Legend of Zelda Fan Game

Hello to everyone who is currently viewing this, and my name is Connor, and I am the Project Manager at TREindustry.


We are creating a Legend of Zelda fan game. The title is not set in stone as of right now, but a placeholder name for the game is "Legend of Zelda: Ages of Darkness". The concept behind the development will be very similar to Yakoma's post/project for LoZ here where the main purpose of the project is to teach people things they don't already know and pretty much, it is mainly a learning experiance.

The project began about a year ago when I was not as skilled. Of course since I had hardly any idea as to what I had been doing, the project had failed, but a year later, after working on a few other projects and learning a lot more skills, I feel that I am ready to begin the project again, working a little harder with a different approach.



Some of the basic concept is here:

Art Style:
*edit* The actual art style to the game will differ throughout the game. As of right now, the game will not be featuring a story line, and will be a spin off of the series. Don't worry though, the game will still be featuring combat. There will be multiple maps for it, some will be using windwaker style graphics, and others will be like Twilight Princess graphics.

Terrain Examples:


Some others can be found here

Some models:
A sword
Old Master Sword
Another sword
and yet, another sword
Sorry about all the models being swords

Placeholder logo

Possible Link
anddd a Link model WIP made by Angel
These two both have the possibility to not be in the game.

Animation:
Animation is very important to the game as well, as there will be many parts to it. The animations will range from idle animation for main characters, walking and running animations for characters, as well as combat animations for enemies and characters. There are many more animations that will be needed, but those will be discussed more in detail when the time for them comes. I will be needing only 1-2 animators.

There are no examples currently as most of the used material currently are placeholders.

Programming:
Programming is not necessarily the most needed position as I do program myself and do actually have another programmer helping out(and he is a lot better than most people I have met), but that does not mean that I will not be accepting any programmers that want to help out! If you can program fairly well(meaning you are not a beginner and have a lot of bugs with your codes) and you really want to help out, you will be needed.

Sound/Music:
In all of the Legend of Zelda games, there is always a VERY strong source of music and sound. All of the themes and the sounds are very powerful and are always very nostalgic for players. For this section, you don't have to be very skilled as much as you do have to be very creative and good at creating melodies. The songs should be very catchy and actually have the LoZ feel to them, I want players humming the songs when they're playing the game, as well as when they're not. Also the sound is a very big part as we need sounds for the characters, gui, and others. I will be accepting no more than 2 composers and 2 sound FX people. Last, the compositions for the music should be fully orchestrated, live, or cg, doesn't matter. An example of what I am looking for can be found here, though you don't have to be nearly as good.

We do not currently have any composers working with us, but currently we have permission from the musical talent Dummeh to use any of his work.

Concept/StoryLine:
As of right now, there will be no story line. For what I can tell you about concept though is that the game will be featuring a unique system to LoZ games. Also there will be an advanced combat system so you don't just stand there and button mash/whack the crap out of enemies.

Website:
The website is also very important to how we present our work to the general public. We will be needing somebody experianced in setting up websites, as well as getting them up and running publicly. You will have to create it for me, however, if you will not be paying for the expenses of it(which would be helpful for me) I will pay for the hosting and the domain eventually. But for now, I would prefer someone with knowledge of HTML5 or wordpress or something of the sort, and we will be using a free domain(.tk or something) until we show more material and go public.

If you would be interested in helping out, we would really need it. If you don't really specialize in any of the above, it is okay, as we may still would be interested in your help as this is more of a learning experience.

Also, before you go commenting on here in a negative way, and trying to flame me on how I am infringing copyright, the project is all for fun and a learning experience for all of the members. The game will also be nonprofit. We are protected under the Copyright act of 1976 under section 107.

Sorry for the images and examples of the sort are mainly under links as I didn't know I was limited to 5 images, it still thinks I have 5 images when I only have 3, so all of the other models and renders are links to images. Sorry!

After reading all of this, if you have played(and enjoyed ) any Legend of Zelda game, and would be very interested in joining the team to produce our Legend of Zelda game, AND you would be willing to work for us free, you can either pm me on here, email me here, with what you are capable of doing, some of your work(example, images, models, etc.). I will respond ASAP, but know that I check my email MUCH MORE than I do on the Unity forums, so your best offer would be to email me. Responding by email, I will respond within 24 hours(no long wait for response) and also I will be asking for a quicker form of communication(i.e. Steam).


Thanks for taking the time to read all of this, regardless of if you are interested in helping or not,
~Connor

 

copyright violation? hmmm.. good luck.

