Need (legalesque) advice

LEViATHAN

Hey guys, quick question.

I used to work on Incoming: Source (now "Orion") some time ago. Someone brought to my attention that the current project leader has released all of their content as open source, including some of my works, without discussing it with me or any of the other former members (yes, he knows how and where to contact me). Confronted him about this, but my messages were simply removed.

I'm cool with the team using my works, but I'm not comfortable with having my work freely floating around all over the place, especially when I'm not credited for any of it (the leader instead stated that his "company" (Spiral Game Studios or whatever) should be credited, even though I, and many others, were never part of it) and when it's done without my consent or even any kind of notification.

Contacted the people hosting the file, but haven't received a reply yet. What further actions can a man do in a situation like this to at least get _my_ works out of the package? Some irreversible damage has already been done, but want to control it to an extent.

Thanks.

Martin Henriksson

Those are the guys that kicked people on the team just as they got money from kickstarter right? ;o Or was that you that got kicked?

Justin Meisse

did you sign any kind of contract? Otherwise, I'm pretty sure it's a legal grey area showing who actually owns the assets - if it came to a legal battle it would be down to who wants to spend more money.

but don't take legal advice from a bunch of game artists, hah

LEViATHAN

Martin Henriksson wrote: »

Those are the guys that kicked people on the team just as they got money from kickstarter right? ;o Or was that you that got kicked?

Yeah probably, I worked on the project way before that happened though.

Justin_Meisse wrote: »

did you sign any kind of contract? Otherwise, I'm pretty sure it's a legal grey area showing who actually owns the assets - if it came to a legal battle it would be down to who wants to spend more money.

but don't take legal advice from a bunch of game artists, hah

An NDA, didn't include anything on ownership.

iconoplast

Many lawyers will offer brief phone consultations for low or no fee. I even get 4 15 minute consults per year as a benefit of my credit union. Might be worth checking to see if you have similar benefits somewhere or can find someone to call.

D4V1DC

I need to forewarn everyone (not to take this literally, It's a j.o.k.e. got It okay)

I wouldn't do this cause I know not to get into these sort of "deals" but if I were a person of this magnitude a bat & location helps.

Seriously though, he's also on these forums cause he used this very forum to find people to help him/her/It. If he didn't inform you I would take the advice icon is stating to get professional help. I heard finding one to simply ask a quick question would be alright, but from others I've heard just talking to a lawyer is like $250, just a heads up.


Just a general conversation to add is we seem to be getting screwed at every turn, from theives, to posers, to upstarts, to art tests, AAA studios the list goes on. Posers being the guys that save portfolio images and claiming to have made them, just to clarify.

Praz

Leviathon,

Not quite sure how this started as I haven't even heard a word from you. I also am unsure as to who you are so I am unsure as to how to contact you.

You stated that you tried to contact me but I have not received anything. If you want to contact me simply drop me a line on my personal email - dprassel@spiralgamestudios.com

You can also use the Spiral Community:
http://spiralforums.com/


I do not know which content you speak of, as you also didn't list it here. If you contact me privately I'd be more than happy to discuss this.

However, one thing I want to point out is that we do not demand credit. The 'Use Rights' were listed as:

USE RIGHTS:
This content is made available for free to all fellow Modders. We hope you enjoy!

marks

I think the point David, was that you didn't credit him as the author of the works which you released.

orion5175

LEViATHAN wrote: »

Hey guys, quick question.

I used to work on Incoming: Source (now "Orion") some time ago. Someone brought to my attention that the current project leader has released all of their content as open source, including some of my works, without discussing it with me or any of the other former members (yes, he knows how and where to contact me). Confronted him about this, but my messages were simply removed.

I'm cool with the team using my works, but I'm not comfortable with having my work freely floating around all over the place, especially when I'm not credited for any of it (the leader instead stated that his "company" (Spiral Game Studios or whatever) should be credited, even though I, and many others, were never part of it) and when it's done without my consent or even any kind of notification.

Contacted the people hosting the file, but haven't received a reply yet. What further actions can a man do in a situation like this to at least get _my_ works out of the package? Some irreversible damage has already been done, but want to control it to an extent.

Thanks.

yeah I'd check with a lawyer on that because people can get into alot of trouble if they even use images from any sight without the owners written permission. unless you signed anything i'm pretty sure it's a lawsuit.