[Solved] Are you allowed to use assets from another game in a map?

[BaronVonDave]

Hello,

I have read the rules regarding using external assets in maps:

The use of external materials from sources outside of Warcraft III is only permitted if the under which they are released allows it, or it can be classified as Fair Use.
- Any material created by Blizzard Entertainment can safely be used.
- If they are released without terms / license, having permission from the author is preferred but not required, because the original author has full rights to have it removed.
- The Hive Workshop deems the usage of copyrighted material in maps Fair Use as long as the map does not take value away from the source (e.g. a game) and the usage is non-profitable.

Suppose I want to remake an older RTS game as a Warcraft 3 map/campaign, would it be considered fair use to import sound assets from that game if I make no money out of it.
Also what exatly does taking away value from the source mean?

Thanks!

 

[Ralle]

That sounds fine.

Also what exatly does taking away value from the source mean?

It shouldn't replicate it to such an extent that nobody will buy the other game.

 

[deepstrasz]

It shouldn't replicate it to such an extent that nobody will buy the other game.

I guess, if someone replicates or even makes a better version of a game, it's OK, if the game is so old that it doesn't work on any new platform anymore? Until the original creator asks for the map to be taken down?

 

[Ralle]

I guess, if someone replicates or even makes a better version of a game, it's OK, if the game is so old that it doesn't work on any new platform anymore? Until the original creator asks for the map to be taken down?

We are talking about published games here. Not old maps.
With old maps, we require that you make an effort to get in touch with the author and prove that you did so.

 

[deepstrasz]

We are talking about published games here. Not old maps.

Yeah, me too.
For instance a game like
Lords of Chaos (video game) - Wikipedia

Spoiler: video

Even though, the original creator (person, not company) is still alive but I don't know about the rights, who they belong to, I am asking, would there be a problem recreating that game with the World Editor and putting it on this site? Remaking it would obviously result in a better look and probably better gameplay mechanics.

 

[Ralle]

That's fine.

Tower Defences came from WC3 after all and have been copied everywhere since.

 

[BaronVonDave]

That sounds fine.


It shouldn't replicate it to such an extent that nobody will buy the other game.

I wonder, has that ever happened?
Is there a map on the Hive which did better than the original game?

Thanks for the answer, by the way.

 

[Ralle]

I wonder, has that ever happened?
Is there a map on the Hive which did better than the original game?

Thanks for the answer, by the way.

No, but it's sort of the definition of Fair Use. It shouldn't take away the value of the original product, or compete with it.

 

[Ether]

U can use it but dont sell the game or map.

 

[BaronVonDave]

Aight I see.

Thanks for the answers!