Question about copyright.

[DemonLady]

Iunno if this is the right spot for this, but it's been in the back of my mind for ages, so I figured I'd ask.

 

And please note, this is a rhetorical question; I have no intention of actually doing this.

 

Anyways, the Nexus has a rule about no ripped content, I know that. But let's say for example I made a companion Mod for Skyrim that added Combine Overwatch soldiers as Companions from Half-Life 2. Now, normally, I'd not be allowed to use legitimate sounds from the game for them, but say I got in touch with VALVe and asked their permission, and they said yes, and I was able to prove They said yes. Would that change the rule, or would it still not be allowed because it'd be about the same as pirating just a chunk from HL2?

 

Again, this is a rhetorical question, I have no intention of doing this, especially since my Construction Set, GECK and Creation Kit knowledge is extremely limited, plus I've no intrest in doing so.

[Oubliette]

With written permission, aka proof that they said yes, you'd be fine to upload the mod. Copyright is about protecting assets from being used without permission, that permission can be gained in a variety of ways but it's still permission. Having permission to use assets is not the same as pirating (taking digital content you have no right to) something.

[bben46]

It does not change the rule.

 

However, the rule does allow using assets if you have the permission of the copyright owner. :thumbsup: However, whether or not other modders could use those assets would depend on how they phrase the permissions. If the permission is exclusive to you, then anyone else would also have to get the permission to use their assets. If the permission says the assets in question are free to use by anyone - then anyone else would also be able to use them.

 

Several people have been successful in getting documented permission to use material from other games - so go ahead and ask away. And try to get the 'free to use' approval if you can. :biggrin: