3 ms·

I don't understand why talented artists and programmers sink their time in projects that are so likely to get shut down by the IP's rights holders. Why not put

I don't understand why talented artists and programmers sink their time in projects that are so likely to get shut down by the IP's rights holders. Why not put all that effort into creating something new that they completely own? Are people so smitten to franchises? Remember how Square Enix shut down Chrono Resurrection (Chrono Trigger 3D fan remake)? All that work down the drain, and it was such a predictable outcome, too. Maybe this is a way to get attention. Get your project noticed, get a C&D from a big company and generate even more buzz, then change the game's theme and retain some of the original fan base.

danso 13y ago
Well I think this underscores the value of intellectual property and trademark, doesn't it? It's not difficult to copy the beloved game mechanics in a role playing game...but what interests gamers is more than just the game, but the emotional attachment they have to characters and storylines. (no, I'm not justifying these takedowns and I would love a Chrono Trigger remake...just pointing out how much writing/branding contributes to the value of any story-based medium, including video games)
- null_ptr 13y ago
  Sure, it's easier to make a game when the characters and story lines were already made for you. I'm not sure I agree with the ethics of it though in the context of independent games. Creating a quality backdrop for a game is hard work, and these people, just like the Chrono Resurrection team, are taking a cheap shortcut. I don't see this as any better than using ripped sprites and ripped sound effects. I'd prefer to see original content get this kind of attention instead.
  - crumblan 13y ago
    It's infringement and it's fine that the content owners send out their C&D's. I doubt there is any malice, though. I seems more like they just loved the game and want it to continue in some form than they are trying to get attention.
    - smartwater 13y ago
      That is the incentive behind all the remakes, but it doesn't change anything. In life, intent doesn't mean much. It can be a slap in the face sometimes as well. Besides, commercial intent is inevitable when they start to grow.
      - crumblan 13y ago
        You are not correct on this one. Intent is greatly meaningful in life and under the law. Commercial intent with a derivative work is not inevitable, nor is their growth inevitable.
        smartwater 13y ago
        I agree that intent can be meaningful in a court of law. But try the intent excuse with a woman or in a business transaction and it might not matter. Sure it could, but it's usually the end result that really matters. Intent translates to something along the lines of, "I tried, but something happened and now you're not getting what you expected" -- sounds like falling short to me. I'd much rather just get exactly what is expected and agreed upon.
  - acjohnson55 13y ago
    At the same time, it's a shame to see good potential material go undeveloped simply because it's in someone's IP warehouse, stagnating. IP protection has societal benefit when it protects innovators who are actively enhancing their works, but when things just sit, it's not particularly socially helpful. It's analogous to the sort of patent troll that sits on a patent for a specific technology that they're not bothering to exploit, but sues everyone who does. I understand people need to protect their brands, and that it's impossible to know whether a given work might be exploited in the future, how to resolve conflicts if a derivative work offends the original author, or whatever, but I definitely believe that our current IP regime is waaay overprotective in many cases and is having a chilling effect on business, science, and the arts.

danso 13y ago

Well I think this underscores the value of intellectual property and trademark, doesn't it? It's not difficult to copy the beloved game mechanics in a role playing game...but what interests gamers is more than just the game, but the emotional attachment they have to characters and storylines. (no, I'm not justifying these takedowns and I would love a Chrono Trigger remake...just pointing out how much writing/branding contributes to the value of any story-based medium, including video games)

null_ptr 13y ago
Sure, it's easier to make a game when the characters and story lines were already made for you. I'm not sure I agree with the ethics of it though in the context of independent games. Creating a quality backdrop for a game is hard work, and these people, just like the Chrono Resurrection team, are taking a cheap shortcut. I don't see this as any better than using ripped sprites and ripped sound effects. I'd prefer to see original content get this kind of attention instead.
- crumblan 13y ago
  It's infringement and it's fine that the content owners send out their C&D's. I doubt there is any malice, though. I seems more like they just loved the game and want it to continue in some form than they are trying to get attention.
  - smartwater 13y ago
    That is the incentive behind all the remakes, but it doesn't change anything. In life, intent doesn't mean much. It can be a slap in the face sometimes as well. Besides, commercial intent is inevitable when they start to grow.
    - crumblan 13y ago
      You are not correct on this one. Intent is greatly meaningful in life and under the law. Commercial intent with a derivative work is not inevitable, nor is their growth inevitable.
      - smartwater 13y ago
        I agree that intent can be meaningful in a court of law. But try the intent excuse with a woman or in a business transaction and it might not matter. Sure it could, but it's usually the end result that really matters. Intent translates to something along the lines of, "I tried, but something happened and now you're not getting what you expected" -- sounds like falling short to me. I'd much rather just get exactly what is expected and agreed upon.
- acjohnson55 13y ago
  At the same time, it's a shame to see good potential material go undeveloped simply because it's in someone's IP warehouse, stagnating. IP protection has societal benefit when it protects innovators who are actively enhancing their works, but when things just sit, it's not particularly socially helpful. It's analogous to the sort of patent troll that sits on a patent for a specific technology that they're not bothering to exploit, but sues everyone who does. I understand people need to protect their brands, and that it's impossible to know whether a given work might be exploited in the future, how to resolve conflicts if a derivative work offends the original author, or whatever, but I definitely believe that our current IP regime is waaay overprotective in many cases and is having a chilling effect on business, science, and the arts.