 

I do understand that Nintendo has the right to shut us down completely, but this merely is for fun as well as for a learning experience. If we get shut down, so be it. I will still have enjoyed the time I put into it. But if it is relatively not popular, we should be okay as Nintendo would have to go through the process of finding our game, making sure it's infringing copyright, do some act of shutting it down, then make sure it's shut down. That's a lot of work for a project that is honoring their work that won't harm them at all. Also if you look at the Copyright act of 1976 under section 107, we should be pretty clear.

 

Making sure? Simply read the damn title. Good luck with this.

 

I don't understand why it's so much of a big deal to you people to flame at me because I'm "violating copyright" If I want to waste my time, so be it. If you have nothing positive to say, I would prefer that you don't say it at all. Also there are plenty of Legend of Zelda fan games out there already, and I haven't seen them get shut down. I can guarentee you this will not get shut down, and if it does, then all I have to say is that I had fun making it and you guys were right.

 

Are we flaming you? We're trying to help you. You don't understand the law do you?

 

Sorry, you guys kind of do come off negatively. And regarding law, I do not understand why it is a big deal if it is violating the copyright. The worst that will happen is that they shut us down. The project is not that big of a deal regarding Nintendo, and if it was, then it would be shut down. If it does happen to get shut down, it is not the end of the world. Also, I do intend to eventually attempt at getting permissions from Nintendo, regardless of whether they respond or not. Also, you say you're trying to help me, I would like to know what you're helping me with. If it's saving me the time of starting this project and learning more as well as enjoying the time in it, then I think I will pass on the help.

 

Because it's simply not your property, it's nintendo's IP. Meaning..NOT YOURS. I don't know how to get the point across. It's the law, google what that means. Seriously. All you're saying is, I'm going to do this because the worst thing that can happen is a potential law suit. You're 15 I'm assuming by your 97 in your username. You should know better.

Get permission. LOL.

 

Here is one of the biggest things I have been going by, http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html the copyright act of 1976 section 107. Also I can't get the point across to you that it won't be a big deal as we are doing this for the fun of it and the learning experiance. Do you think that all of the Nintendo fan games and Nintendo fan stories as well as all of the Nintendo fan other sorts of stuff like videos are worried about it? No they aren't because Nintendo won't do anything about it. If they do, the worst possible thing that they will do is shut down the development. Also if they were that big on it, they would have already found a way to shut down the use of ROMs and emulators as those are 100% illegal and are used more often than this game would be played.

 

that act has no bearing when you have a game so you are misinformed if you think your protected under that act. whether you will be distributing, freely or not; The fact that it would potentially be going around the internet is grounds enough for a lawsuit. The copyright act of 1976 is used alot in youtube videos for mainly music or clips of videos. not games. but do what you want, your ass. lol I would advise anyone thinking of getting into this project that they are wasting their time as you can't make a zelda game and put the portfolio up as your own when its based on original work that is not yours. We aren't trying to be negative, we are just trying to save you a lot of pain and trouble that could very well arise from this. good luck dude. Truth be told I don't think anyone is going to take your project very seriously when you have little or no real progress work to show.

 

hey looks good i like the idea you should have the art style like the first game "pixel".

 

By "pixel" you mean like the original top down Legend of Zelda on NES?

 

Also, if in time it does appear that I will have to do something about the copyright or the project will be shut down, then I can easily change the name and such because Nintendo couldn't have trademarked green clothing and hexagon shaped currency as well as other things in game.

I can honestly say that I have not posted nearly as much of the stuff as I could have. You see, I will be posting more as time goes on, but as for now I just want to keep it basic as to what I will show. I will release more stuff through videos testing mechanics and other stuff to show that I am serious about the project. But as for now, I will leave it like this. If you don't like it, you're entitled to your own opinion, but I would kindly ask for you to leave and not post your opinion. Thanks.

 

He's not selling it, it's for non-commercial use. You can't get in trouble if you aren't selling it. If it's for personal entertainment, what could they do?

 

I made a Zelda fan game back in 2010 called Zelda II FPS. I never got a cease and desist order from Nintendo. However a Starfox fan game I read about did get one and they had to shut down the project. I think one of the reasons I wasn't stopped was because I didn't mention I was working on it until it was almost done. The Starfox guys were raving about their project all over the internet and that got Nintendo's attention.
I say go ahead and use this project as an opportunely to learn and get better at game development, however I recommend you keep it under the radar. Maybe make a blog about it that interested people can look at, but try not to post about it on too many game forums or else it might look like you are trying to steal Nintendo's ideas by making your own full game based on them.
Good luck, I hope the project works out for you.

