This may be simply because I just cannot search - or, well, I can search (as in "to Google") but I never find what I'm looking for - but I haven't found a thread on this and I wish to know what you think on the subject. So, what is morally (or legally, for that matter) OK when it comes to publishing/releasing a game both for free and in exchange for money? Is it OK to create a game with all RTP sprites, tilesets, face images and release it for free or for sale as long as you credit Enterbrain, or do you even need to do that, or should a game be only custom made sprites, images, music and sounds for it to be OK to at least sell?
Personally I would never think of selling a game using standard graphics that come with some software, but then I got the demo for Eternal Eden which, for the full version, costs and it uses a lot of standard RTP sprites, sounds, and as far as I could tell the battle system was not altered at all! I mean, is this really OK? If not legally so, morally?
If you don't have a definite answer, feel free to share your own views and thoughts. However, if there is already a thread like this that I just couldn't find, please provide me a link before you close it. Thanks~
~Rukishou
Generally for free-to-play games all that's requires is credit to everyone that were involved in your game.
As far as a pay-to-play game is concerned. That's something you MUST make up your mind about -before- you start a game, because as you collect resources, you have to ask every person that you intend to use resources from if it's ok that you sell your game that includes resources from them. They might say sure, or no, or sure only if you pay them like 5% of what the game makes. Whatever. Also, you can't use copy written things.
If you plan to make a game with only RTP stuff OR custom stuff that you yourself made, then I know it is okay to sell for RPG Maker XP, as long as you purchased it legally. I know there was an oversight with the VX EULA, so I need to do my research first before saying yay or nay for that.
If you plan to make a game using someone else's graphics, you'll have a bit of a problem selling it because of certain copyrights. Most people have it so that you can legally use/edit their resources for your game however you wish as long as you credit them, BUT, you cannot legally sell them without direct consent.
No matter whether the person responsible for a certain piece of work wants me to or not I will definitely credit them at the end of the game, including Enterbrain and the software I'm using (most likely RMVX). To be honest though, I have never had any intention of taking money for such a game unless almost all of it is custom resources (by me or the rest of the team behind the game, assuming there is one).
Check with the people whose resources you're using, and get it in writing. I know there are a couple of scripters who have made systems, and are more than happy for you to use them in commercial games - for a price, and for credit. I also know a lot of people who post their resources here would have a fit if you planned to use them in a commercial game. The only way you can know is to ask each one, and if you can't find the creator, or don't hear back from them, don't use it.
I know you can use the RTP from XP, and I believe you can use the one from VX as well. Check the EULA on both engines to see if there are any conditions.