Confused about EULA
by Justin Elkins · in General Discussion · 09/01/2005 (8:51 am) · 14 replies
I read in the eula that the engine can only be distributed to the person who bought the engine (1 Seat). What if i need my programmers to program in it? will I have to buy him a whole copy as well? hopefully not :( Only have enough cash for one right now. Thank you.
About the author
#2
If so could I sign it over to him?
09/01/2005 (9:02 am)
So essentially I would have to license the engine to the programmer?If so could I sign it over to him?
#3
"If so could I sign it over to him?" best email GG and ask.
09/01/2005 (9:22 am)
Yes you would need to buy a license for your programmer... "If so could I sign it over to him?" best email GG and ask.
#4
Does a Level Designer have to have a license as well even though hes not touching code?
Is it legal to use Valves Hammer to map levels (converting from map to dif with the converter tool) and sell my software even
though i made levels with it?
Right now our team is on a tight budget and using this first game as a starting point to build capital. My team is eager to start.. Just would like to know your opinions. Thank you all :)
09/01/2005 (9:48 am)
OK im going to give you a scenario here and if anyone can help me decide the right course of action Id appreciate it with the greatest respect. Im going to be getting pretty much all the addons. Im wanting to work on an RTS with good graphics.( BumpMapping, Normal Mapping, Specular, etc.) I have a team in place right now of about 15 people ranging from storyline to programmer. First off...Does a Level Designer have to have a license as well even though hes not touching code?
Is it legal to use Valves Hammer to map levels (converting from map to dif with the converter tool) and sell my software even
though i made levels with it?
Right now our team is on a tight budget and using this first game as a starting point to build capital. My team is eager to start.. Just would like to know your opinions. Thank you all :)
#5
09/01/2005 (9:55 am)
Quote:Does a Level Designer have to have a license as well even though hes not touching code?No. Only people that actually see the source code have to have a license.
Quote:Is it legal to use Valves HammerNo one seem to really know for sure, but I would probably stay on the safe side and NOT use hammer.
#6
You can freely access (look at, write, debug, etc.) the script files with no license.
You are not allowed to "share" logins for access to the forums.
Putting these together, you will want to get licenses for:
1) Every programmer that will be modifying source code.
2) Anyone that needs total access to the private forums. This can be, say, just your team leader, but use good ethics in how you filter questions to the forums, and answers out again.
In your example, no, a level designer shouldn't have any need at all for a license...they can legally use the modified executable your (licensed) programmers put together, and all of the tools included with that (world editor, gui editor, etc.), as well as any scripting they need to do for their level.
While there are some that will say that Hammer has "approved" using their editor for commercial use, this is not offical, and GG's public position is that you should not use Hammer for commercially targetted projects. Torque Constructor however is in the final stages of development, and is of course fully legal to use for Torque projects (and others as well, I doubt that our final EULA will have any restrictions at all, but don't quote me on that until it's actually published).
09/01/2005 (9:58 am)
Anyone that needs access to the source code itself (brings it up in a text editor, compiles it, etc.), as well as the private forums needs a TGE license.You can freely access (look at, write, debug, etc.) the script files with no license.
You are not allowed to "share" logins for access to the forums.
Putting these together, you will want to get licenses for:
1) Every programmer that will be modifying source code.
2) Anyone that needs total access to the private forums. This can be, say, just your team leader, but use good ethics in how you filter questions to the forums, and answers out again.
In your example, no, a level designer shouldn't have any need at all for a license...they can legally use the modified executable your (licensed) programmers put together, and all of the tools included with that (world editor, gui editor, etc.), as well as any scripting they need to do for their level.
While there are some that will say that Hammer has "approved" using their editor for commercial use, this is not offical, and GG's public position is that you should not use Hammer for commercially targetted projects. Torque Constructor however is in the final stages of development, and is of course fully legal to use for Torque projects (and others as well, I doubt that our final EULA will have any restrictions at all, but don't quote me on that until it's actually published).
#7
09/01/2005 (3:50 pm)
Thank you all for your replies! they are much appreciated :) it helps alot! 
#8
The one thing I am not seeing mentioned here is that you can purchase a commercial license which is attached to your company rather than an individual (you cannot sign over a license with the indie license). This company seat then can be used by a programmer working for the company and if he goes away the seat remains yours. If you have two programmers you will need two seats (no sharing).
09/02/2005 (1:29 am)
Justin,The one thing I am not seeing mentioned here is that you can purchase a commercial license which is attached to your company rather than an individual (you cannot sign over a license with the indie license). This company seat then can be used by a programmer working for the company and if he goes away the seat remains yours. If you have two programmers you will need two seats (no sharing).
#9
09/02/2005 (9:12 am)
Wow thanks that helps alot! I can plan accordingly now :).
#10
09/02/2005 (3:41 pm)
Can i get an indie license and have my programmer work on the code while keeping it under my name and then get commercial license?
#11
09/02/2005 (3:52 pm)
No, that is not allowed by the EULA.
#12
09/02/2005 (9:39 pm)
Ok thank you :) no more questions will be asked of this.
#13
I feel your pain with this situation. I had the same issues a while back. I'm more into the art and content creation side of stuff so I really had no use for a commercial license. However as team lead, I feel like it's a good idea to have a copy of the license as well as any programmers that are on the project: just make sure they're dedicated and aren't going to jump ship half way through the production cycle. :)
As a small aside. How does implementing the RTS pack change the world editor?
09/02/2005 (10:37 pm)
Hey Justin,I feel your pain with this situation. I had the same issues a while back. I'm more into the art and content creation side of stuff so I really had no use for a commercial license. However as team lead, I feel like it's a good idea to have a copy of the license as well as any programmers that are on the project: just make sure they're dedicated and aren't going to jump ship half way through the production cycle. :)
As a small aside. How does implementing the RTS pack change the world editor?
#14
09/03/2005 (7:44 am)
I dont think it does.. I think the only thing different really was the fact that the camera angle was diff :).. but im not sure.. maybe a employee will know :P 
Torque 3D Owner Michael Cozzolino
Big Monk Games