Are levels of games copyrighted?

To give an example, this is the well-known first level of Sokoban: http://www.pdatungst...es/sokoban1.gif

Is the floorplan of it copyrighted?

What about more complex levels of more complex puzzle games?

Or what about the layout of a Wolfenstein 3D map?

What about making one level in your game a copy of a level of an older game while all other levels are new, just for nostalgic reasons?

Of course I talk only about the level floorplan, the graphics can be totally new.

Thanks.

1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No
5. Try not to make it exact. Of course you also mustn't use any graphics or sounds or code...

1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No
5. Try not to make it exact. Of course you also mustn't use any graphics or sounds or code...

Nice answer, but can it really be that simple?

No. The complex answer to these questions is always "ask a lawyer", which most aren't likely to do.

The layout of a map could well be described as a creative work, and attempted to be protected via copyright laws... but it's not likely. I mean, even if it is possible for id software to sue you over the copying of a Wolf3D layout, I seriously doubt they'd waste their time "protecting their IP" in such a case.

Remember there's no intrinsic right or wrong with IP protection, there's just the arguments that the court accepts, the arguments the court rejects, and the cases that the court doesn't even hear. Even if you're completely in the right, someone can still present an argument against you in the courts, meaning that no matter what you do, you're never safe from copyright litigation (but yes you can influence the likelyhood of it occurring).

If a 'level' is mostly a game-design exercise, like in a puzzle game, it would be harder to argue for it's protection through the courts.
If a 'level' is mostly an artistic-design exercise, like in an action game, it would be easier to argue for it's protection through the courts.

Nice answer, but can it really be that simple?

OK, since you like long answers (this is a first!): http://www.sloperama.com/advice/faq61.htm

You're asking a question that only a court can answer. Making a level in a military FPS that uses the layout of a DOOM level for a secret lab (for example) with a suitably cryptic name like "We're all doomed" would likely be seen as a homage. If you make the graphics look the same as DOOM and put that level into a Space Marine FPS you are much closer to crossing the line and the IP owner might choose to take action.

Well, the wolf3d code has been released. The code includes the level layouts. it does not however include the art and sound assets.