I came across Game Dev Tycoon, and at first I was rejoicing, because finally Kairosoft had returned to the desktop space with a follow-up to Game Dev Story. Then I realized the art direction was hugely different, and took to look at who made it, and found it was you guys. I found on your wiki that you say you were “Game Dev Tycoon was inspired by Game Dev Story (by Kairosoft), which was the first ‘tycoon’ game we enjoyed playing on the iPhone”, with some things about wanting to improve the game.
Well, I’m sure it’s arguable that you have improved the game, but not only that, you’re infringing on copy-right. It’s clear when I mistook this game for a Kairosoft game, and it is clear when a lot of other people have done so, too. There are many comments around the web about how much of a rip-off this game is of Game Dev Story, all the way from the accumulation of the points that go into games, to the menus and their contexts, the training, all the flow of the game, the 30 year time-frame that nearly ALL Kairosoft games have. It’s really disappointing to see that this is stealing in “with the best form of flattery”.
I don’t approve of this game. It is not ‘inspired by’, it is a copy of. I know people have bought this game, and gotten interest in this game because they thought it was Kairosoft. I hope to inform them that this isn’t. Other than that, I’ve informed Kairosoft, and I will not judge the situation any further, and I stand by whatever Kairosoft decide to do with this.
In short, we did not rip-off GDS. We were inspired by it and said that all along but our game is our own creation. Anyway, if you try it out you might like it. Many other GDS players have enjoyed our take on the genre a great deal.
Saying inspired enough times will not lessen the seriousness of these accusations. Imitation is a great tool for learning, and I have done so myself in all my endeavors - from creating music, to creating games, I have started by “doing my own take” on what I love, but it is important to veer away from what we started imitating, and more importantly know when not to take a charge for something that hits too close to home. The fact that this matter has created such a big discussion is evidence that something is too similar. People are not happy with the way you made the game, and with the way you are currently making money.
I almost bought your game in anticipation that it was a Kairosoft title. I have since played the demo, but I will not be able to give my support to someone that seemingly tries to cash off on imitation. If you are the fierce game developing souls you say you are, I don’t see why it couldn’t be a bigger step away from the ‘inspiree’.
Copy pasting as if it was official, huh ?[quote=“PatrickKlug, post:3, topic:447”]
In short, we did not rip-off GDS. We were inspired by it and said that all along but our game is our own creation. Anyway, if you try it out you might like it. Many other GDS players have enjoyed our take on the genre a great deal.
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At any rate, I’m open for discussion about the matter. As I stated in the OP, I have contacted Kairosoft on the matter, and ultimately I will trust their decision.
Are you guys really mad that some one made a better version of a game that is somewhat old and will never have a sequal(I don’t have a link to a source for this)?
what you are essentially saying is that anybody would have a freepass to remake a game they don’t own and pocket the profits 100% without a cent going to the original owner.
After the last thread got closed (for good reasons) I think maybe you shouldn’t start this discussion again. Things got pretty out of hand in the last thread.