Why can't we use Skyrim meshes in oblivion?

[vortexhlp]

Hi, I was wondering what was causing the limitations for modders to export meshes like characters from skyrim into oblivion? So far I am finding oblivion to look in many ways more beautiful than skyrim even though it's dated and the meshes look like crap. But how come Fallout 4 mesh can't be placed in Skyrim and Skyrim into oblivion? I understand it's all the same engine but only with improvements with every revision.

 

I'm not done playing skyrim but having just bought oblivion, I'm already hooked. So many wonderful mods but I'm merely curious why we can't have the same mesh complexity between two games that has the same memory limitations. (I googled this but no answer)

[DoctorKaizeld]

Bethesda says no porting from one game to another and qe have to agree to not port things when modding. I think it's in the ToS

[TheFoxQueen]

There aren't limitations regarding importing/exporting meshes, modders can perfectly use Skyrim meshes in Oblivion and the other way around. There are however copyright limitations, you can not use (unless you have permission of course) assets from a game in another game, even if they are from the same franchise or developer. Generally developers don't care so much about mods using their assets as long as you aren't making money from the mod, but Bethesda has taken projects down before so it's better to play it safe and not use their assets in other games. Nexus also doesn't allow users to upload mods containing copyrighted assets.

Edited July 5, 2016 by TheFoxQueen

[Lisnpuppy]

I believe the reasoning they give is that they are not sole owner of the meshes. They buy a license to use a mesh making program that allows them certain rights within the scope of the game they are creating. They do not have permission to use these outside the game, even if it is other Beth games.

[vortexhlp]

Oh okay, the licensing aspect makes sense! I suppose it wouldn't matter if I give it a go for myself and not redistribute it but of course that would be frowned upon to discuss such an endeavor on the forums :P Thanks for the answer, while it's a little disappointing that for now (and perhaps forever) I'll be stuck with kahjiit and argonians that look like something that came out of final fantasy 7, at least now I know why they still do. :)

[DoctorKaizeld]

Well there is the project being worked on to remake oblivion in the Skyrim engine.

[DrakeTheDragon]

Well, if this is only about characters, there's projects like Oblivion Character Overhaul by Nuska to bridge the gap.

 

But yes, direct porting of Skyrim assets for use in Oblivion is not allowed, for if nothing else, then simply because Bethesda says so.

 

I also copy Lisnpuppy's explanation about the licensing, as that's what I, too, remember from them telling us. But in the explanation I remember they stated the assets weren't even created by themselves mostly but are licensed products they bought from 3rd parties for use in the game. If they were to allow use of these inside any other of their games now, they'd receive an invoice for additional license fees from the licensors the very next day, so they can't and won't.