6 replies to this topic

[tofudue]

Okay, so a while back there was a game called war of the monsters. The idea I am asking about is a gameplay mechanic. When you were playing a multiplayer match it was a 3d fighter(split-screen), but when you got closer it switched t a 2d screen like a normal fighter. I would like to implement a feature like that but would that be blatant stealing and would anyone even care. Thanks in advance.

[SamuraiCrow]

It would only be plagiarism if you stole the characters and graphics too. I think you'd be alright by imitating a unique style that you like. It might be wise to say where you got the ideas from in the credits (assuming you're not trying to make a huge profit off of it).

[DewiMorgan]

Is that idea even unique? It seems to fall under the rule for "obviousness" to me. I've never played that game but I've still been irritated by split-screeners that didn't do it a few times: it's such a waste of screen real estate! Done right it should also strongly encourage team play, I've always thought. And I do like me some team play :D

[jaytraveller]

i remember a dragonball z game for the psx, when characters got far from each other the screen splitted, and then rejoined when they were close enough.

and for some games, i think is a good idea, in contrast with the perpetually splitted screen, with the exception of racing games...

[Nodlehs]

If you look at the sheer amount of design that gets parroted from one game to another, you realize that the most basic elements are not the issue. It is when you copy the IP that companies get pissed. As an example: World of Warcraft... how many games have come out since that have near identical systems in place? For questing, for UI, etc etc. Blizzard is okay with that, but if you tried using their same graphics, setup for the UI (Their API that uses XML + Lua) you would be in for a world of hurt.

Note: The game you were talking about is This and it was indeed fun! I loved the fact when opponents got near each other the screen split went away.

[tofudue]

Thanks everyone, After I thought about it, most games have at least one thing or game mechanic in common with another.
And t anyone who has a ps2 or ps3, i would suggest picking up war of the monsters, its really fun game and can give you some ideas for game(but any game can do that:))

[onyxthedog]

As long as you do nothing directly "stealing" from them then you are not commiting plagarism. Similarly, you could write a book that is a very obvious nock-off of, say, Lord of the Rings but as long as you did not take any characters, artwork, etc., then you will be fine.

There are very few truely original ideas anymore. Now we have pretty well defined genres and have a pretty good feeling about what makes that genre good. I assumethat you will just make a game that feels similiar to the game you are basing it on.