JJnet's forum

[quote]I'm pretty sure what Wktk is working on isn't a complete remake, but more of a recreation of JJ2[/quote] That is only partly true. While it will indeed feature a new functional mode with differences from Jazz2 and a revised protocol, wKtK told me that Fukkatsu is mainly intended to be a replication of and substitute for the current state of JJ2, and that the client/server apps are aimed at being fully compatible with JJ2/JJ2+ when in legacy mode.

[quote]and that the client/server apps are aimed at being fully compatible with JJ2/JJ2+ when in legacy mode.[/quote] Indeed, and thats one reason why I can't use other sprites, except if they have the exact same bounding boxes, gunspots, etc. Another reason is, and I may be wrong on this, thats it's not that legal to use jj2's sprites, music etc. Thats why you will need the files of the original jj2, just as I believe OpenJazz is doing with jj1. I'm also thinking of including an optional login, maybe synced with this site or J2O, that enables you to access your config wherever you are. This could also be used to detect faking, or as GLaDOS suggested make whitelisted (clan-only, for example) servers. Due to me being a busy student, the game is far from this point. However, I though I should bring this up to hear what the community thinks. Currently, I'm working on the netplay. Expect to see a Fukkatsu-powered bot walking around soon ^^

Treylina, i like only the Big Sliver Box and Alien Eye beast

[quote] That is only partly true. While it will indeed feature a new functional mode with differences from Jazz2 and a revised protocol, wKtK told me that Fukkatsu is mainly intended to be a replication of and substitute for the current state of JJ2, and that the client/server apps are aimed at being fully compatible with JJ2/JJ2+ when in legacy mode.[/quote] That's what I actually meant for the most part.

[quote]Another reason is, and I may be wrong on this, thats it's not that legal to use jj2's sprites, music etc.[/quote] In most if not all countries it's illegal to: -distribute fangames (including unofficial sequels/prequels, remakes etc., doesn't matter if you use any part of existing code or not, doesn't matter if you have any kind of profit thanks to the game or not); -use Epic's IP for a game (existence of Jazz, Spaz, any other Epic's characters, JJ planets etc., as well as sprites used in JJ and JJ2, as well as music and sounds used in them); -use anyone else's IP for a game (Noogy's Lori, I don't think there's anything else worth mentioning). Jsyk.

Hmm, would it be legal if i didn't include them or offered them for download, but if i read the filetypes and displayed whatever inside? Like some games have community made skins of popular characters (say Super Mario), but they don't get sued by nintendo 'cause Mario isn't included in their original game, nor do they offer the skin for download/purchase. Would that work?

Well, I'm not a lawyer, I'm just saying what I managed to learn about fangames (from many, many sources). I suppose that it's fine for you to make a game that has nothing to do with JJ2 (kind of surprising it reads j2l and j2t files but oh well) and then have someone who doesn't mind becoming a criminal upload proper files somewhere else. Not much of a difference imo, someone has to break the law anyway. Edit: I'm unsure how protection of file formats works, but creation of a game that *accidentally* uses the exact same file extensions and formats as those included in JJ2 might be your chance in fact. Dunno though, I expected you to be ready to commit a crime. Unless you're selling the game it's rather improbable Epic will even notice it.

In that case, Fukkatsu should simply not be officially advertised or mentioned as a fangame to JJ2. The rabbits would get new names and looks (or even have their species changed), no sprites, levels, tilesets or music from JJ2 would be included with the application. Not that I am a lawyer either, but I am pretty sure that JJ2's gameplay mechanics are too generic to be seen as intellectual property (do random developers get sued for making platformers? I think not), and the capability to read and write J2Ls and J2Ts, or even J2As should be no problem, as long as those formats are free from patents (which is probably the case) and the usage of those formats stays an option that is not enabled by default. I do have my doubts about whether Epic Games is actually going to take action against Fukkatsu, seeing as JJ2+ (reverse engineering), WebJCS (a fan project which the former devs are well aware of, plus they encouraged DJazz to make a WebJJ2) and Digiex' JJ2 downloads (which Epic is likely aware of by now) still have not been taken down. It might be a good idea to ask Epic (or whoever the current rights holder is) themselves about what would qualify Fukkatsu as a JJ2-unrelated game, i.e. whether file format I/O support or protocol compatibility is OK.