 

Thanks man! I have/had no intentions whatsoever to make this go big and huge. The intention was to get a small team together, no larger than 10 to work on this project all together and then actually release it, and the target audience be pretty small. Also, just searched up Zelda II Fps on youtube and I have to say I like how you incorporated the 2d older games into the 3d environments. Thanks for the good wishes!

 

Now see, I really don't mind what the OP does, but this is really bad advice. Other people might read comments like this and mistakenly believe there is an ounce of truth to them. It's absolutely false to say that you can't get in trouble if you aren't selling it. Unless you fall into one of a particular group of categories (which the OP doesn't) then whether you're selling it is entirely irrelevant. Even if it did fall into one of those categories, it is merely a mitigating factor which will be taken into account. It's not an immunity.

 

Make your game, Nintendo cant sue unless you are trying to profit off it, they can only "request" you C&D but they would be foolish to try to take you to court over this.. FanMade content never hurt any I.P. Corporate legal fiction only goes so far, I would personally finish the game even if asked to C&D.

 

That's not true even a little bit. Nintendo has the right and obligation to protect their IP no matter if the thief is giving it away or not. If I go into your house and take something form you to give away, it's still a crime and illegal.

 

Then you would be sued. Everyone who was watching would perform a synchronous facepalm, then move on with our more original IPs, and probably only remember you as 'the schmuck who disregarded a Cease Desist Order.'

I'm sure the best corporate fiction is based on legal fact.

 

Actually they CAN ask u to take it down even if it isnt commercial simply because it might "damage" their image. It has happend ALOT before with tons of fan based games, very easy to google this and find out for urself. They never got sued so i dont think its serious, but they WILL make u take it down if they dont like it. Some large companies are perfectly fine with fangames, some doesnt like it at all, but ive never heard about lawsuits.

I say finish it and put it up, just make DAMN sure no one even mentiones the word "money" anywhere around ur fanbased Zelda game, we are infact talking about one of the largest IP's Nintento has.

 

But the thing that just baffles me with some developers...WHY! why why why...make a fanbased game that,we all know if we work on games, takes ALOT of time to do, only to have it wasted? I mean this is a good start right? slap another title on it and make it YOURS!

I'll never even bother to make anyhting fanbased unless i know for sure i can sell it and the owner is perfectly fine with it. It would make me waste hours of time i coul have spent on something that came out of my head...

I wanan remake Bubble Bobble, so BAD, because its the first game i played on mmy C64, i even emailed Taito but they are so into aracde machines these days they never answered me back. I provided some very nice mockups that im sure would get the attention, but they are more busy making bubble bobble for arcade machines or simply remake the game to look like its always looked, kinda sad.

So, i cant, taito is HUGE and i'd be wasting my time. I can be a dickhead and remake bubble bobble and swap out all the characters with my won and use the same mechanic, just swap the bobbles with something else and there we go, mechanics cant be trademarked.

So if i were you, make it urs.

 

You mean "could" not "would", a word that completely changes the meaning of what you wrote. In the litigation-loving world we live in today, Nintendo has the money to sue anyone who makes a game if they wish and they could put a single developer out of business. The real world just doesn't work that way, Nintendo, while being more draconian than most, don't sue everyone who makes a fan game for IP infringement, because if they did they'd be suing people 24/7.

Again, in the real world, the worst thing this dev would get is a C&D, so let's not try and turn this into something bigger than it is.

EDIT: Although, do agree with @Kelde's point. Why not make a Zelda "inspired" game, and expand on what you loved about the game you are copying. Seems to me that'd be a lot more fun, but that's just me.

 

I'm not, you misunderstand my argument. As you say - a determined IP holder can shut a project down, but less because of the money involved (though that helps), and more because they own the IP in the first place, and can just say, 'We feel that this product would injure our business for these reasons, we've sent the developer of this project a Cease Desist, which they ignored. We want this taken down.' As long as they can provide proof, there's not really much of a contest.

You are right on one point - it dosen't have to come to a lawsuit. A DMCA notice would work just as well in a pinch, resulting in a lot of wasted time for the developer of the small work. However, there is still no 'big thing' to be made - as I said, the rest of us would just keep going with our more original IPs, and possibly reflect on the IP drama at some point as a lesson to keep our IPs original. Look at the 3D Chrono Trigger remake, if you need an example that badly.

Of course, this changes nothing - I'm not making a big point of anything, and another project getting shot down by the rightful owners of the IP is equally nothing. We're just trying to advise the OP towards something that will remain more productive. If you wish him to waste his time, well, nothing much I can argue to stop that, is there?

 

This made me laugh, along with the "I'll still have fun making it". You don't understand what's a big deal regarding law? Stealing and then driving a Lamborghini would be fun, but stealing a car is illegal. Copyright infringement is illegal, and so you 'having fun' whilst Nintendo try to protect their intellectual property is of no relevance.

