Legal Issues when porting non opensource games

[reizencroft]

I'm currently working my own version of a non-opensource game from windows. I am using sprites from the original games, so is the gameplay but everything else will be started from scratch.

Once i'm done, is it okay to release it publicly? will i face trouble if i do so? If i dont want to get into trouble after releasing it what will i do?

Thanks for any advice everyone will give.

[SSaxdude]

I think there are homebrew releases at DCEmu that use copyrighted sprites. There was a Halo themed fps game called Iris which Microsoft got mad about.

Bottom line, I think it's ok to release it. But if the creators get mad for whatever reason, you'll just have to take it down.

[Wally]

Just acknowledge the developers in the credits :)

It also depends on how old the game is too and if its freeware.

[reizencroft]

Actually, the game I am porting is a shareware.

[yaustar]

In strict legal terms, you are infringing on the original game's copyright. Get permission of the current copyright holders of the game you are cloning.

[h4s30]

laws are meant to be broken