Mechanics... copyright?

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SPM
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Mechanics... copyright?

Post by SPM »

Hi! How close can you get to using a specific mechanic like R-Type's "force" or Zero Gunner 2's control without committing copyright infringement? Or IPs "only" apply to audio and graphics here? :?:

I love the first one and wonder why there aren't more games like that series gameplay-wise... And also would like to introduce a ship/mode in a future project with Zero Gunner 2's control scheme (I've never seen it outside of that game)

Thanks!
"There are three possible endings: the good one, the bad one and death" - Locomalito, Super Hydorah
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trap15
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Re: Mechanics... copyright?

Post by trap15 »

Capcom vs Data East (regarding Fighter's History) pretty much decided that mechanics cannot be copyrighted.
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<S.Yagawa> I like the challenge of "doing the impossible" with older hardware, and pushing it as far as it can go.
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heli
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Re: Mechanics... copyright?

Post by heli »

Everybody gets sued by space invaders.
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wltr3565
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Re: Mechanics... copyright?

Post by wltr3565 »

The better question to ask now is if it got copyrighted or not. In most cases certainly the mechanics never got copyrighted. But there is a modern example of that...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm_AzK27mZY

It's a good idea to be vigilant about it, at least.
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