101 replies to this topic

[endersblade]

L2read the description. No, it does NOT contain dragon armor. Or Final Reason, or Bergin's Honor (however you spell it...) or any of the other items you have to pay for to get.

For my own use, I have 'copied' the stats of the dragon armor onto a new set of massive armor, because I personally think the BDA is the most hideous drivel I've ever seen in a game. At least the MA2 version looks a hell of a lot better. Granted, I also only barely used the BDA for an hour...I found that it was lackluster at best, and easily replaced by the time you can even wear it.

Illegal. Pfft. Anyone at any time could create an item that has identical stats to the pre-release items. The toolset doesn't prevent us from doing that; bioware doesn't either. There IS a fine line between doing what this guy did, and actually duplicating the paid-for stuff, but he in no way crossed that line.

Good job on the mod; I'd DL it, but I've already done what you did for myself Kudos to you.

[jacqjdt]

I realy enjoy what you've done!!! Adding items to merchant and chests I think is the prefered way to introduce DL items to a game. I'm just an old fool that enjoy gaming and considder the NEXUS my second home so for whatever it's worth, I pray we've not seen the last of your tallent.

Ps: To all who read this. If you can't say something nice about someones work, say nothing at all. It only one unfair comment to put a creative genius off modding, forever depriving the rest of us who love and respect modders, and their work.

Edited by jacqjdt, 30 November 2009 - 06:09 AM.

[Maeve]

Great work, this game needs a lot more items.

[bben46]

A little clarification on 'duplicating' items. Until Bioware gives different rules, I will go by the rules we already have in place for the other games here. Hopefully Bioware will allow rips from their own DLCs, but don't count on it.

A direct rip, using the original Bioware meshes, even if it is from a free DLC is not allowed as it violates Bioware's copyright.
Using items from a DLC in your mod without requiring that DLC to be installed is also not allowed. The DLC must be installed for that mod to work, not just there.
Using rips from other games - without some proof of permission is also not allowed.
Proof will be some public statement from that company that can be verified.- such as on an official site.

Making a copy that looks the same, but uses new meshes and textures is allowed, but as you have seen, there are always those who will question whether it really is original work or a rip. It is a good idea to keep some of your intermediate work to show as proof that you did not copy their work.

And a final thought. If it looks too much like the original, even if it is all new. A bottom feeding corporate lawyer can still demand you pay several thousand for copyright infringement. Yes, you will be legally in the right, but if you have to go to court, you will have to prove your case to a technically illiterate jury or judge.

"But, your honor, I know it looks the same. But underneath it's really different and not really the same at all."
And hizzonor, the 85 year old judge who secretly thinks computers are evil, sayeth "Humph, It looks the same to me therefore it is the same. Guilty! Pay up, plus court costs, plus fees, plus a donation to my retirement fund and whatever else they can tack on to make a $3000 law suit cost you $6000.

As taking it to court will probably cost you more than he is demanding - even if you do win. Your lawyer will recommend you pay up, then charge you for the advice. Once a mod is released, you can't take it back.

Now that I have scared you enough. All of this is of course a very low probability. Keep the mods coming.
Bben46, Moderator

[suron]

well copyright is always a strange thing...

however allowing him to host it here on Nexus..if it is deemed in violation..couldn't that open Nexus up to a lawsuit as well? ignorance of the law and all that.

that said..I like this and will use it..but in all honesty if it could be infringement...it's kinda irresponsible for Nexus to host it.

[jog]

Kinda funny, the whole Nexus network is full of retextured models and slightly modified textures. My very own White Teeth mod consists to 99% of Bioware assets ripped out of their data files.

But tounge-in-cheek plagiarism of free promotional giveaways is borderline criminal?

I think it's time for a reality check. If someone really wants to, this site goes down faster than you can say "pirate den", and this mod will be among the few that will *not* make it into the bill of indictment.

Edited by jog, 30 November 2009 - 04:59 PM.

[Luckmann]

For those who think distributing the promotional items (not to be confused with actual DLC) you should be aware that there was even a thread on the official forums posting extensive information on how to incorporate all the items into your game.

And yep, I'm still alive and well. No corporate mafia has appeared and broken my legs yet.

[Monk832]

Some people need to think twice before they post a comment. Just try to think about one question for a moment:

Why would Bioware give out a toolkit to mod their game, if their intention was that no one is allowed to mod their game?

Thanks for the effort to bring us another useful - and not overpowered - mod.

And I'm going to give you an endorsement because you found the perfect way to introduce the items to the game.

Edited by Monk832, 01 December 2009 - 08:33 AM.

[DiggingForFire]

I find it funny that this could've all been avoided by choosing different icons and leaving out the description.

If you think about it, that's all this really is. The only difference between one of these PROMOTIONAL GIVEAWAYS and a self-made ring or belt or amulet with the exact same stats is the name and the icon. What's stopping me from making a ring with the same stats as the "Dalish Promise Ring" and just calling it "Ring of The Wild"?

Or is "Wild" too close to "Dalish", thus infringing copyright?

[Tyrellius]

Hmm or instead people could go around search for torrents with the DLC stuff and hey...