Are Fan Games Acceptable?

[SombrashyShady]

I deeply apologize if this is the wrong forum, and if it is, then I would like it to be moved if possible. ^^; And I'm not sure if this question has been answered somewhere, in which case I also apologize.

Anyway, to the question....While I intend to mostly make my own original Visual Novels using the Ren'py engine, is discussion/creation of VNs based off of other series' acceptable on these forums? As in...A fan game? Naturally, it'd be using my own artwork and story, and be for completely non-commercial purposes, but technically basing it off of an existing series? For example...A Phoenix Wright fangame. Or a "Big Bang Theory" Visual Novel. (Not that I'm making a fangame for either series, but as examples...)

Again it'd be completely non commercial, and would use only my own art and writing, ect. But I thought I'd ask before trying to talk about it anywhere, whether that sort of thing is generally allowed on these forums? Or if such a thing is permitted to do with the Ren'Py program in general. Once more I'm sorry if this is the wrong forum / a question answered already somewhere and I just didn't look hard enough.

[PyTom]

Yes, we allow it, up until the point where the original copyright holder complains.

If the copyright holder sends a DMCA complaint to me, I have no choice but to take the work down.

[SombrashyShady]

Yes, we allow it, up until the point where the original copyright holder complains.

If the copyright holder sends a DMCA complaint to me, I have no choice but to take the work down.

I understand entirely. I also understand that making a fangame at all is sort of a risky ground in general in terms of copyright to begin with. Thank you for the speedy answer!

[Gabylc]

For what I know, and it's little I admit, fan games aren't really illegal. Of course, if any of the copyright holders asked for me to tae my work down, I would do it, not only because I don't want to hire a lawyer, but also because it feels natural to accept the wishes of the artists I love, it's basic respect.

But I don't really worry, fan games are part of the fanbase as much as fanarts, fanzines, fanfics, fan movies, cosplay etc. and for now it's generally tolerated by the original artists as long as you don't make money out of it. It seems to go under the varous forms of "right to parody" laws, even if it's difficult to apply one special rule regarding international copyright.

Let's hope fandoms will continue to enjoy this kind of freedom

[SundownKid]

It really depends on the copyright holder, as well as the quality/budget of the fangame being made. A visual novel fangame is probably more safe than, say, a 3D remake of Chrono Trigger.

[truefaiterman]

Actually, even Nitro+ guys went ahead and tried out some good fan-vn:
http://vndb.org/v1390