PC Game based on Board Game

[kimosavi]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Hi. I am a developer and I started a small side project by taking a very unique board game and created a PC online multiplayer version for me and my brother to enjoy.

We own the game and used to play a lot, but when I moved away we tried to find an online version to play, none existed, so I developed one.

The PC version had great acceptance with their friends we want to make it "Public", so friends can download and play for FREE.

I had scanned, retouch and edited most of the ART in the game, concept and gameplay is almost identical, with a few minor changes.

But the design, programming logic and code belong to my intelectual property.

I wrote this small disclaimer to be posted on the web:

"This game is based on the original boardgame of the same name by XX Company.

"Game" is under Copyright by XX Company.

This PC game is completely unofficial and in no way endorsed by XX Company.

All artwork, the "Game" world and the relating terms are either ®, TM and/or © Copyright XX Company Ltd 2000-2007, variably registered in the UK and other countries around the world. Used without permission. No challenge to their status intended.

All Rights Reserved to their respective owners."

Don't know if this disclaimer is enough or if there are legal implications of making this version of the game Public.

I do not benefit from this game, nor am I charging anyone to play, but I want to know if the Publisher has any right to pursue any kind of lawsuit, just for making this game and publishing it for free play.

Thank you in advance!

[cyjeff]

Yes.

You are stealing their intellectual property.

Why not call them and offer to sell your version to them?

[kimosavi]

Thank you cyjeff.

And I might take your advice. The version I developed is very decent and they might like it.

So all those FREE games on the web that replicate board game might be illegal? Pacman is a classic you will find even in the cell phones, they need a license to create it right?

It is sad, because there are no versions of this board game to Play online.

[ecmst12]

You need permission from the owner of the board game copyright. They could easily argue that your giving away their game for free hurts the value of their intellectual property, even though you are not personally making a profit from it.