I’m new to Unity (haven’t even downloaded it yet) and still have to learn some C# before I even begin. I’m not in the game industry, I’m actually a Music Composition student.
I have a fairly fleshed out idea for a Star Wars game that I want to make. I couldn’t possible make a AAA game if Lucas Arts were to give me a commission. So what I wanted to do was make a game with the full storyline but stripped sidequests and the like, then pitch it to LA so they could hand it to a company like Ubisoft to make it a real game.
For those of you with exp. in the industry, does this sound like a good method? What suggestion do you have?
My two main concerns are spending years on a project just to have it struck down ('cause if they say no I don’t know if they’ll let me distribute it free online). My second fear is getting sued.
I don’t think this is a very good idea, the chances that they will approve of this is extremely slim. You are better off working on your own original IP. You can take ideas from the Star Wars Universe however.
In fact most company will even refuse to hear your idea in fear they might have started producing a similar game (since you could attempt to sue them upon release). Because of this, you will most likely never get to chance to present it. And believe me in those big company plenty of employees have great game ideas also. They rather go for an idea of their own to keep most of the profit. But good luck with your future projects and hope youll learn and use Unity! Fell free to ask the community about anything!
Make something impressive and then maybe they’ll listen to you. They’re not going to, otherwise. Ideas are a dime a dozen. There’s no way you’re going to get a start in the game industry via the method you’re talking about.
Thanks for the answers. I really wasn’t planning on this being my jumpstart into the business. I just didn’t want this story to go unheard.
Should I ask permission to make it non-profit, do it anyway or simply give it up? I can’t realy change it to non SW because the story is too deep into the SW mythology and culture.
I mean, there is plenty of online fan fictions. This would just be a fan fiction that interacts with you.
If I do make it anyway (just for fun) will posting it’s progress or asking for help with it get Unity in trouble at all? I don’t want to scare anyone or get booted off the community.
I dont think you can get in trouble for making the game. Now releasing it could be a different issue.
If the story you have needs to be that specific realm, maybe change some key details and names just enough so that true star wars people will get it, but its not a rip off and potential for sueing?
I am with everyone else though, tell the story with your own game and characters.
No company will ever take your idea or even humor the idea since it may be something they are working on, or intend to work on. If there is any similarities to yours then you would have a case against them saying that you stole the idea that you provided. These people just rehash the same game anyways, its up to the indies to innovate and make truly radical and new concepts.
You can go ahead and make your game, but you just cant make a single penny on it. It can be done as a “learning and fan project” thats about it
Just for the record, they can shut you down even if you aren’t intending to make money from it. Happened to plenty of mod teams, if you’re using any of their IP (names, places, vehicles etc.) then they can send you a cease and desist no problem. I’ve seen “fan” games being stopped just for posting screenshots with no playable build so really if you want any kind of exposure you’re better off making something original.
Yes you can. Just specificy that it is purely educational (which it is). Just don’t release it.
But since you’re new to Unity anyways, I would start with something MUCH smaller. I’ve been using Unity for 2 years and I can’t even think of creating a Star Wars game.
Get a lawyer if you really really want to make a SW game. That lawyer then will most likely recommend to stay away from the SW franchise.
Better yet, develop some new and fresh idea.
