using existing graphics as guides?

[ACiDiC74]

Hello, I was just curious if Sierra has ever expressed an opinion on the use of their graphics in fanmade games. And what's the atmosphere of this AGI community? Open pool of resources among fan games or best to do everything yourself?

I don't mean actually putting Roger Wilco (for example) in my game, but maybe using existing characters and objects as templates to help in creating my own.

I am more of a technical person than a visual artist, and while I have a friend drawing the backgrounds for me, the characters and items are still looking pretty bad for the most part.

Thanks for any responses.



see ya

[Chris Cromer]

I am not really too sure on how they feel about it but I would rather be on the safe side and not use their material. The only thing I might use is probably sound though since I can't get my midi's to turn into rol then turn my rol into a snd file.

[ACiDiC74]

Yeah, I wouldn't want to use their stuff unless they have officially gave their approval at some point, even if the chances of them complaining were low.

While browsing around the AGI websites I discovered this page which should be of some help for me: http://www.classicgaming.com/agisci/agigarc.shtml

I'm assuming most of you know about it, but for those that are new like me, it's collection of AGI graphics that are pretty much fair game for game creators.



see ya

[Chris Cromer]

The only thing I don't like about that page is nobody has contributed to it in quite a while. Too bad they don't have pics though that would be cool too.

[ACiDiC74]

Well, I guess the pictures are a little more personal to the game since they are so big and more detailed.

Once I'm done with my game I'll most likely release the graphics to the public assuming it's ok with my friend who's doing most of them (I'm pretty sure she won't mind)



see ya

[Chris Cromer]

That would be pretty cool. I would release my graphics too except I suck at art on the computer, and my artist is away right now and won't be back for a while. Well anyway good luck on your game.

[ACiDiC74]

Thanks, hopefully once I get used to the logic stuff it should come together pretty smoothly and relatively quickly.

And I know how you feel about the graphics. The programming isn't much of a problem (it is what I do basically) and I should have the music under control also, but if I didn't get my friend to do the artwork for me..let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.  

[Chris Cromer]

This pretty much what I do. I have learned many programming languages such as c++, visual basic, and qbasic but I still like and prefer AGI. This is probably because the first game I ever played as a kid was Space Quest 2 which is an AGI game.

[ACiDiC74]

Hehe, same here pretty much. I remember when we first got our computer my uncle brought over a bunch of games, Space Quest 1 and 2 were among them. I've been in love with Sierra "Quest" games ever since.

I actually started making my own Sierra style game in BASIC shortly after that, but I was new to programming and gave up before I got too far..guess I can now live out my childhood dream  

[bokkers]

I think that especially when you begin creating games with AGI, it is an invaluable help to play around with exisiting Sierra-screens. I remember having problems with perspectives and the proportions ego <-> background. Even when you're experienced with AGI-graphics it is still great to take existing scenes and modify them until you can't tell what the screen looked like before. The reasons are the same: perspective (of rooms inside buildings) and proportions are just perfect in Sierra games.
bok

[Brian Provinciano]

About two years ago Sierra made a note that it is illegal to use any of their graphics, sounds, or anything else like that in your games. It infringes their copyright.

My personal opinion is that people should draw their own graphics. I know people say things like "I'm a terrible artist", but that doesn't matter. Just draw what you can. If we cared about graphics, we wouldn't be interested in AGI. It's the game that's important.

If I notice people using Sierra graphics in their game, I won't put it on my site, and will remove any games if I am notified they have any. I also hate people who steal graphics from other's fanmade games.

[ACiDiC74]

I agree with you, the main problem (for me at least) is the animation. I can make a halfway decent, or at least good enough, character, but cannot seem to make a humanoid look like they're walking without any help. Still wouldn't want to use any graphics from other games unless I know the author doesn't mind.

This has become a nonissue for me since I originally posted the message though. I have walked my friend through using the view editor, and she has produced some really nice figures so far.

By the way, what is your site?

[Chris Cromer]

http://www.classicgaming.com/agisci/

This is where his site is.

[robingravel]

Hi Brian.

About two years ago Sierra made a note that it is illegal to use any of their graphics, sounds, or anything else like that in your games. It infringes their copyright.

My personal opinion is that people should draw their own graphics. I know people say things like "I'm a terrible artist", but that doesn't matter. Just draw what you can. If we cared about graphics, we wouldn't be interested in AGI. It's the game that's important.

If I notice people using Sierra graphics in their game, I won't put it on my site, and will remove any games if I am notified they have any. I also hate people who steal graphics from other's fanmade games.

In your site I read a bad reviews about very bad graphics like
AGI phantasmagoria and Tex McPhillips 1.

It may prevent the authors to finish theirs games because they draw bad drawing. The cheap way is to borrow the sierra
graphics (background, animation) to theirs games.

I guess to see a building with the word like "home" or "shop"
on it may not right way to make building but think not every one may draw well.

I wonder if the reviews may hurt some authors because they
are not a good artist.

Removing fanmade games with sierra graphics may hurt the
agi community since the ultimate agi sci website is the number
one for any sierra fans like me.

Will SQ: the lost chapter and Time Quest remove your site?

Robin Gravel

[ACiDiC74]

If Sierra doesn't want fanmade games to use their artwork then I their wishes should be obeyed (even if you don't agree with them, which I really don't  

It has the potential to harm the AGI community, but it does not have to. AGI game makers could help eachother out by pooling the resources together and allowing others to borrow from previous fan games. Perhaps make some sort of system which lets people know what resources are free to use and under what circumstances. What is over at http://www.classicgaming.com/agisci is a start, but doesn't allow people to put restrictions on their art which may be what is stopping some people from donated them.

I don't know, it's just a thought.