Would casting 3d printed versions of base-game skyrim meshes be unethical?

[Bakapanda]

First off: I have a real-life legit forge that can get up to iron-forging temperatures (my second forge for melting iron has yet to be built). I'd like to cast metal versions of various objects/statues from skyrim and previous games (the bee statue, dibella statue, etc) but I question the ethics of it. I wouldnt be using any individual modder's content, just meshes pulled straight from the base game/dlc, then 3d printed, and used to make a mold for pouring the metal.

 

Aside from the legality of it (it probably Isnt but seeing as tons of etsy/skyrim cosplay sellers do fine id prolly be fine), is it ethical for me to use Bethesda's models as a mold for making these statues? Alongside making some for myself, I might sell some (ofc I wouldnt link it on here bc mods wouldnt find that acceptble probably), but I'd feel a bit guilty having used a model made by some bloke at Bethesda for my own profit. I'd feel differently if I wasnt using the 3d printed model directly, but that seems like the best way to get an accurate casting.

 

Methinks the nexus forums isnt the best place to get a second opinion on ethics, but here we go.

[Lisnpuppy]

You last line there is likely correct. That being noted...

 

If you are creating something for yourself and your own home or perhaps a one-time special gift, I don't see an issue. If you plan to give away/sell/use the items or use them for promotional advertising or anything else...it would not only be unethical, it would be illegal. Bethesda owns the rights to that content if it is in digital game form or real world replica.

 

That someone else has done it and gotten away with it does not make it any more right or legal. The fact that we are having this forum discussion shows that you know that doing this would be wrong. Go with that gut feeling.

 

Just because these items you are perhaps planning to duplicate are in a digital form make no difference. You are basically going to be the equivalent of the Chanel bag knockoff guy that stand on the streets in big cities selling things to which they do not own a right.

 

Use these items to make for yourself, to brag, use them as inspiration for your own creative pursuits. Don't belittle the creative work of others as if it has no value or worth and can be taken without so much as a care.

 

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

[DoctorKaizeld]

im with Lisnpuppy... as usual. even 3D prints would be illegal.

 

buuut if you were to ask for permission you might get it. i doubt it highly but give it a go, i've heard of these things happening in a few cases.

 

also if you ask the people who make their own custom mods such as custom armors and textures you can probably get them to give you a green light on their stuff. ask around, but if you dont get permission from them first then it is illegal and they have the right to issue a cease and desist order and sue. just because you're some random person on the internet does not mean they can't find you.

[DoctorKaizeld]

but with that all said, if you do decide to get permission from peoples give me a message because i would love a 3D model of my Skyrim character.