usage of sprite "style" -- infringing?
Printed From: Pixel Joint
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Printed Date: 12 September 2025 at 10:04am
Topic: usage of sprite "style" -- infringing?
Posted By: hlx
Subject: usage of sprite "style" -- infringing?
Date Posted: 09 January 2014 at 7:16am
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Hi there.
I am just curious (and well aware that this is not legal advice). I am planning an 8-bit game, and doing the artwork. I immensely enjoy the art style of the 8 bit megaman sprites. If one were to create their own sprite with the same animation stances, would that be infringement in your eyes? Just curious. |
Replies:
Posted By: jalonso
Date Posted: 09 January 2014 at 7:50am
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It depends on you much you 'copy' their sprites and especiallt the actual pixel placements. If derivative and NFP then its just fanart/ref'd. ------------- |
Posted By: hlx
Date Posted: 09 January 2014 at 8:03am
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Ok, so here's a case study.
This is not my work, but found via Google. http://nsprites.smackjeeves.com/comics/1454263/8-bit-ninja-wip/ If he were to use that in a for profit game, would he be in hot water? |
Posted By: Sharm
Date Posted: 09 January 2014 at 3:37pm
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I'd say so. That's clearly an edit, not inspired by. Look at it this way: If you had made the sprites for Megaman and found someone doing what you're planning on doing to your work, would it bother you? |
Posted By: unanimousarc
Date Posted: 12 April 2014 at 7:16am
I have this sprite here which is kind of concept art for a new game I want to make, is it too similar to another well known game?
Spoiler: sword and sworcery |
Posted By: StoneStephenT
Date Posted: 13 April 2014 at 2:43pm
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You can’t really copyright a ‘style’; copyright protects a finished work, not the process behind it or the ‘style’ displayed through that work. That said: if you gank Mega Man sprites and edit them, you run the risk of putting yourself in a bad way. If you make a sprite that merely resembles Mega Man without using any of the well-known ‘parts’ of the Mega Man sprite, you probably won’t have too much to worry about. |
Posted By: Rahzmahaztahz
Date Posted: 26 June 2014 at 2:04pm
Capcom are bankrupt, so you run high risk of a lawsuit for money if they catch you  Maybe wait until they are dissolved in the next few months? Just my opinion.  |