Inspiration limitations.

[KanaX]

In my current project, there's a character that appears mostly in the lore of the story and she does not affect the game in any major way (except perhaps, allow some different endings). I want to imply that she is a character from a different game. She's not given the same name and there's almost no reference of the events that transpire during the original game. I mostly present abstract interpretations of her past and her future to suggest who that character is.

Is that enough to be considered plagiarism? Can I move freely, or should I ask permission from the developer first?

 

[Seriel]

I would think it woukd depend on the game, and the character.

But to be safe, I would contact the developer and see if they are okay with it.

 

[Makio-Kuta]

I don't think it would count as plagiarism per say - if this character is as far removed from the original as you say, but I would still contact the original creator just in case. Because if they found out and were unhappy with it you would run the risk of burning a bridge, and also earning the scorn of someone you are probably a fan of if you are using their character.

Though, with them being so different, I wonder what the purpose of including them as "someone else's character" in the first place is, rather than just making them your own original one. A tribute? A shout out? If they don't have the same name or appearance and don't mention anything from their own life or world, what's the point?

Wait - I notice you didn't mention the appearance. If they deliberately have the same appearance as the original character then yeah, that does become plagiarism. That design belongs to the original creator.

 

[KanaX]

It's one of the two protagonists of a game, with a small amount of characters to begin with. The character's identity is given away by pieces of herself that have taken form and represent parts of her. They are put to situations very similar to the character's backstory.

Random example: If my character of inspiration would be a man that was bed-ridden as a young boy (and that determined a large part of his personality) I would present a sickly boy stuck in a bed.

The character will appear as she is, but due to the passing of time, she will be different.

 

[Makio-Kuta]

Your newest statement seems to contradict your opening post to me? One of your two protagonists has little impact on the game? but anyway - If the game is going to give the player things to specifically crack who that character is supposed to be then Yes. Ask first for sure.

 

[KanaX]

It's one of the protagonists in the original game, while it's a hidden, behind-the-ropes character in mine.

 

[Simon D. Aelsi]

Be careful man, if someone is sharp enough to be able to pinpoint who that character is, they could still call you out on it. (And justifiably so...)

 

[KanaX]

I want people to figure out who she is, that's why I'm concerned.