how do big companies feel about non-profit developers (like me) using their sprites in our games. for example, i have an explosion sprite borrowed from quake3 in my game - would idSoftware sue me if i released the game before replacing the sprite? (keeping in mind that my game is free ''n all)

You''ll probably be fine, but they could sue, it doesn''t matter if you release it freeware or commercial its still the same, but in all honesty they probably wouldn''t even bother with a small free game.

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Freeride Designs
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damn it, i''m a nobody and everyone uses my graphics already... 3 people alone have copied my game for their project so who gives a ****