making an RPG Version of an NES classic game...

[PlayBoyMan]

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were about this, and if this is posted in the wrong place, please move it, and accept my apologies - It's 4:30 in the morning as I type this.


For the longest time, I've always wanted to do an RPG Version of a classic NES game called Blaster Master.


The only problem, is the game might be owned by nintendo or the game's creator Sunsoft.


I was thinking of asking permission from Sunsoft to make a game like this, but I know that won't yield any results in my favor (They'll say NO).


But, this need to make this RPG is calling to me, a lot.


Should I just throw caution and make it, or not? Thoughts?

 

[AestheticGamer]

I think it'd be wiser to make an original game maybe inspired by the game if concerned on legal stuff. If it's for non-profit, you can try, but know they may send a cease & desist if they feel like it. That will vary company to company, some are welcoming of those sort of fan games, some are apprehensive to them.

 

[Tuomo L]

But there already is an updated version of the game made by the same people who did the original.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blaster_Master:_Overdrive

 

[Kes]

It is never a good idea to make a version of a pre-existing game.  Not only are you in a quagmire of copyright and trademark issues (those 2 are not the same) which will inevitably spill over into illegality, you are also going to ensure that any player will be spending their time comparing your game with the original, not experiencing your game in and of itself.  Making a game based on/inspired by another might solve the second issue, but you are still going to have to be immensely careful about the first one.  Is it worth it?


Note, this particular forum is for discussing game making principles as they apply to several possible games, not just one in particular, so to keep the discussion broad, I suggest posters address the general issue, rather than the specific.

 

[Matt Mats]

I think thats not a good idea, too.


It's better when you create a game which is inspired by the game.


You don't want to get in trouble with a million dollar lawyer, do you?  

 

[Euphony]

It's funny, some of us were just talking about this kind of thing in the wake of Pokemon Uranium being taken down by Nintendo. If a free fangame like that gets taken down, a remake most definitely would. So no, don't do it. You said it yourself, you know the original developers wouldn't grant you permission, so why would you bury your head in the sand and make it anyway?


Echoing what others here have said, use the games you love as inspiration, not a template. Game development is a time-consuming hobby - don't waste your time and effort with a doomed venture when you could be creating something original. In a world where everything and its mother is being remade, we need more originality and creativity.

 

[Burns]

If it's a Nintendo game don't bother, because it will have the same fate as this one.


https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/08/09/metroid-ii-remake-goes-bye-bye/

 

[Lantiz]

You can do a similar game, but improved with new features.


Stardew Valley is a recent case of success regarding this issue.

 

[bgillisp]

I wouldn't bother. Nintendo jealously protects their IP by issuing C & D orders as soon as they learn about the game, which can result in anything from having to remove the game to thousands in fines.


Plus, in some areas of the world, they HAVE to issue the C & D as soon as they learn, or it is considered abandonment of the trademark, which would mean ANYONE could make a game on that idea and they would have no recourse. Sure, it sucks, but that's the law. And that is also why they took out the other two remakes, to avoid the issue.


So...just make your own game. Seriously. It's not worth it to copy someone else's.

 

[LightningLord2]

Wow, Nintendo (allegedly) sends one takedown and they're put on the same level as Disney. There's like a million other fangames that Nintendo left alone for decades. They officially endorsed non-profit fangames if they're not doing stuff like character assassination or so. Just look at the hundreds of garbage-quality Pokémon fangames if you want proof of it.


That said, a fangame is probably fine for a small scale product that doesn't spread too far - if you want to make a big project, people will hold up your game to the standards of the one you're working with.


PS: Pokémon Uranium wasn't taken down by Nintendo - the maker took it down themselves to avoid it happening.

 

[Euphony]

@bgillisp I dunno, it seems like in many cases Nintendo waits until the game is officially released to issue a takedown notice. Which isn't super effective because once the game is online, people are going to find it even if it gets taken down. Like why not do it when the game is still under development (assuming there was buzz about it)? Maybe it's Nintendo's cheeky way of allowing those games to exist while still covering their asses? If so, pretty clever.


In any case, I agree, a fangame or remake isn't worth the trouble, regardless of how popular the original was. Besides, it's much more rewarding to come up with your own ideas and build your own universe!

 

[PlayBoyMan]

Thanks for all the replies. 


I'm taking it all to heart, so as much as I would like to make a fangame, I won't.


I'll stick to the games that I'm making now. Original and legit.

 

[Frogboy]

Just call it Master Blaster.

 

[Kes]

No, don't.

 

[PlayBoyMan]

Don't worry everyone. 


I'm not going to go through with it. 


The Cons outweigh the Pros greatly.