About other RPG Maker Games

[slimeborgi]

There were two on the Gameboy Color that I'm talking about.

and

These are chocked full of of 8bit tunes/graphics and I'm wondering could someone take these apply it to say RPG Maker VX or MV and also be able to sell said product? They are owned by Enterbrain and ASCII and have the RPG Maker name.

I'll probably look more into this, but it would certainly help anyone looking to make 8bit style RPG Games along with breaking the mold of using those standard default graphics (bleh). I'd make a resource thread of these ripped graphics if that's actually possible. IF...

Edit: Event if it's not it's a great source for studying these type of graphics. It just dawned on me so I'll be digging into some files!

 

[Andar]

There are several non-PC RPG-Makers (for example for PS2 or NDS as well), but they are not covered by the same licence and their resources can't be interchanged with the PC-based makers. In some cases converted resources were made available in the shop.

And no, posting links to ripped resources is NOT allowed and can get you banned from this forum.

 

[slimeborgi]

Welp can't say I didn't try.
From that logic posting a youtube video with anything in it that's not your's could get you banned... no?

So I take it this site has beef with the likes of Spriters Resource and Zophar's Domain? (sites dedicated to ripping) If it's not to be used commercially why is it an issue? These sites take down stuff when asked by the companies, however most companies don't care or haven't done anything to stop them.

 

[Tai_MT]

Much of what is on YouTube falls under "Fair Use". Which is to say, you're providing commentary atop what you're showing, you're doing a review of it, doing parody, or other things along those lines. There are instances where YouTubers receive legitimate copyright strikes (I know, we only ever hear about the ones that aren't legitimate) and have lost their channels as a result.

As for ripped sprites and such, that's really your problem if you're doing that. However, these forums and this website won't host your game or provide links to it, provided it has the issues of ripping content from other games. I don't know the exact reason this website doesn't like the ripped resources (aside from them usually being super massively illegal), but my guess is that they don't want to be liable for anything if litigation comes down the pike and claims that the website or forums is distributing this illegal content and be hit with fines and damages for doing so. To that extent, even banning links to external ripping sites is a fantastic idea, because it means you don't even promote the illegal activity (which can be all sorts of illegal in and of itself).

Essentially, it all comes down to the law and to liability.

Besides, even if you don't make a dime using the ripped assets, you're still subject to C&D orders and maybe litigation yourself for "copyright infringement". Smart game makers know to steer clear of such things, because it never bodes well for your personal reputation or the quality of your games. It's also a good way to lose a lot of work you put into a game.

 

[slimeborgi]

That makes sense. Some people take the risk. If you take that route make sure you have a backup plan.
I'm not for taking something that's not yours and calling it your own, but those resources(sprites and such) do provide a lot inspiration/help. They provide good references for those trying to do their own custom graphics but don't know where to start. (animations tilesets and more)

Example
My avatar is 100% custom, but I learned to do pixel art by observing nes game videos and ripped resources. I would say there's tons of people out there who're in the same boat.

 

[Pine Towers]

I learned to do pixel art by observing nes game videos and ripped resources.

So do I. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"
Everyone, when starting anything, at first must copy something already done (draw art, pixel art, music, programming...) before creating anything themself.

Off course, no ripped resources must be used in a final game, but even AAA developers reuse resources as placeholders when making games. The problem arrives with what @Tai_MT said, sadly. So, to avoid any headaches, a more strict control must be used.

 

[Sharm]

I asked about using the PS1 RM resources ages ago (since I have a copy). I was told no, that none of the console RM's resources could be used on the computer versions (except the DS ones if you bought the pack of course). I got the impression that the legal rights would be difficult to untangle and that they'd need to be turned into a graphics pack and that they weren't interested as it wouldn't be worth the expense and effort. I don't remember what was said to give me that impression, it may have been my own musings.

Using screenshots and rips as references is completely different from using them as a resource. I don't think anyone is going to have issues with you looking to the console makers as a learning tool, or even talking about the consoles for that purpose. You just can't post the rips or talk about creating rips here. It's a legal thing. This is the official business website after all, there are extra rules that must be followed.

 

[Wavelength]

Welp can't say I didn't try.
From that logic posting a youtube video with anything in it that's not your's could get you banned... no?.

False. That is not ripping a resource; it is showing it. You can post a screenshot of your RPG Maker 1 (PS1) game in these forums if you want (as long as it's in the appropriate topic, probably "video games"), no problem - but you can't post a file that contains usable, ripped resources from RPG Maker 1 for people to use in their PC RPG Maker games. That's pure and simple theft.

The reason we see very little about the "RPG Tsukuru" (RPG Maker) series on the GameBoy or Playstation in this forum is because (I believe) the forum is run by the PC RPG Maker series' publisher Degica, whereas the GB/PS RPG Maker series were published by Agetec. As Sharm mentioned, the legal rights would be difficult to disentangle, although we can hope that one day they will get it done. For example, Degica apparently secured the rights to sell a legal music pack containing RPG Maker 3's music, as you can see by the fact that it's available as a "Music" product in this site's store!