Just HOW similar can games be?

cbowers428cbowers428 Member Posts: 176
edited November -1 in iPhone and Android Publishing
Okay, looking at how Gameloft rips off many of their games (NOVA for example), it got me thinking: Just how far can you go in terms of making a game similar to another? There are loaddssssss of games that are rip offs, but still they are doing well and everyone knows they are rip offs. Do you just need to change elements of the game like graphics, characters, and that stuff? Like does it not matter at all if gameplay and basic ideas get ripped off? Just look at Doodle Jump, it completely ripped off Papi Jump (even the names are similar) but they make money daily. Can someone clear this up for me?

Comments

  • mynameisacemynameisace Hull, UKMember Posts: 2,484
    Try be creative. Sore, similar games do make money but from a creative and artistic point of view, why copy something?

    Ace
  • QuinnZoneStudiosQuinnZoneStudios Member Posts: 452
    There are three answers to this question I think: a legal one, an ethical one and a creative one. An "idea" can be emulated but the art cannot be copied. However, using the example of Doodle Jump, my understanding is that they improved upon an idea and made it much better.
    I would say try to be as original as possible in both game play and art. Never copy and try to go somewhere new, even if inspired by a certain game or idea. All other art forms, books, music and film have done this. It's okay to start from a place of familiarity or inspiration but throw something unexpected into the mix and see what you can create. That's how we got new fashoins, Jazz or Star Wars. I'm sure you get the idea ;)
    Interesting question. Good luck with it and i hope you create something fun, original and highly successful!
  • tenrdrmertenrdrmer Member, Sous Chef, Senior Sous-Chef Posts: 9,934
    I would say take the game you want to make something like and if there is something you don't like and can make better then do it. But you cannot copy level layout and art, That is just wrong.
    Warning There was an error rendering this rich post.
  • cbowers428cbowers428 Member Posts: 176
    Yea I figured this. I'm just surprised with all the ripoffs on the App Store lol
  • IsabelleKIsabelleK Member, Sous Chef Posts: 2,807
    You can copy the game idea (genre), so you can make a classic FPS or Angry Birds/Crush the Castle game, but you can't copy:
    1. Title
    2. Graphics
    3. Sounds and music
    4. Story
    5. Characters
    6. Other things such as: dialogues, descriptions, fonts etc.

    If you copy any of the 6 points above, you should know, that the owners of the copyrights of the original work/game can sue you. And they will win for 100%.

    Just my 2 cents.
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