Ever since around October 1999 I''ve been working on the design for a sim on a subject that''s never been covered before. It''s taking me a very long time, and the end is nowhere in sight. The biggest fear I have is that some other person or company will release a similar game before I even have a chance to finish my own. It takes a long time to make a game and, given how Sim games are based on real-life concepts, the risk is very real. Perhaps this seems like a small problem, but consider how, besides being seen as a copycat, there might be legal issues associated with such an unlucky coincidence. It''s the sort of injustice that tormented Leibniz at the hands of an arrogant Isaac Newton. It''s the "post hoc, ergo propter hoc" fallacy applied to creative works. Imagine what would happen if another company was working on a game like Sim City during the time Sim City itself was released. The company would be seen as unoriginal, perhaps even criminally so, all because of a misjudgment of the apparent evidence. Perhaps I''m worring too much. After all, companies other than Microsoft can make Flight Simulators, and companies other than EA can make basketball games. This doesn''t stop me from wondering what might become of my game. If I''m not the first to publish a certain kind of sim, might my game be allowed to exist? So what can I do to protect myself? I''ve already written down the approximate date on which I started working on the game, but sadly this does not constitute any form of evidence (it''s easily forged). Should I look for a timestamping service? What else can I do to protect myself? Any advice or commentary is appreciated.

you will not be able to copyright or otherwise own an idea. by timestamping or providing evidence that you were already developing the game before someone else sells it (or more importantly, before you KNOW someone is going to sell it - ie. its also in development) will, at best, simply stop them from pursing legal action against you.

you will still release it second, and whatever the publics opinion is, will be the same.


perhaps you may start thinking about taking the idea and whatever code you''ve got now to a larger development company. obviously profits to you will be smaller, but atleast the game might eventually get out there (with marketing (#Q$(($)

just a thought ....


vort

One thing I do have is a receipt from borders.com for a book on the subject of interest dated January 2000. Might this help me if a case should ever be brought up against me in court?

[edited by - chronos on May 29, 2002 5:18:26 AM]

Anonymous,

It''s true that you can''t copyright an idea, but the thing about sims is that implementations will necessarily resemble one another to some degree. Some kind of protection is desireable, even if only against copyright infringement claims.

As for taking the game to another developer, the problem is that I have no code. The reason is that the game requires the use of a 3D engine, and frankly I''m still struggling with the basics of 3D programming. Left with only a rough design I''m left with no option but to continue on my own and protect myself in any way that I can.

You''re being paranoid. Don''t sweat it.

If I were you I''d just be hoping it isn''t going to involve Hasbro but don''t worry, we''ll stand up for you I don''t know much on law issues but I gather its some sort of competition on who can hire the most expensive lawyer. Best thing to do is finalize the design and get working on it.

quote: Original post by chronos
One thing I do have is a receipt from borders.com for a book on the subject of interest dated January 2000. Might this help me if a case should ever be brought up against me in court?

Nope. If you''re really concerned, best thing is to show what you''ve got so far to a whole bunch of witnesses. In the event you get sued down the line, you can have these people swear our affadavits that you were working independently on the idea.

I''d worry more about finishing and publishing your game than about what may happen if you do. Nobody cares about similarities of game ideas. Quake, Unreal, ring any bells? The only issue is wheter the game contents (graphics,sound,design,etc.) is ripped. Since that won''t be the case, you''re being paranoid for nothing.

Mark