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"Unofficial Expansion Packs"

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:05 pm
by arty
Is it illegal to make "Unofficial Expansion Packs" for Star Wars Battle Front 2? Like just copy all the files needed to run the game, and edit them to your extent? Because it would be really cool if we could like make like expansion packs to like change things, but have your original game still.

RE: "Unofficial Expansion Packs"

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:13 pm
by Fusion
If the same Mod Tool rules apply to the game, it's illegal to edit the .exe files.

RE: "Unofficial Expansion Packs"

Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2007 11:58 pm
by [RDH]Zerted
All you have to do is backup your game files before you install your expansion pack. When you want to play the retail game again, backup your expansion pack files and restore your first backup. The rules on what you are allowed to edit are in the mod tool's EULA. You did read that fully right? Anything in that (including if it said give $50 to LA) you are required by law to follow, at least in most USA states.

RE: "Unofficial Expansion Packs"

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 12:33 am
by arty
Where is EULA?

EDIT: Never mind I think I found it. But what I'm thinking is just making another copy of SWBF2, and editing that. Getting rid of the default maps, and making my own. Changing the menu screens and changing the start up icon. So this way its a whole new kind of game yet still have the older one and have that playable too.

I have another question. Is their away to edit the Campaign Game to your own style? Like have your own levels and stuff?

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 2:41 am
by VF501
You may not: (1) except in connection with the installation of and game play associated with the Software, copy the Software in its entirety onto a hard drive or other storage device and you must run the Software from the included Digital Versatile Disc (“DVD”) or Compact Disc (“CD”); (2) distribute, rent, lease or sublicense all or any portion of the Software; (3) modify or prepare derivative works of the Software, except as may be allowed herein; (4) transmit the Software over a network, by telephone, or electronically using any means, or permit use of the Software, in a network, multi-user arrangement or remote access arrangement except in the course of your network multiplayer play of the Software over authorized networks in accordance with its documentation; (5) engage in matchmaking for multi-player play over unauthorized networks; (6) design or distribute unauthorized levels; (7) reverse engineer the Software, derive source code, or otherwise attempt to reconstruct or discover any underlying source code, ideas, algorithms, file formats, programming or interoperability interfaces of the Software by any means whatsoever, except to the extent expressly permitted by law despite a contractual provision to the contrary, and then only after you have notified LucasArts in writing of your intended activities; ( 8 ) remove, conceal, disable, or circumvent any proprietary notices or labels contained on or within the Software; (9) export or re-export the Software or any copy or adaptation thereof in violation of any applicable laws or regulations; or (10) commercially exploit the Software or any portion or derivative thereof, specifically at any cyber café, computer gaming center or any other public site without first obtaining a separate license from LucasArts (which it may or may not issue in its sole discretion) for such use, and LucasArts may charge a fee for any such separate license.

Legally you can have 2 separate directories. Under #1 you can do a separate directory as it pertains to installation. Its a technical loophole but its there because of the following.

1. Because nothing has changed, you still have the game with its unique CD Key on one computer system.
2. Nothing in the EULA prohibits copying of any and all game components (as long as you do not plan to redistribute them) they only prohibit .exe changes, .dll changes and anything to do with the game engine. Making custom sides and maps is different as those are generated by the user and are not considered changing the original componenets (redistribution rules apply in terms of $ and original game assets from the mod tools, plus use of copyright material, ie KoToR assets and others, is prohibited)

So yes you can make a separate directory in the C: drive and run it as a completely separate instance of the game. I did it for GTA:SA long ago to play mods and the online mod.

What you plan to do is illegal in the sense you want to get rid of the old maps and make a completely different game (a mission.lvl is actually legal to rewrite, they worry more about .exe and .dll edits because of waurez).

Actually under #6 all modding breaks the EULA, but its been discussed many times here and the concensus is its okay so as long as copyrighted material rules, see above, and all directions in the modtools readme is followed.

EDIT: If yoy wanna get uber legal, all online play is illegal unless the server is approved by LucasArts. But thats just being a prick.

Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 2:44 pm
by Ace_Azzameen_5
I don't see any problems with a total conversion...

Heck, LA is fine with Exe modding in their games in some cases, at least. Its essential for any real X-Wing Alliance Modding involving adding new ships, and thats been done w/o incident since before the game was legacy.