I also agree that it's very bad advice to say you can do what you want with IPs if you aren't turning a profit, that's nonsense. The community tend to dislike these sort of threads because A) they're not original ideas B) they always raise questions about copyright infringement and C) as many have mentioned, why waste your time on other people's ideas? I hate them because so many people comment a load of 'advice' which is either irrelevant or nonsense.

The only fan games I'd ever consider making would be Lego games, as they explicitly state their position on the use of the mini figure and their logo. With other companies, you could potentially end up with a C&D or a lawsuit, or not! All depends on your luck and the effort the company put in to protecting their IPs.

 

This ^^

Why not say, "Title of Your Game" inspired by Legend of Zelda. There are tons of those and they are legitimate games. Or better yet, why mention Legend of Zelda at all?

I've been where you are now. Skyrim just came out and I was like... I love modding Skyrim and making 3d art. I should make a Skyrim like game. I came to my first big road block when I realized that I had no idea how to code. I was defeated. I think what some are trying to say in a grand nutshell. Video games take a lot of time and effort. If you are willing to put in the hours, make it something you own. Not someone elses, even if you succeed in making your "Fan Game" you will have lost a great opportunity to share your story with the rest of us.

 

I'm sure Nintendo has great lawyers, but what he is doing is legally protected under fair use. Parody even if its not inspired by satire.. a C&D would be an idle threat

 

Yes, but he's not making a parody. He's making a "spin-off".

 

Actually Its protected under Fair use... I think you got it in your mind that someones actually going to try to make a parody of your "original IP" and share it with a friend, or keep it for themselves one day, maybe that's why you throw rude words around and seem so defensive.. Whatever your reason is.. It's Protected by fair use as parody easy. There are Legal advisers just for this very type of thing.

 

So long as a spin-off can be recognized as a parody he should be fine, I might have to look more into this for argument sake, but I would imagine a simple disclaimer could clear it up.

 

So, two things are wrong with this argument.

1 - I am actually not getting defensive, I am arguing a worst case cause-and-effect scenario. Sure, 'the schmuck who disregarded a C&D' might sound a bit rude, but it takes a certain level of either ignorance or arrogance to do something like that, specifically because there are consequences. It's not a smart thing to do, and if you ignore one, it dosen't make you look good. It makes you look...well, kind of like an idiot.

If willingness to obey the law isn't reason enough, I would think preservation of self-image would be some kind of impetus...right?

2 - Making fun of an original IP of mine is not what's in question; making fun of a major, established one by a company with the capital to pursue it is. Personally, I take the philosophy, 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.' And, as you say - parody is protected, as it should be.

The problem is, this is no parody. This is an unlicensed spin-off; even the details of this thread can prove this. Nintendo would be violating no laws in shutting this down; in fact, as a non-lawyer, I'm sure the laws are on Nintendo's side in the first place.

That raises a great point though: I am not a lawyer, and most here aren't. The OP really should seek one out with this project, instead of arguing on an internet thread; that would be the best thing to help the OP build a work that can reflect his love of Zelda well, and not be a possible way of either getting taken down leaving no tangible result, or be slapped with legal consequences.

Also in the OP's interest, I highly recommend he do what the lawyer says.

 

A spin-off uses the same characters, setting, etc. A parody is all new characters and settings. If his game has characters named Zelda and Link, it's a violation of Nintendo's copyright, plain and simple and no amount of justification or twisting of the word "parody" will protect him should Nintendo come after him.

 

it like opening a company that sells drugs, under the name of Google... you play with the image of a company.
that won't get the project only to shut down, but you will get into law problems if they want to.

 

I think this is a cool idea. I also don't think that ANYONE who doesn't fully understand copyright laws should be criticizing this whatsoever. Especially in a rude manner.

 

If it's truly a personal project and nobody finds out about it (too late), nobody can do anything about it. As soon as Nintendo legal people find out about it though, they can issue a cease and desist order and ultimately seek full legal action if you do not comply. Just because you're not making money on it, doesn't mean they can't sue you over it.

That said, keep it up - on your own - and don't share it with people. Posting screenshots and video could still get you in trouble, but it's very unlikely that Nintendo will get too upset about it.

Also, if they do issue a cease and desist order, follow it.

