Copyright confussion is confussing

[Frederikshadows]

So Ive been wondering, does the copyright cover file formats? Like for example the .nif and .bsa archives. If I was to make a brand new videogame, could I legally use these file formats in my game, or is that against the copyright laws?

[Kraggy]

Data formats are proprietary, which is why for example you have to pay a fee to use an MP3 decoder as a developer, it all depends on the person who came up with the format as to what rights they give anyone else.

 

So yes, it's a Copyright issue.

[Frederikshadows]

f*#@ing Platinum Chip just doesnt let go doesnt it? I hate proprietary formatting... However getting a nif to work with animations and everything in the Unreal 4 Engine gave me a little heart attack of happiness but whatevs, gotta learn to animate in nf or kf or rf... cannt remember wich one it was

[Ev3rgr33n]

If you wanna make a mod for Skyrim/NV/FO3/Morrowind/Oblivion, then it's fine, you can use and mod Bethesda's content as long as you use 'em within their games.

If you wanna make a whole other game, get into UE4. There's a lot of templates to start with. Of course you'll have to learn of lot of things, but UE4 is pretty straight forward.

Go ahead, create some stuff! UE4 has a very different workflow, you won't be working with GECK, .nif and all that stuff. Look what Bethesda did on their games, play around with GECK so you have basic knowledge of how to make a game. You can try to copy their stuff, but don't steal their content. That's illegal, and importing content from other games is prohibited by UE4/UDK license (and other real time engines to, like Unity).

It's ok if it is just to learn - to see how things are done, but don't release content you imported from any other game. Then, get a 3d package (Blender, 3Ds or Maya Student edition, Mudbox, Sculptris... All free!), and make some basic assets like crates, barrels... Get Photoshop, Gimp or Paint.net and make some textures.
Then, learn the blueprints system to make basic gameplay. Don't try to make the game you dream of, you won't be able to. Just make some simple things, have fun, keep learning, and with 2-3 months of learning modeling/game design, you'll be on your way, guaranteed. It's all about trial and error.
If you keep working hard, you'll eventually find some guys to work with... There comes the fun part! Modding, making an "indie" game or wathever, and maybe you'll be Greenlighted on Steam someday...

DON'T FORGET TO HAVE SOME FUN! PM me if you need to, I'll be glad to help ya' mate :smile: