Using Official Content

[Duplex]

Is there any sort of rule against using official content to make custom content?
For example, if I want to use official maps from paid DLC to create custom scenarios on top of, is that allowed? What is the line between a custom scenario and stolen content?

[bru888]

I don't think they mind if you use their images. One of them even put a bunch of OOB images in a zipped file and posted it for us a while back. Using their maps may be another matter. As a matter of fact, I believe there is a mechanism that prevents the use of one of their maps in a custom scenario if you do not own the associated DLC. If you do and you intend your customization for your own use only, no problem. However, if you want to share it in the forum, players who do not own the DLC will likely not be able to play it.

Let's see if an official will come by and comment on, clarify, add to, or correct what I have said.

[Duplex]

Hm, I hope someone official can give a definitive answer. I'm only asking because I find map creation tedious and somewhat unenjoyable, as opposed to the other parts of custom scenario creation, and it would be cool if I could use the nice maps in official DLC. But it's also perfectly understandable if devs don't want people using the content from paid DLC, so I just want to know what the official stance is.

[GabeKnight]

I can't give you a definitive answer either, and I think that Bruce is right about having to own the corresponding DLC to be able to play the custom scen then.

But there was once this thread here: Custom campaign - Finland in WW 2 and I quote: "I took the original Winter War DLC campaign and started to develop it further[...]"...

[bru888]

Duplex, if I am right about that embedded code thing, realize that you can use a DLC map for your custom work if you own the DLC and you are keeping your work private. I don't know if I was clear on that. It's only if you wanted to publish it for other forum members that you may find some folks who don't own that DLC will not be able to play it.

Let us hear from an official, hopefully.

[Duplex]

Duplex, if I am right about that embedded code thing, realize that you can use a DLC map for your custom work if you own the DLC and you are keeping your work private. I don't know if I was clear on that. It's only if you wanted to publish it for other forum members that you may find some folks who don't own that DLC will not be able to play it.

Let us hear from an official, hopefully.

Yeah I got that, thanks for the help , but I anticipate using these maps to create scenarios that I will then publish (Why create scenarios if not for the community to enjoy with me?).

Also, to add to my question, if the official stance is stated and I'm not allowed to use the custom maps, would I be allowed to use it if I altered the terrain slightly? If so, what qualifies as enough alteration? *Or*, does the embedded code and would official policy mean that I can't use any part of a DLC scenario whatsoever?

[bru888]

I should stop talking because I am not official but I came back to say that I am now rather sure of that restriction. It's because I just remembered a situation in which I tried to "borrow" a map from a DLC that I had not paid for yet. An oversight that I quickly corrected, of course.

I remember that I could not even open the file in the scenario editor (even after patching to the latest version). If so, that would bollix your idea for just altering the terrain slightly. You could for your own use - if you owned the DLC - but that security mechanism would still be embedded in the file when other players accessed it, I bet.

Who knows? Maybe I am wrong. But, it is for this reason that I never try to reuse a DLC map.

Now I will stop talking. Officials? If you please.

[GabeKnight]

Duplex, if you want a quick answer, write a PM to Shards or somebody at Slitherine. That's what I did before publishing my mod here.

And FYI, many of the OoB "binary" files are just renamed ZIP files. Like savegames, replays and scenario (.scz) files. And the "offical" ones have a password. That is the protection.

[Duplex]

Duplex, if you want a quick answer, write a PM to Shards or somebody at Slitherine. That's what I did before publishing my mod here.

And FYI, many of the OoB "binary" files are just renamed ZIP files. Like savegames, replays and scenario (.scz) files. And the "offical" ones have a password. That is the protection.

Thanks for the tip. I'm not in a big hurry, and I may decide to just create the map myself. I am still brainstorming on what my next custom scenario will look like. I haven't done one in a while!

Btw, totally unrelated , but what's a nice way to abbreviate something like "6th Army Group"?

I'm thinking just "6th Army Gp.", but there's got to be a way to make it shorter and still understandable.