Posted by Mugenman2
in Question about paying for MUGEN content. (Started by Mugenman2 November 30, 2022, 11:47:25 pmBoard: M.U.G.E.N Discussion
It's been a long time since I posted, but I just had a quick question regarding pay walls. I recently was watching a YouTube video that featured a very graphically remastered version of Suzaku Castle. A stage that is from the Street Fighters series. This rendition features an upscaled version of the stage, and added lighting/thunder effects and as well as rain. The stage obviously had a lot of work put into it and obviously it paid off because it looks amazing. The big issue, and this is where my question comes in, is that it is essentially locked behind a sort-of paywall. Now, the stage itself isn't specifically locked behind a paywall, but the website it is hosted on demands that all users pay before being allowed to view the links to the stage. It looks as though the creators of the website are trying to be discreet about essentially promoting piracy, because they claim the money specifically goes towards the upkeep of the website; and that the main creators put a lot of work into the stages they produce, and that it takes a lot of time, money, and effort to create for not only MUGEN, but the beautiful look of the site. Now, that is fine and dandy and all, but isn't it essentially piracy? The paywall explanation loosely sounds like a legal defense incase anything were to happen. The stages, and all other content featured on the pages, are the reason why people visit the site in the first place. The website is MUGEN oriented after all. I just feel as though it's quietly soliciting money for MUGEN content. The assets featured in most of the stages still belong to the company that made them. Gaming companies these days re-release their old games on newer consoles, so they are still making a profit off their copyrighted material. Using a street fighter stage as a base, and upscaling it and adding pretty effects, is still piracy isn't it? The video the stage was featured in even featured street fighter characters and other capcom based sprites. Just thought it was strange and decided to share my thoughts. I won't name where I found the cool looking stage to not start drama or whatever, but it's pretty easy to find online yourself.
