Petz: Question for the Rare Team

[jazziefox]

A while ago I was into Petz in a big way, especially, the hexing aspect.

Hexing, for anyone who isn't familiar with it, is when you alter the files within the game, to create different breeds.
Both, P.F.Magic, the original developers, and UbiSoft, have stated that they don't mind players altering the files, and creating new breeds, so, all is well there.
You can find tons of cool, and exotic player-created breeds for download on the web.

But, I had a great idea today, to try creating some pinata breeds...

Then I had a rethink...I mean, I don't want to get sued, or worse, upset anyone :D


So, erm, yeah...at the risk of answering my own question, would that be considered breach of copyright?


Thanks in Advance!

[rashberry]

Unfortunately we're not allowed to answer legal questions in case it gets Microsoft in to a sticky situation later.

Rashberry

[jimmcq]

The problem is that Viva Pinata is a console game, and there are always legal issues surrounding the modifying of console files or loading unsanctioned download files onto your console.

So, my very unofficial answer is that it probably wouldn't even be possible to do, and even if it was then it probably wouldn't be allowed.

[jazziefox]

Oh right...

Hmm, well, to be safe, I'll not distrubute any of Rare's copyrighted Pinatas...but, I could make some up myself for people to download...

*Cogs working*

Thank you for your help, Rashberry!

[Edit]:

The problem is that Viva Pinata is a console game, and there are always legal issues surrounding the modifying of console files or loading unsanctioned download files onto your console.

So, my very unofficial answer is that it probably wouldn't even be possible to do, and even if it was then it probably wouldn't be allowed.


I'm not talking about modifying the Viva files!
*Mind boggles*
I wouldn't know where to start!

I meant Petz breed files, which belong to the PC game, Petz (a life sim, where you care for catz and dogz, of varying breeds).
The files are on my pc, and I've hexed many times.

But, like I say, as long as I stick to my own original Viva-inspired ideas, then I shouldn't need to worry.

[MoB TGnome]

It is never illegal to make Viva Pinata-inspired "Petz" it would be illegal to distribute them.

Like modding Halo 2(Which I have done SOOO much)you can edit, manipulate change. Anything you want. But as soon as you start distributing them you have now passed the "legal-line".

Modding = Legal

Selling mods = Jail time and big fine.

(Side note: It is awesome you can hex edit. I've always wanted to learn it, but its really complicated)

[jazziefox]

*LOL*
I wasn't talking about selling, either!

I used to run quite a successful petz clinic, where I'd fix things for people, like bandy legs, or wrong coloured eyelids.
If you want to see some of them, you can go to FFPC (http://ffpc.purkle.com/), and click on Breedz, or Engineered Petz.

It used to be complicated, but yesterday, I started messing with Petz Workshop, which is kind of a WSIWYG Hexer, I guess, and it's quite fun!
Hence the crazy, fun ideas I keep having...

:D

[DingoMutt]

I think it would be neat if you made Pinatas for Petz. I know many many websites in which you can download breeds for the game. So if you want some awesome looking Dogz PM me! :D

[jimmcq]

Your Petz can be pinata-inspired, but once you use the exact likeness or name of something from Viva Pinata then you're back to crossing that line.

[jazziefox]

Your Petz can be pinata-inspired, but once you use the exact likeness or name of something from Viva Pinata then you're back to crossing that line.

Yeah, I guess I kind of knew that all along...

Time to work on the Goobledeegloop!
;)