Patreon/SubscribeStar Copyright Laws in Ireland

OzoneK6

Newbie
Aug 28, 2018
16
8
Hey, first time posting. I have an idea for a real porn game that I have both the time and dedication to create that I think would be a lot of fun. The issue is surrounding the use of porn stars likenesses in games. I'm Irish and I'm completely unaware of the laws about such stuff. Is there any legal consequences around using real porn star faces and videos in Ireland that anyone is aware of? I haven't been able to find any info about it at all. Also, the game would be a hobby rather than a means of earning money but I'm curious if I could even monetise such a thing if I wanted to in Ireland without there being a huge issue with taxmen and accountants. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
 

Carrera

Active Member
Jun 25, 2017
501
1,165
In Ireland I have no clue what the laws are. HOWEVER, there is precedent in other countries of American publishers suing foreign nationals for copyright infringement and basically dragging them to an American court.

Word of advice, if you're worried about, don't do it. If you do it, then don't charge money for it. My biggest peeve when people steal my property (I'm a producer/publisher) is when they try to make money with it. There are a lot of games floating around using my property and I'm good with it until they start charging for it. (or start whining about other people stealing their work when 90% of their work is already stolen)

On the flip side, if you alter the images sufficiently enough, like in Good Girl Gone Bad a case MIGHT be able to be made that they're no longer the original image. It's an entirely new product. That however seriously depends on the lawyers and the court.

Another flip side, it also depends on how far someone is willing to protect their property. Me myself, barring what I've mentioned above, I have no problem putting someone on the moon into bankruptcy if my lawyers tell me they think they can win and I don't care if it costs me more than what I'd win. Not everyone is like that though.

TL;DR: If you use any copyrighted images, music, code, anything. DO NOT charge money for it. No donations, no excuses. You're more likely to have the rights holder take umbrage and when you lose, you're gonna lose big. Some, like myself, will ignore you until you start trying to make money off it.
 

Squark ⚧❤️

Conversation Conqueror
Jun 16, 2017
7,037
7,831
(Also Irish)
It's not just a matter of law. It's also a matter of lost profits. Companies care first and foremost about profit (it's why they exist) and for their actors/actresses images being used without permission - commercial or otherwise - might land you in some serious hot water.
It's partly the reason 3DCG became such a big thing as opposed to Real Porn.
 

OzoneK6

Newbie
Aug 28, 2018
16
8
In Ireland I have no clue what the laws are. HOWEVER, there is precedent in other countries of American publishers suing foreign nationals for copyright infringement and basically dragging them to an American court.

Word of advice, if you're worried about, don't do it. If you do it, then don't charge money for it. My biggest peeve when people steal my property (I'm a producer/publisher) is when they try to make money with it. There are a lot of games floating around using my property and I'm good with it until they start charging for it. (or start whining about other people stealing their work when 90% of their work is already stolen)

On the flip side, if you alter the images sufficiently enough, like in Good Girl Gone Bad a case MIGHT be able to be made that they're no longer the original image. It's an entirely new product. That however seriously depends on the lawyers and the court.

Another flip side, it also depends on how far someone is willing to protect their property. Me myself, barring what I've mentioned above, I have no problem putting someone on the moon into bankruptcy if my lawyers tell me they think they can win and I don't care if it costs me more than what I'd win. Not everyone is like that though.

TL;DR: If you use any copyrighted images, music, code, anything. DO NOT charge money for it. No donations, no excuses. You're more likely to have the rights holder take umbrage and when you lose, you're gonna lose big. Some, like myself, will ignore you until you start trying to make money off it.
Damn, thanks for the help. It's not a hope of mine to ever charge for it anyway but by the sounds of it maybe it's a bad idea from the get go. It does make me curious as to how others get away with charging for it but, I guess that's for them to worry about.
 

OzoneK6

Newbie
Aug 28, 2018
16
8
(Also Irish)
It's not just a matter of law. It's also a matter of lost profits. Companies care first and foremost about profit (it's why they exist) and for their actors/actresses images being used without permission - commercial or otherwise - might land you in some serious hot water.
It's partly the reason 3DCG became such a big thing as opposed to Real Porn.
I can see that, I can foresee more bad than good honestly. I guess it mightn't be the worst thing to make the game and not charge for it. Still risky but more unlikely to cause major issues. Regardless, thanks for your help.
 
Apr 19, 2019
60
82
... It does make me curious as to how others get away with charging for it but, I guess that's for them to worry about.
If the operation is small enough, sometimes it can slip under the radar and avoid attracting the attention of lawyers. Still, it's a risk and even the small operations can be discovered and made an example of.
 

Carrera

Active Member
Jun 25, 2017
501
1,165
Daz3d is popular for a reason. You can, with a little practice turn out some great looking models. If I remember right there's a free version of it.

Also, using stuff like Honey Select or whatever it's called, Artificial Girl, basically the various illusion games to make girls and then use screens of them in various poses are popular.
 

OzoneK6

Newbie
Aug 28, 2018
16
8
If the operation is small enough, sometimes it can slip under the radar and avoid attracting the attention of lawyers. Still, it's a risk and even the small operations can be discovered and made an example of.
Wow, kind of scary for the devs of some of my favourite games on here then. That's asking for trouble.
 
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OzoneK6

Newbie
Aug 28, 2018
16
8
Daz3d is popular for a reason. You can, with a little practice turn out some great looking models. If I remember right there's a free version of it.

Also, using stuff like Honey Select or whatever it's called, Artificial Girl, basically the various illusion games to make girls and then use screens of them in various poses are popular.
Yeah, makes perfect sense. Definitely something to think about. Thanks for the pointers.
 

Carrera

Active Member
Jun 25, 2017
501
1,165
click the "get started for free" link

for a beginners tutorial
 

Carrera

Active Member
Jun 25, 2017
501
1,165
Hey as an aside, if you ever decide to make a game with voice acting, use Irish voices, and throw in a few with really thick accents. Trust me, people will flip the fuck out over it and it won't be in a bad way. Use Irish voices,,, that doesn't sound right, I mean don't try to make them sound like they're from a different country, just be authentic.
 

OzoneK6

Newbie
Aug 28, 2018
16
8
Hey as an aside, if you ever decide to make a game with voice acting, use Irish voices, and throw in a few with really thick accents. Trust me, people will flip the fuck out over it and it won't be in a bad way. Use Irish voices,,, that doesn't sound right, I mean don't try to make them sound like they're from a different country, just be authentic.
I got you, I never even really considered that. Makes complete sense though. Now that you mention it, I dont think I've ever heard an Irish voice in a game on here. I'll definitely do that when it comes to it.
 
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