still game mechanics could be patented and if so any clone can be sued. But still there is to many games like that so it became popular mechanism.
still game mechanics could be patented and if so any clone can be sued. But still there is to many games like that so it became popular mechanism.
No Fano, you are wrong. The game mechanics can't be patented, copyrighted or anything. What can be registered is the source code of a software, the way it is made, not the results, the idea. If you invent a match-3, register the code and I can do the same thing, using your idea with other methods, if you sue me, you will lose.Originally Posted by Fanotherpg
In general, you cannot put any kind of restrictions on specific mechanics or game methods in any form. My current project uses the same general algorithm that Super Mario Galaxy uses to determine planar normal angles- and this is something they can't copyright in any major country or international organization (not that they would need to, as my project is a completely different game).
The best way to learn what is copyrightable is to look at the licences that pop up when you install games. Those big walls of texts you skip over to hit "I AGREE". In general, you can patent a specific means of doing something, but not the idea in general. You could patent a device that calculates some mathematical formula (ie a TI-89), but you cannot patent a mathematical formula (ie the pythagorean theorum)
The best way to understand this is by reducing it to absurdity. You can't patent general methods of doing things, because that would be like patenting math itself. Imagine if someone patented the concept of "Addition". You could patent an "Adding Machine", any any graphics, source code, sounds, likenesses, story, characters, or other specific elements, but you can't patent a fundamental concept.
So you're free to reproduce a "Bejeweled Clone". You cannot use the name "Bejeweled", nor can you use their exact game rules, nor can you use their likeness, graphics, sounds, etc.
You can't use the name, graphics or sounds.. but the "likeness" term is quite vague. Jewels falling and swap mechanics are very similar to Bejeweled and still, can be used. People can use a similar sound when a combination is made, similar effect, etc. There is no protection to idea of mechanics, only to how it is implemented as 'tangible' asset of the game/product.
Just ignore all that nonsense.
Enoki Films wanted my X-Bomber game to close down in 2008/9 but it's not in anyone's interest to spend money taking you to court.
As long as you've made no profit from the making of your game and you haven't deprived them of any profit there's nothing they can claim from you. They'd be spending money on a civil action for nothing and damage their reputation in the process.
But I would say this: If it does ever happen to you - don't expect Clickteam to treat you as a valued customer. When I started a thread asking for help with the matter they were kind enough to lock it.
The mentioned thread is here and contains about as much decent advice as I think you could reasonably expect.
If they end up taking you to court, keep coming up with reasons that you can't be there. Eventually the other party will get fed up and not show up. Else it works with speeding tickets >_>
Or, the easiest way to avoid going to court? Throw a couple fresh mechanics on top. They could theoretically shut you down if you making an exact clone, but take Puzzle Quest for instance? Throw some RPG elements on top of the gameplay and you have a fresh take on Bejeweled! Then of course you have Popcap's response in Gyromancer, which is basically the same thing but uses Bejeweled Twist's mechanics instead of the standard Bejeweled ones.
have you actually made a game? start there.
Awesome advice
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