Candy Jam
GameLabs222
Member Posts: 197
I'm sure you all are aware of 'King' trademarking the word 'Candy' as it pertains to video games (and surprisingly clothing).
Some independent devs have come up with a movement called "Candy Jam" in protest. Which I think is brilliant: http://itch.io/jam/candyjam
Now, protecting intellectual property is a great thing. Businesses need to do it. But such a common word like candy being used to bully independent devs and smaller companies is evil.
http://www.gamezebo.com/news/2014/01/20/king-has-trademarked-word-candy-and-youre-probably-infringing
Every app on the store that uses the word candy in its title has been sent a notice from apple informing them that they need to prove it doesn't infringe on King's property rights or remove the game. Some have even been contacted based upon their use of the word 'Saga', yet the game has little to do with anything pertaining to their game. This seems even more incredibly unfair when you're aware of the fact that many of the other games were uploaded way before 'Candy Crush', and that 'Candy Crush' itself is a rip off of 'Bejeweled'. Not to mention others by King: "Pac Avoid" (Pacman rip), Bubble Witch Saga (Bust-A-Move rip), & Papa Pear Saga (Peggle rip).
However, being a mass communication major I also know that under fair use (in the United States) anything can be copied or parodied and it be protected if it is a criticism (being able to prove criticism is extremely important). Yes you can even make money off of it. (i.e. Weird Al)
King just painted a big target on their back, and I invite others to join me.
I'm thinking ©andy Rush.
Also, enjoy:
Some independent devs have come up with a movement called "Candy Jam" in protest. Which I think is brilliant: http://itch.io/jam/candyjam
Now, protecting intellectual property is a great thing. Businesses need to do it. But such a common word like candy being used to bully independent devs and smaller companies is evil.
http://www.gamezebo.com/news/2014/01/20/king-has-trademarked-word-candy-and-youre-probably-infringing
Every app on the store that uses the word candy in its title has been sent a notice from apple informing them that they need to prove it doesn't infringe on King's property rights or remove the game. Some have even been contacted based upon their use of the word 'Saga', yet the game has little to do with anything pertaining to their game. This seems even more incredibly unfair when you're aware of the fact that many of the other games were uploaded way before 'Candy Crush', and that 'Candy Crush' itself is a rip off of 'Bejeweled'. Not to mention others by King: "Pac Avoid" (Pacman rip), Bubble Witch Saga (Bust-A-Move rip), & Papa Pear Saga (Peggle rip).
However, being a mass communication major I also know that under fair use (in the United States) anything can be copied or parodied and it be protected if it is a criticism (being able to prove criticism is extremely important). Yes you can even make money off of it. (i.e. Weird Al)
King just painted a big target on their back, and I invite others to join me.
I'm thinking ©andy Rush.
Also, enjoy:
Comments
Great vid though!
QS =D
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Also, I should urge people to be smart about it. Don't actually copy their game, don't do what they did. Make it unique and make the criticism subtle. Like having all candy assets in your game with a big fat © imprinted on it. That should get the message across all while being safe.
Sarcastically complying is a great form of criticism.
As for the video, awesome
Spent a couple of hours making something, almost finished. Here's a screenshot
QS =D
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Complete Guide to iOS Publishing {} Complete Guide to Mac Publishing
Thanks to @Brenton22 for bringing this up in the first place, and to @lumpapps for his Flappy Bird Clone template
I present to you:
Will be sending it off to Apple tomorrow
In keeping with being a protest, it will be totally free with no IAP and no Ads
It really is a testament to GameSalad that I could do this in just a few short hours. Awesome stuff!
QS =D
Dr. Sam Beckett never returned home...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quantum_Sheep
Web: https://quantumsheep.itch.io
Also, if anyone is interested here's the post from one of the developers who was contacted by Apple and King.com Ltd: http://www.reddit.com/r/Entrepreneur/comments/1vpa6l/i_cant_use_the_word_candy_in_my_game_nor_can/
They are extremely self praising, sarcastically nice, and belittling/condescending in their emails to him.
"Should you choose to remove your application, (for example, while you make any necessary changes) use the steps provided below.
Visit iTunes Connect at http://itunesconnect.apple.com..."
Love this one...
"We are aware that there are many games on the app store with CANDY in the name, this is largely due to the popularity of our game Candy Crush Saga."
Here he is on fox business. The show host has no idea what she's saying.
Here was my entry:
http://evilobjective.itch.io/thisgameisnotaboutcandy
You play as a King throwing 'Scrolls of Trademark Infringement' at small game developers. I didn't have much time to make it (used a few lunch breaks at work) so it is a little rough around the edges. I was going for a Hotline Miami feel.