"Mario Clone" - Copyright Issues?

WhileTrue · 2004-05-06T14:58:30

I've seen several sidescrolling mario clones out on the net. They do a good job of getting similar to the classical NES mario game. My project is to take the classical Nintendo (NES) Mario Bros. game, and put mario in a 3d terraneous world. Not so much a "city in the sky" like Mario 64, but a solid, terranous land. Imagine green sloping hills, with a bright color yellowish road going between them, and the turtle monsters moving around in 2d instead of 1D from the classical mario. Blocks floating mid-air that you can jump on and get "coins" from, etc. Now, legally, what can I get away with? 1) Is it copyright infringmenet to go into Milkshape and create a model of the turtle monster, or the other squishy monsters from classical Mario and use them in my game ? 2) Is it copyright infringement to go into Milkshape and make my own version of mario and use him in my game ? 3) Is it copyright infringement to make a Midi music file that is very similar to the classical Mario theme music? 4) Polycount has a great Mario MD2 file. If I get permission from the author of this model, is it copyright infringement to use this Mario MD2 file in my game? Some might say "Well, just go ahead and make a new model, don't make it a plumber, make something entirely new, and replace the turtles with sheep or something. " Sure, that's one approach that I'm sure would 'work'. But I am really trying to capture the classical Mario feel. I *want* a mario character in the game, and I *want* the familiar turtle monsters and I also *want* the classical Mario MIDI music. Now, I'm not ripping any of the media from Nintendo's products, I am recreating it. And as far as the programming goes, it is 100% original. Afterall, this is mario, in a 3d terraneous world, it is going to be a very different game, but with similar media. Suggestions? Also, 5) How do you think a prospective employer might react to this as part of a job application? I think they might enjoy a really WELL DONE 3d version of classical mario. And the familiar media/monsters/sounds/music might put a nice smile on their face. There are nice, friendly emotions that might surface at seeing their old hero back in 3d action, with the same 'atmosphere'. Am I right? Or will they immediately dismiss it as garbage because even though the programming is really cool, the media is just recreated? Keep in mind I would be applying for a programming position. [edited by - WhileTrue on May 1, 2004 11:03:53 PM]

Games Business and Law Business

Started by WhileTrue May 01, 2004 09:58 PM

12 comments, last by WhileTrue 20 years, 6 months ago

Onemind

265

May 05, 2004 12:34 PM

Its not legal to create a mario look alike (Remember Hasbro suing every indy game developer a few years back), but Nentendo will probably ignore it if you don''t charge for your game.

ripsnorta

122

May 06, 2004 10:40 AM

quote: Original post by Onemind
(Remember Hasbro suing every indy game developer a few years back)

What ended up happening with that?

VBBR

150

May 06, 2004 10:53 AM

Also how many 2D mario clones are out there? AND using the original artwork from the mario games? Google for "Mario Clone" or "mario-like game" or something like that and you''ll find out you can spend the rest of your life playing mario clones.

So you'll create an MMORPG, uh? Well, what about reading THIS?

slaction

114

May 06, 2004 02:58 PM

I''m with RuneLancer on this one.

Sounds just like Mario 64 to me.

http://www.freeiPods.com/?r=9414019

"Mario Clone" - Copyright Issues?

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"Mario Clone" - Copyright Issues?

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