Game System Licensing Question
by Alan "Ghosthack" N. · in Torque Game Engine · 06/19/2004 (11:00 am) · 4 replies
Hi Everyone-
I have a an important question to ask about the backend game mechanics and any licensing issues that might arise (has nothing to do with the Torque Engine Licensing). Let me explain:
I'm creating an RPG using the Torque Engine. Now I need to decide on the actual game mechanics, what I'm specifically talking about is the behind the scenes dice rolling, modifiers...etc. Now the system I came up with uses "successes". You can gain successes by rolling above a difficulty # and adjusted by modifiers ...etc and the # of dice rolled determined by a dice pool. Now I know there are some paper RPG's (and computer RPG's?) with systems similar to this and I'm wondering if I might get into trouble with copyright infringement or something to that nature? Of course my system will not copy exactly other game systems, it will have it's own "flair" to it like the differnt modifiers..etc. The problem I'm having is there are only some many ways to determine success with dice. I'm sure with the countless RPG's out there that the systems used in them have to overlap and I don't think there will be any issues. I don't know how anybody could license a "generic" system where say you hit somebody if you roll above a 5 on a d10. Any lawyer types out there have any insight on this?
Thanks in advance!
Alan
I have a an important question to ask about the backend game mechanics and any licensing issues that might arise (has nothing to do with the Torque Engine Licensing). Let me explain:
I'm creating an RPG using the Torque Engine. Now I need to decide on the actual game mechanics, what I'm specifically talking about is the behind the scenes dice rolling, modifiers...etc. Now the system I came up with uses "successes". You can gain successes by rolling above a difficulty # and adjusted by modifiers ...etc and the # of dice rolled determined by a dice pool. Now I know there are some paper RPG's (and computer RPG's?) with systems similar to this and I'm wondering if I might get into trouble with copyright infringement or something to that nature? Of course my system will not copy exactly other game systems, it will have it's own "flair" to it like the differnt modifiers..etc. The problem I'm having is there are only some many ways to determine success with dice. I'm sure with the countless RPG's out there that the systems used in them have to overlap and I don't think there will be any issues. I don't know how anybody could license a "generic" system where say you hit somebody if you roll above a 5 on a d10. Any lawyer types out there have any insight on this?
Thanks in advance!
Alan
#2
Ask an IP lawyer - you aren't going to get any reliable legal opinions on a technical forum like this one.
06/19/2004 (7:02 pm)
If you happen to use the _exact_ same system as another game, you might be creating a dervitive work and you could potentially get in trouble.Ask an IP lawyer - you aren't going to get any reliable legal opinions on a technical forum like this one.
#3
06/19/2004 (8:40 pm)
So far as using game systems go, you might look into the d20 system that Wizards of the Coast uses. They have released it open source so that people can make books with it without having to pay (though you may have to see if games are a different manner). This way you could have a bit more tried and true system, and know you were in the clear ip wise. Regardless, looking through the licensing stuff for it could be enlightening...
#4
I'm sure you could find a rules system with a suitably flexible license listed at the RPGGateway though.
As for dice rolling and success/failure rates, it's my understanding that that sort of thing would be covered by a patent rather than a copyright. It would be very difficult for any company to obtain one, as that type of process has been in use for years. It would need to be very specific and unique.
Even if TSR had obtained a patent when they first introduce D&D or AD&D games, it would have expired by now (they only last 20 years).
06/19/2004 (9:45 pm)
If I remember correctly, there is a clause in the d20 system license precluding its use in computer games or software. I think you have to seek permission first (whereas you don't for pencil and paper games).I'm sure you could find a rules system with a suitably flexible license listed at the RPGGateway though.
As for dice rolling and success/failure rates, it's my understanding that that sort of thing would be covered by a patent rather than a copyright. It would be very difficult for any company to obtain one, as that type of process has been in use for years. It would need to be very specific and unique.
Even if TSR had obtained a patent when they first introduce D&D or AD&D games, it would have expired by now (they only last 20 years).
Torque Owner Thomas Glennow