Recently I saw a post here in the sub asking if there was an open-source version of Terraria or if he could create one, I wonder if that wouldn't be a copyright infringement? If it weren't, I think it would be an interesting small project to recreate the console version of Terraria for PC, especially for low-end PCs that don't run Terraria 1.4.5 very well.
by Sapienzin
5 Comments
Other games have had open source variants that only work if you buy the base game. That’s probably your safest route.
From a legal standpoint, yes it is copyright infringement. That said, its up to the company to decide if they wish to enforce their rights.
From an ethical standpoint, its not okay to play an open-source version of the game unless that version has the developer’s blessing.
From *my* perspective, its an inexpensive game with boatloads of content… and there’s really no reason to avoid rewarding the Developer’s hard work with a purchase. If low-end PCs are the concern, you can always adjust the settings to accommodate.
Open Terraria would be a dream for me, an old ThinkPad user who can no longer run 1.4.5 (or even 1.3). I would love to see a PC version of Xbox 360 Terraria.
butt
I’m not a lawyer, but my understanding is game mechanics are not protected by copyright but can be patented. Art assets, on the other hand, absolutely are protected by copyright. So you could, in theory, make a game that works exactly the same as terraria but with all original art, music, names, etc. and that should be fine.
Recreating games is kind of a tradition of game development. Most people’s first project is some sort of arcade clone. There are tons of clones of games like Minecraft for example (ex Luanti). As long as you’re not calling it “open Terraria” and using their art I think you’ll be fine.