 

Ignore legal trolls.. Im so annoyed by reading these... I know a friend legit inside developer for PS and so i have understanding on basic laws from statue of limitation many forgot if going too classic and simple things to make it "Generic" made... Generic Games do not violate copyrights... In order for a game to seem generic the script has to be slightly different as well each name and texture... the game play is whats most important to the user... marketing wise you are Legally allowed to state a Zelda like game... why? its opinionated! sorry for grammar issues via punctuation but making a similar game since everyone is wearing diapers(beginners) or scared to (ignorant pussies) needs to first think well maybe i can look up what i can and cant do? Im a fan of Zelda and want more games like wise on main systems rather than fps or hard to control third person... Ive been doing a Zelda like project solo for about a month now and looks ok to me for just understanding unity for the first time as my PS friend recommended me... I called it Project Princess Rescue... Not a name I would title the game but perfect example of how generics work... no one can copyright a plot or idea in a story like such without being word from word... making new quest/missions, new dungeons, new goals is my main want in the game... who wants to play OOT again? instead Remake OOT to a part 2 in your head with a newer goal a newer quest... How did OOT end reminding you princess was rescued... so i start the game off with Zelda or my game "Shana"(nothing permanent) getting taken by a new foe in seek of following the previous Main bosses plot in world domination.. this way not only can i build a good looking generic game but many have no clue its generic as well leave s a second game available to create from remaking the ideas of how part 1 could have happened in this story line... All this is is inspiration of another game... Not only could no one sue but they might be wanting to consider purchasing the game from you as it does match their ideal story characters with no clue other than a fan of Zelda64 engine based games to invent your own... So if you guys are looking for other peers to get involved in such a gmae send me a message via email... brettsullins@gmail.com... I am registered under icann Legal spam prevention so violators wanting to spam have been warned with legal advisement

As said I can do a game like this with or without peers, just peers would make it go smoother faster and a funner experience...

 

PS Yes they cant sue in America for freeware via online but requires it ti be a freeware based online game not downloadable... I can pull up the law if need be...

And if they issue such a statement... dont be a gullible fool seek legal advice... Personally i plan to make mine downloadable but generic... if such even thought to try me i wouldnt just be like sorry closed... running fans off and upsetting plenty of peers and work... you need to contact a lawyer to weigh options... many will do this with a quote for free... 100s of big name companies including PS Xbox and even some other companies like manufacturing plants will send threats like such even if no law is being broke with the way its developed... These companies dont feel threated but try to monopolize the system as such as well... Im 100% sure Zelda alone is copyrighted as well but how many actually cared to check before commenting... proof enough... that trolls like these copyright ones are ignorant fools who care nothing more than thrill of attacking other on there own lazy research...

 

And to you very horrible analogies that manipulate the terms... Its actually like a Lamborghini seen on the interstate you cant go home with it and see how its built... instead you go home with what you remember and build your own... now it looks nothing the same to others while to you its identical... would be a better assessment.. And how many lawsuits have you been filed on copyright to be such an expert? And we waste as you claim our time because there is nothing else like it... Metal gear solid even has similar third person shooter games like tom clancy or splinter cell... let me guess they got shut down and sued because they liked metal gear and wanted a similar game in there own light of ideas metal gear should have had... no what the problem is that many dont realize is they want an exact replica of the game itself... this is a copyright issue.. put ive seen multiple people feared out of project that gamers want to develop and play from fear mongering legal issues... I glad yall sleep at night killing dreams and passions... Dont make claims you know nothing about...

 

Since good advice is now trolling all I have to say: good luck, hope the C&D does't come too quickly.

Coincidentally - does this Zelda fan game have a website? I'm curious to see what comes of this project, in general.

 

FYI if you changed the name to something like Legend of Helda, changed the names of characters and any logos in the game you could get away with it under the Parody Act. But good luck, I've always been a huge fan of Zelda be good to see it on the PC. +1

 

I have decided not to post any "fan" based projects on the forums due to this kind of response. A large majority of developers that are doing these fan games really never make anything huge or super popular. When ever someone posts a fan based game, this is the general response I see. If your a big time producer or as an above post states "spreading it all over the internet", then I sure can see some lawsuits happening. But for most of us "small time" developers, the fan based project isn't going to hit the "big time" so who really cares? Although some of the people pointing out the copy write problem are doing so with the mask of "Trying to help" I find the discussion is the same and seems more like trolling or "I know more about that then you" type posts.

Again small potatoes are still small potatoes. Nothing to get all work up about in my opinion. I have made plenty of fan based projects and never have been contacted or had any issue. I also don't go and try to release the things on big websites or anything. I now have learned that posting anything about those types of projects on the forum for this community is never constructive. It always leads to these debates.

Just my 2 cents...

Good luck on your project. Big Zelda fan and understand wanting to develop your own version of it. Development can be more fun the actually playing things...even if you never make a dime off it.