[quote]and Digiex' JJ2 downloads (which Epic is likely aware of by now) still have not been taken down.[/quote] Nimrod informed someone from Epic about it and they were like "hi5 o/"

[quote]do random developers get sued for making platformers?[/quote] Only in alternate universes, where Apple invented the platform game. [quote]Unless you're selling the game it's rather improbable Epic will even notice it.[/quote] This was my main thought about this subject, and I doubt they will be so unforgiving even if they notice it as long as I'm not making profit of their work. [quote]WebJCS (a fan project which the former devs are well aware of, plus they encouraged DJazz to make a WebJJ2[/quote] Them encouraging DJazz to make a new one says enough. If I stay civil and professional, and keep it open and free they should not have many objections. And evn if they do, after reading this I believe they will first contact me to discuss instead of sueing at once :) EDIT (gry posted while i was writing this) [quote]Nimrod informed someone from Epic about it and they were like "hi5 o/"[/quote] this made me lol xd I'm glad they act this way, and are not so Apple about this. ------------ So, what I'm gonna do: First of all, I haven't decided on a lot of details yet, due to the game being i a very early stage. I think the way that I and some others proposed here is the current way to go: Don't distribute their content, maybe change character names and most of all keep it frre and open (like i was planning anyhow, I'm not the type to charge for somebody elses game ;)) Thanks for your input, guys. I'll go back to coding the netply now :chatter:

The way I see it from the posts, Epic doesn't really care and/or kind of supports the idea of people making fan games/programs or even distributing JJ2 for free. Yes, there was an old thread from JCF where someone asked if they were allowed to make a fangame and apparently they weren't allowed to reguardless of however they made it...but that was donkeys ago. I have a feeling it was the lawyers job to say "no" because "copyrights so it's illegal" rather than ask everyone else at Epic first. Okay, changing character names sounds like a ridiculous idea, especially if you're going to end up using the exact same character designs.

[quote]Okay, changing character names sounds like a ridiculous idea, especially if you're going to end up using the exact same character designs.[/quote] It will only use the official characters if you link the original J2A-file, which is not officially provided ;) But I agree, no need to do that until Epic sends laser-guided lawyers after me.

[quote]WebJCS (a fan project which the former devs are well aware of, plus they encouraged DJazz to make a WebJJ2)[/quote] Anyone from Epic Games though? Because I only recall him contacting Michiel Ouwehand - a programmer who has never been a member of Epic afaik. Either way, what I believe is that Epic won't give a fukk about Fukkatsu unless it becomes really, really widely famous or you stand in their way somehow (because big industries often start to care about your minor illegal activities if you start some major legal activity that might cost them a lot of money - in which case you're screwed; see MU for reference although well, its illegal activity is hard to call minor I suppose).

[quote]if you start some major legal activity that might cost them a lot of money[/quote] I don't think Fukkatsu will cost them money at all, whether it's legal or not, so that'll be fine.

I rather meant any kind of your future legal projects. Like, if anytime in the future you're doing something that might cost Epic lots of money, they come out and say you made use of their IP in a fangame so you have to go to jail and can't finish your project. Tbh I can't think of anything one could do to put them in such danger though and I doubt they could make you go to jail for a non-commercial game so yeah, indeed what I said hardly applies to your case anyway.

Ah, I understand. Thanks for all your input, I know some more about the legal quirks of companies now.

When I become the Emperor, such evildoers will be killed with fire. VOTE FOR ME LOLOLOLOL Anyway wKtK, gl with the project!

gl hf! I'm sure you'll finish this...

[quote]When I become the Emperor, such evildoers will be killed with fire. VOTE FOR ME LOLOLOLOL Anyway wKtK, gl with the project![/quote] You've got my vote :) and thanks. [quote]gl hf! I'm sure you'll finish this...[/quote] Thanks! And even if I don't, the code will be a big help to other who want to try the same ;)

Searching for Java Sound system? Use http://www.paulscode.com/forum/index.php?topic=4.0 . (Also choose plugins where do you want use but sorry, no Impluse Tracker (.it) Module supported gl hf

Thanks, I'm coding it in C++ now so this won't help me with fukkatsu, but it'll still be useful for other projects (or an android version, maybe :))

[quote]Thanks, I'm coding it in C++ now so this won't help me with fukkatsu, but it'll still be useful for other projects (or an android version, maybe )[/quote] Will work in linux?

yep, also on Macs and windoze ofc :)

wKtk, you can copy from other programs and paste text on fukkatsu?

You means pasting text from the clipboard into e.g. the chatbox? Yes, this will be added. I do not yet know in detail how this works on linux, but on Windoze it's very simple.