Hey guys,
I want to do a spinoff of a popular game series, but have cameos from some of the main characters. I know that I can't sell the game, I have no problem with that. It would have to be distributed for free.
My question is, am I allowed to pay an artist to create sprites from the licensed characters? Does that break copyright?
I've commissioned fanart before and as long as it's limited release, they've been fine (they only sell 100 copies), but I haven't moved into the world of video games.
I also understand that many of you aren't lawyers, but I thought maybe you could get me pushed in the right direction.
Thanks so much!