of the GTA franchise (so long as I do my job right), and it might attract attention from Rockstar if it becomes too major, unlike a few model rips which barely send any real, long-lasting excitement. 3. In a way, yes. I am copying the game to the point that it is almost the same. I am just making areas more richly detailed; almost all the buildings are going to remain roughly the same design-wise.

Go to the models and skins section, see all those models ported from games? Nobody has been sued for them, so just do what you want.

OP, I really think you're [I]trying[/I] to make a problem. Tell you what, make the map. If you get sued, I'll tell them I made it. [editline]09:49PM[/editline] But only if it's not crap.

[QUOTE=~ZOMG;19613811]OP, I really think you're [I]trying[/I] to make a problem. Tell you what, make the map. If you get sued, I'll tell them I made it. [editline]09:49PM[/editline] But only if it's not crap.[/QUOTE] So you'd just get credit right?

Only if he gets sued. I've got a reputation to uphold with the police.