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Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

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Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#51
post #42
post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Would couldn't they? They do business across most of the world already. Think about how many countries have people with WoW subscriptions. Heck, just take a look at their list of offices: http://www.activisionblizzard.com/locations

Because US law doesn't apply to other countries.

Just about every country in the world recognizes some form and variation of copyright and trademarks.

You do know that, right?

Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#52
post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You don't need to be nervous. Blizzard asking you to take down your copy of their assets is inevitable. No need to sweat it more than that, it's a fact of life. Here's something interesting, an open source Warcraft II style engine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratagus You'll have to adapt the same strategy as they do, or any other engine remake: Host and share your engine, require the user to themselves supply the…

See also https://www.openttd.org a remake of Transport Tycoon Deluxe.

Which over the years and thanks to a massive effort of contributors have managed to create its own set of graphical and sound assets and is now a stand-alone game.

(Still some copyright issues remain)

Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#53

Amazing work! Red Alert next??

To replace sprite images and sounds in my game will easily change it to another RTS like Red Alert, but i'm nervous about the copyright now, I just want to produce my own game for fun so if I make RedAlert, will not upload to github again

For Red Alert, there might not be much problems to do it since they made it a freeware[1] years ago and there are already plenty of projects around it.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Command_%26_Conquer:_Red_Alert...

Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#54
post #5

Looks funny, but I recommend you to remove all proprietary Blizzard graphics from GitHub and possible just recreate repository without it. If you want to host assets there better to keep them in different repository. Otherwise you'll clearly get DMCA because Blizzard has long history of banning any project even remotely copying their products no matter if it's done for fun or whatever. PS: It's also affect repository…

Much thanks for you recommend, I make this game just because I love this old StarCraft game so much and want to realize it in web browser, no plan for make money, and it's much weaker than the original Blizzard game

Yeah, it kind of sucks but there is some ambiguity in the law when to comes to making fan art/games.

But basically as I understand it you can't publicly distribute a game with the same exact title, characters, story and look. You are given some leeway to parody but should tread carefully there too.

So for example: StellarCraft featuring Zerps, Terrags and Protians and use similar but reasonably distinct looks for everyone from the other game would be safer.

Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#55
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Great. Blizzard won't care. But if you like living a risky life, go on. (And yes, I'm blown away by what you have achieved there)

They have to care in some circumstances unfortunately, if they are aware of an IP infringement and don't action it, it can be used as evidence further down the line for bigger infringement cases.

Trademark is the only form of intellectual property (IP) for which selective enforcement is a problem. Presumably the name of the game is trademarked but the images & audio are covered by copyright law, not trademark.

Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#56
post #33
post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> What will Blizzard normally do if they accuse me pirating their assets? Most likely, they will tell you: "shut it all down or we'll sue you into bankruptcy". I recommend taking a look at http://opengameart.org for free (and legally free) placeholder art you can use instead, and changing any names ASAP to remove "Starcraft" and anything directly based on the unit names, etc. (Referencing Starcraft in the README or o…

Can they sue him if he's not in the US though? How is that legally possible?

What do you think is special about the US? Copyright law exists everywhere.

Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#57

this is awesome! please continue and get multiplayer but also don't get busted by blizzard...

Thank you, please don't tell blizzard my game, hope it can live longer in github

They'll find it pretty quickly. You'll want to move fast to protect yourself.

Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#58
post #5

Looks funny, but I recommend you to remove all proprietary Blizzard graphics from GitHub and possible just recreate repository without it. If you want to host assets there better to keep them in different repository. Otherwise you'll clearly get DMCA because Blizzard has long history of banning any project even remotely copying their products no matter if it's done for fun or whatever. PS: It's also affect repository…

Meanwhile, DOTA2 is a thing...

Re: Show HN: HTML5 version of StarCraft

#59
post #5

Looks funny, but I recommend you to remove all proprietary Blizzard graphics from GitHub and possible just recreate repository without it. If you want to host assets there better to keep them in different repository. Otherwise you'll clearly get DMCA because Blizzard has long history of banning any project even remotely copying their products no matter if it's done for fun or whatever. PS: It's also affect repository…

Meanwhile, DOTA2 is a thing...

I suppose going to war with Valve would have been pretty bad PR. Still, Valve was forced to change a bunch of Dota characters' names and visuals so as to not infringe on Blizzard's IP.

Examples: Windrunner changed to "Windranger"; Pudge made to look less like a Warcraft "abomination"-style creature; Skeleton King renamed and remodeled to "Wraith King".

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