Modifying ED missions

[Sierra99]

Gentlemen,

 

I have a quick question. Is it kosher to post a modified version of a mission provided by ED with DCS-A10C?

 

I have taken the time to fix the broken elements of the "CSAR" mission and added a few things to turn it into a CO-OP map that takes about 2 hours to complete. It can also be completed as a single player by judicious use of the AI assets provided,

 

I've always like this map because I think it is the essence of what the A-10 does best. I also think its a great beginners map because it is relatively straight forward and simple to understand. I'd would like to share it... but don't want to step on anyone's toes especially those of the original designer.

 

Comments would be appreciated

 

Sierra

[Sabre-TLA]

Any created content is copyrighted by the author so if you want to publish your own copy "a derived works" you should probably contact ED and get their agreement.

 

If you want to sell your "derived work" then you would need a licensing agreement like many 3rd parties do.

 

For freeware missions you should get someone from ED to agree to avoid any legal issues (I doubt ED would take you to court over it but you never know).

 

Once it's released you would have a hard time to reverse it.

[Blooze]

You asked for comments so here goes. I am convinced that what the multiplayer segment of this community needs most to maintain enthusiasm for this sim are new missions to fly. Considering how few new missions have been made available for public use I think that anyone that takes the time to create something new and shares it with the community is doing the community a service. As far as using an ED mission as a base for your mission is concerned, I would be disappointed in anyone's objection to that. I'll be looking forward to trying it out.

[cichlidfan]

It should not be any different than posting a modded lua file.

[Blooze]

If you look HERE and read the PROGRAM UTILITIES section it should clarify things. It looks like a green light to me with very few requirements. Thanks for raising the question. I think that others will benefit from this thread as well. I know I learned something that I consider valuable as I continue engaging in this addiction.

Edited April 1, 2015 by Blooze

[Sierra99]

Any created content is copyrighted by the author so if you want to publish your own copy "a derived works" you should probably contact ED and get their agreement.

 

I'm not sure were talking about the same thing. I'm not looking to sell it...I'd just like people to be able to use it if they wish.

 

BUT that's why I asked the question...

[Sierra99]

If you look HERE and read the PROGRAM UTILITIES section it should clarify things. It looks like a green light to me with very few requirements. Thanks for raising the question. I think that others will benefit from this thread as well. I know I learned something that I consider valuable as I continue engaging in this addiction.

 

Thanks Blooze! I'm thinking a simple statement indicating the is a rework of the original mission and the changes I made should be enough to indicate it's not "Mine" and nod to the folks who originally built it.

 

That's my biggest concern... I don't want someone calling ME a hack for posting it as "Mine" when that's not my intention.

[Sabre-TLA]

What Blooze posted is correct. If you are creating new missions from scratch then you are indeed using the Program Utilities to make new content and would be under that license condition.

 

If you are using one of ED's produced missions or campaigns I think it would fall under section 3:

 

3. LICENCE CONDITIONS

3.1 Except as expressly set out in this Licence or in clauses 4.1 and 4.2 below, or as permitted by any local law, you undertake to use the Program for your own personal use, and you shall not:

(a) sell, rent, lease, sub-license, merge, adapt, vary, modify the Program, or any copies of the Program, without the express prior written consent of TFC;

 

I still think it would be a good idea to get ED's ok if you are modifying their content but I'm not a lawyer so I'm only stating my opinion based on what I learned when we approached ED to get our 3rd party license agreement so we could sell our missions.

 

If someone modified the current Su-27 payware campaign and released it I think they would be under similar license concerns.

[Blooze]

As I read it a created mission would be considered "new program materials" not the program itself. I'm calling my lawyer. :book:

[MadDog-IC]

I have been down this path, and have been modifing all the campaigns and missions that come with the DCS modules of the last few months, as I am sick of all the non functioning missions.

 

I contacted WAGs at ED about doing as you are commenting on, and he said it was fine as long as you didn't try to sell the modified content, or claim it as your own work.

 

I have already uploaded the fixed additions of the A-10c campaigns on the ed files section, and stated that it is indeed the original work of ED.

 

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/?arrFilter_pf[filetype]=&arrFilter_pf[gameversion]=&arrFilter_pf[filelang]=&arrFilter_pf[aircraft]=&arrFilter_CREATED_USER_NAME=maddog-ic&set_filter=Filter&set_filter=Y

 

Kind Regards, Ian.

[Sierra99]

I have been down this path, and have been modifing all the campaigns and missions that come with the DCS modules of the last few months, as I am sick of all the non functioning missions.

 

I contacted WAGs at ED about doing as you are commenting on, and he said it was fine as long as you didn't try to sell the modified content, or claim it as your own work.

 

I have already uploaded the fixed additions of the A-10c campaigns on the ed files section, and stated that it is indeed the original work of ED.

 

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/?arrFilter_pf[filetype]=&arrFilter_pf[gameversion]=&arrFilter_pf[filelang]=&arrFilter_pf[aircraft]=&arrFilter_CREATED_USER_NAME=maddog-ic&set_filter=Filter&set_filter=Y

 

Kind Regards, Ian.

 

Ian,

 

Thank you for the information. I actually thought of contacting WAGS to ask but I didn't want to interrupt his efforts getting World 2 ready.

 

That being said, Blooze look for a new improved CSAR mission on the Forum later tonight. And you are more than welcome to join us on our -={TAC}=- clan server.

 

:thumbup:

 

 

-={TAC}=-Dreamland -Dedicated DCS server...when were flying

Teamspeak -={TAC}=-Dreamland - 68.202.120.51

[Sabre-TLA]

Good job Ian! :thumbup:

 

When you have the blessing of the head Kool-Aid Mixer you can't go wrong. :)

[SnowTiger]

If you are using one of ED's produced missions or campaigns I think it would fall under section 3:

3. LICENCE CONDITIONS

3.1 Except as expressly set out in this Licence or in clauses 4.1 and 4.2 below, or as permitted by any local law, you undertake to use the Program for your own personal use, and you shall not:

(a) sell, rent, lease, sub-license, merge, adapt, vary, modify the Program, or any copies of the Program, without the express prior written consent of TFC;

 

Based on S.3.1.(a), it is my opinion that you are NOT affecting or modifying "the Program" (being DCS World or one of their Mods).

You are not reprogramming the Mission Editor either.

 

You are simply modifying a mission that was created (I'm sure) using the ME.

So where you are trying to Edit the Mission, I would say that's "open season" (i.e. permitted).

However, as would be the case regardless who creates the mission, I think it's only prudent to make sure Credit is given where due. In other words, you should clearly specify or indicate that the base programming of the mission was created by ... whoever (in this case DCS or ED). I would say the exact same thing for any mission that other players have created and shared.

That said, some if not many player's "User Files/Missions" clearly state that they don't want any 3rd Party Sharing or modifying, at least not without the original Author's express approval (i.e. Written approval).

 

In short, I don't think there should be any problem with doing what you want to do as long as you give Credits.

But then, it never hurts to ask DCS/ED directly to be 100% confident of what you are doing. However, do Not Expect anyone to "Interpret or Clarify or Define" what ANY of the Terms of Use. That is always your responsibility to get your own Lawyer to do that.

But obtaining permissions is something anyone should be able to request.