Justice League game ?

Does anyone know if it is OK for me to create my own little Justice League fighting game as long as its free and for PC ? (Im not going to put it up anywhere, ios droid)

And maybe put a disclaimer saying this game was a created as a personal project or something along those lines ?

And than let people play and download the game from my web site lol ?

(I already feel like I've done something wrong lol)

 

I would be very wary indeed. I don't think that D.C would appreciate you infringing their copyrights. Obviously, I'm no legal expert, but that's my opinion.

Personally, I would rather create my own super heroes. If they happen to look a little bit like an existing character, well... coincidence?

 

No. You would be violating trademark and copyright law. It doesn't matter if it is free or not.

For copyright, there are exceptions for educational works, satire, parody, etc, but a "free game" likely would not fall under any of them.

You could make a game for yourself but as soon as you start distributing it, you would likely get a cease and desist letter if DC found out.

PS: Not meant as legal advice.

 

I think you have asked similar before and the answer is still no. It does not matter if its free, personal project or anything if it can hurt their IP. You need a permission (which you will never get) or else the project should not be available anywhere.

 

With the greatest of respect it doesn't make any difference whether the character is called Superman or Superdude, (I just made up that superhero name, but you can have it, 'cos that's how nice I am) if the game is crap nobody is going to want to play it.

I would prefer to see a good game based on original characters. I'm not saying your game would be crap, XCO, just making the point that allowing yourself the freedom of creating your own characters would take a lot ofpressure off, and allow you to enjoy creating a piece of art, instead of a product.

That's just my opinion, though.

 

I just love these characters and want so badly to make a fighting game with them :|

@ Ostwind is your reply based on legal knowledge ?

Also what if I made it and send it only to WB as a portfolio ?

 

So, technically, a drawing is also a copyright infringement? And if he makes a game for learning purposes, this is not an educational purpose?

I don't think the law is THAT severe..

 

If you've really got your heart set on making a game based on existing characters, here's what you do... Make a game, just for you. Contact D.C and tell them that you love their creations and would like the opportunity to produce a game. Ask if you could license it, or if they would give you a job!

The worse they can do is say no, and also don't use our characters!

Note to self. Log off now, or put the whisky down... lol

 

Yes, a drawing is copyright infringement, and if you tried to sell it without their permission they could prosecute. How many people are currently suing because video games are allegedly using their likeness without permission? Quite a few!

 

Ahhh, BUT I wouldn't try to sell it ? Just for fun ? And possibly a portfolio... It didn't hurt Monty Oum when he created "Dead Fantasy" - if anything it jumped started his career!

 

Copyright holders are not going to go after someone who paints a Justice League picture and gives it to a friend because there are, in general, no damages to prove and it may fall under fair use for derivative works. The key is the level of distribution.

As soon as you are distributing the work, even for non-commercial purposes, copyright law kicks in.

If someone is learning to make a game, that is not "educational" under US law. Educational works can include documentaries, where filmmakers often include images and copyrighted works in order to educate viewers on certain subjects, and traditional works that are educational.

And this is just copyright law. If the author here made a Justice League game, he or she could be sued for trademark infringement. Trademark owners can argue dilution even if the game is not being released commercially.

PS: Not legal advice.

 

No, they won't let you use their characters for a game even if it's free. Why not use one of the thousands of public domain super heroes? How about Captain Science? Or just make up your own.

 

Thanx everyone, I appreciate all the advice. BUT I think after I am done with my next 2 projects I am going to go ahead and make a Justice league fighting game!

Thank you everyone, you have given me lots of great information, but sometimes you have to take risks and this is one I want to take! Thanx again for all the replies!

 

Good luck with the game, and good luck when Superman and Batman turn up to escort you to the precinct!

 

Make a fighting game that has user-customizable characters. Make sure the customization can handle the way you personally want them to look (like specific characters) but don't actually release the game with those characters in it. Make the characters you want for yourself, and let other people make the ones they want. No copyright is broken (unless you distribute your custom characters that are already trademarked) and everyone is happy. Not to mention that your time will be spent making a game that you can actually release.