In an impasse with graphics/fonts/sound

Game Play & Game Design
#1

Hi,

I don’t know if this post fits this forum well but I didn’t know where to post it. I’m in the process of changing the graphics of Incredibuilder because:

  • the game uses images taken from a website and this may cause legal issues. I though it would be ok in the first place just for non commercial purposes but after having read the licences I realized I may be in trouble.
  • the graphics are too similar to tetris and I need to separate as much as possible from tetris
  • the background graphics lack originality

Now my main issue is how and where to obtain REALLY licence free images? Eventually I would liketo sell the game and have no licensing issues with the images and not being forced to link back to the source(s). I have the same issue with fonts and sound/music.

I’m just looking for ideas since I’ve been searching the web for days now. I know it’s a big question that apply to any game developer here.

Thanks for you time.

#2

[quote]- the graphics are too similar to tetris and I need to separate as much as possible from tetris
[/quote]
I guess that’s why I didn’t play your game. I wasn’t a big fan on tetris.

Have you tried searching for royalty free images on google?
Or you could buy some pro images. I know some sites they cost a few dollars.
Otherwise if you have a good camera, go take some nice images of sunsets or what ever your theme is.
Another idea is you find a artist that will help you, like I’ve done with my new game.

#3

Hm… why not just take photos of constructionyards. It’d certainly beat the tropic beach :slight_smile:

#4

Spend a couple bucks on one and you can do whatever you want with it.

#5

if the picture is good enough he could get his sprites out of it.

he could just edit the picture and copy out some of the peices.

#6

Hey guys, thanks a lot for all your great support! :slight_smile:

Demonpants,
I’m reading the licencing terms (http://www.istockphoto.com/license.php) on istockphoto.com and I’m not sure there aren’t any legal issues for commercial video games. I’ll send an email to the site and ask questions about my intended usage.

To the others, I’ll reply later as there’re still fires at work! >:(

#7

All I know is that my boss has been using it in our professionally licensed game. :o He’s typically very good about all the legality of everything. Let me know what you find out.

#8

I had a bit of time to read further the license and I found that:
12. use or display the Content in an electronic format that enables it to be downloaded or distributed via mobile devices or shared in any peer-to-peer or similar file sharing arrangement;

Does electronic format apply to video games? I guess so. I’ll definitely send an email to them. If I were your boss I would double check the license too.

#9

hmm, will this be (if you use it) your first time to spend money on this game?

#10

Why the question?

#11

I am just curious ;D.

if it is sensitive (for whatever reason) you dont have to answer.

#12

Not sensitive at all. :slight_smile: I was just trying to understand the relationship…

So yes and no, to answer the question. I have a paid account to host my website and that’s all I’ve paid for now. About game resources like graphics, I’m ready to pay to a certain limit for images, sound and fonts, if necessary. About istockphoto I can afford the cost they charge since I don’t need a ton of images. Of course paying an artist would be way better but how much does it cost? I guess a lot more.

#13

A professional artist would probably charge about $50 / hour if they’re contracting.

#14

what hobbyist ahs that kinda money?

#15

None. I was just saying what the amount is. An indie developer might have that much if they really really want to see a game made.

#16

[quote]what hobbyist ahs that kinda money?
[/quote]
That’s why you find an hobbyist artist that will work for free. Not too hard if you know where to look.

#17

being int eh credits is worth a lot to some people.

#18

From zammbi:

[quote]Have you tried searching for royalty free images on google?
Or you could buy some pro images. I know some sites they cost a few dollars.
Otherwise if you have a good camera, go take some nice images of sunsets or what ever your theme is.
Another idea is you find a artist that will help you, like I’ve done with my new game.
[/quote]
Yes I’ve searched royalty free images on google. The problem is that they all claim that it’s royalty free but when you read the terms of use or licence info, you understand that it’s limited to personal web site, print, magazin and/or limited to x thousands of downloads on the web. You also have to mention the source of the images since you can’t have exclusive access when you buy them.

Which sites do you know where I can buy pro images? I’ll check them…

About taking pictures yes that’s a good idea. I could do that in the last resort.

Otherwise, anybody knows student artists I could pay for a package contract? Because pro artists or hourly paid aren’t possible options for me.

I haven’t sent an email to istockphoto yet, haven’t had time…

#19

corvinex pointed these out:

http://www.pixeljoint.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=11
http://www.wayofthepixel.net/pixelation/index.php