How would you identify an edited ripped model?

Scrotty

I've been having difficulty to identify edited ripped models due to what I think is my own modeling inexperience. What questions do you ask if the tri's typically associated with a ripped model are somewhat removed, the face count is reduced and the UV is remade?

To me, even after all of that and the submitter stating that they used the rip as a reference which is why it has the same pose I still get that vibe that the model is ripped..I mean, just looking at how it's made I wonder...who models like that? There are also some weird tri faces on one side of the model but not on the other even though it has the edge down the middle to show that it's mirrored. Not sure if I'm allowed to link the model in question.

Eric Chadwick

I would rip the model myself, then merge in the contractor's model, and compare. If they share a significant # of vertices, it's not a new model.

But the larger question here is why duplicate a ripped asset? Even if you re-make Sonic from scratch, Sega still owns the copyright, and may sue you if you try to sell it or otherwise make money with it (webpage ads, whatever). The contractor making a copy is liable, and you are too for paying them to do it.

leilei

The suspicious organized UVs and topology can be a dead giveaway if previous work from the thief greatly differs.  Also check for smoothing groups and split edges.  The more naive thieves often weld them by accident not realizing that's a thing (milkshape 3d does this automatically for example)

The worst part is the defense of the rip that occurs after being caught.  They usually get away with it (in my experience dealing with them), and usually point to sites like <insert console-kid's model ripfest site here>, claim it's not for selling, models can't be a copyrighted, other BS etc.

beefaroni

I am assuming by "models" you also mean "assets"?

Anyways, ask for texture source files. That should instantly tell you whether or not the model is ripped. If they're really sloppy the normal map may be rotated to fit new UVs so the greens and reds would be rotated the wrong way.