Is Rpgmaker an illegal software?

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ID:193300 Feb 9 2002, 2:25 pm
LordG28	I've been hearing that Rpgmaker is an illegal software from many people. So is it or not?

Feb 9 2002, 2:27 pm
Super Sonic 4	Yes, It is

Feb 9 2002, 2:35 pm
Theodis	LordG28 wrote: I've been hearing that Rpgmaker is an illegal software from many people. So is it or not? RPGMaker is not illegal, but obtaining a copy without paying for it is illegal and tampering with the executable files is illegal. So any unofficial translations made by people who don't have the rights to do so are illegal.

Feb 11 2002, 12:38 am In response to Super Sonic 4
Pillsverry	Super Sonic 4 wrote: Yes, It is No, It isnt If RPGmaker is illegal, then BYOND, The Games Factory and pretty much every other Game making software out there is. Like Theodis Said, Its Illegal to aquire the software without paying for it(Unless someone gives it to you as a gift, or if the company makes it freeware(or shareware)) IF it is illegal then How? What did it do?

Feb 11 2002, 2:49 am

In response to Pillsverry

Shadowdarke

Pillsverry wrote:

Super Sonic 4 wrote:

Yes, It is

No, It isnt

If RPGmaker is illegal, then BYOND, The Games Factory and pretty much every other Game making software out there is.

Like Theodis Said,
Its Illegal to aquire the software without paying for it(Unless someone gives it to you as a gift, or if the company makes it freeware(or shareware))

IF it is illegal then How? What did it do?

I think you missed the point of Theodis' post. The English translation of RPG Maker is illegal.

from http://www.gamingw.net/maker.php?CatID=3
"RPGMaker 2000 was originally created by ASCII, A japanese based company but later on it was "illegaly" translated by a russian fellow known as Don Miguel, what we mean by "illegaly" is that ASCII didn't give him permission to translate the Share ware product and give it out freely over the internet."

I've been trying to find official word from ASCII Entertainment about their position on the RPGmaker hacks, but with no luck. (The official page is here: http://www.ascii.co.jp/english/partners/etsoft/rpg/ It provides no real information and doesn't even have a place to order the software. ASCII has a very poor web presence, it seems.)

Nothing I have read stating "ASCII says it's ok" provides the source of their information. I can find no official statement from ASCII Entertainment or a legal document anywhere that says the English translation hack is legal. Since it is software hacked without the permission of the legal owners, it is illegal. If you can find valid documentation* to the contrary, please show me.

<font size=-1>* Valid documentation must come directly from ASCII Entertainment or some legal document. Don Miguel or some unknown entity saying "It's legal" doesn't make it so.</font>

Feb 11 2002, 3:43 am In response to Shadowdarke
LordJR	Which as much hacked software in Japan as I saw when I lived there.. who cares!!! Really though, I have a British friend who works for ASCII in their music department. I'll ask him if he can find out any info on it for me. ... I have contacts around the world... LJR