What can you legally do with a clone/remake of an old video game, like Tetris for example? I'm talking about clones that, for the most part, are identical to the original games (close enough anyways). Is it ok to distribute it online free of charge, or put it in the showcase here at GameDev? I assume that as long as your games are for non-profit, then all is ok. Is this basically true? And if it is, do I really have to give the game some bogus title, even though it's obvious that it's just a remake of another game?

Quote: Original post by slowmikeI assume that as long as your games are for non-profit, then all is ok. Is this basically true?

That's not true. I can't say what is allowed, but I know that even when non-profit, you can run into legal troubles.

Quote: And if it is, do I really have to give the game some bogus title, even though it's obvious that it's just a remake of another game?

Yes you do. Those games' titles are copyrighted by their owners and as such are not yours to use legally.

FAQ on the subject.

Quote: Original post by NickGravelyn

Quote: And if it is, do I really have to give the game some bogus title, even though it's obvious that it's just a remake of another game?

Yes you do. Those games' titles are copyrighted by their owners and as such are not yours to use legally.

Names are protected by trademark, not copyright.

Copyright protects creative works.
Trademark protects names, logos, and other marks
Patent protects processes and procedures.


The gameplay concept of falling blocks can be copied, because the concept is neither copyrigtable nor currently patentable.

Basing your game on anything beyond simple gameplay concepts is a really bad idea.