4

Possible Duplicates:
How closely can a game resemble another game without legal problems
Legal issues for a "fangame" of a commercial franchise?

I want to do a mobile version of an old game I used to like called Bow And Arrow (video, game). There's a project already port it in Ruby. I'm wondering if I can do a remake of this game. Do I have to get permission from the creator, or does it only matter if I use the same resources (graphics and sound)?

Jimmy
  • 143
  • 2

1 Answers1

6

Generally, and nearly universally around the world: game systems (pure mathematical formulas and algorithms) can't be copyrighted, and thus can be copied freely, even without being nice and asking. However, In some jurisdictions they can be protected - in parts or whole - by patents.

For everything else, ask a lawyer.

Martin Sojka
  • 5,709
  • 30
  • 30
  • Yep, Tetris for example. The only thing from Tetris you can't use is anything resembling the name Tetris. – Gagege Aug 11 '11 at 16:06
  • 1
    @Gagege Not true. You're also not free to use sound and graphics like Tetris. This blog has interesting information about Tetris and legal issues. – bummzack Aug 11 '11 at 17:58