Venturing into the world of derivative works in gaming can be thrilling, but understanding the rules is crucial. If you’re crafting a new game inspired by a story, novel, or movie, you usually need permission from the original creator. But sometimes, you can bypass this requirement.
Cre: DALL-E
Here’s the scoop: if the work you’re drawing from is in the public domain, you don’t need special permission. It’s like having a free pass to Grandma’s kitchen—no need to ask if you can use her classic recipe. However, knowing what qualifies as a public domain can be tricky. Typically, if the work was created a long time ago and its copyright has expired, it’s fair game. But just because a story is old doesn’t mean you can use every detail.
Take the trendy game “Black Myth: Wukong” as an example. This hot new title draws from the ancient Chinese myth of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. The original myth itself is in the public domain, however, a film adaptation of the myth created in the 80s is still under copyright protection. This means if you wanted to use elements from that 80s film, such as its specific visuals, dialogue, or character designs as they appear in the film, you’d need to get permission from the film’s copyright holder.
So, the key is to differentiate between the original public domain work and any adaptations or specific representations of it that are still under copyright.
Now, let’s break down how to play it smart. If your game draws from a myth or previous work, don’t merely copy it. Instead, craft new adventures and introduce fresh elements. Just like “Black Myth: Wukong” does—while it’s inspired by the Sun Wukong legend, it doesn’t copy the myth verbatim. Instead, it takes the core idea and spins it into something new and original. Think of it as taking Grandma’s classic beef stew recipe and adding your own special ingredients. The core concept remains the same, but your creative twist makes it uniquely yours.
Here’s a simple guide for navigating derivative works:
Public Domain Magic: If the work is in the public domain, you can use it without permission. Just make sure you’re using it correctly and creatively.
Use Ideas, Not Details: Focus on the core ideas or themes of the original work. Avoid copying specific scenes, character designs, or exact plotlines. Instead, create something new that feels inspired by the old.
Be Creative: The less you rely on exact details, the more you can innovate. Use the original work as a springboard to launch your own unique creation.
In essence, when developing a game based on an old story or myth, it’s like remixing a classic hit. Use the general idea but craft something new and exciting. This way, you honor the original while making sure your work shines with originality.
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