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Possible Duplicates:
How closely can a game resemble another game without legal problems
Legal issues for a "fangame" of a commercial franchise?

I want to do a mobile version of an old game I used to like called Bow And Arrow (video, game). There's a project already port it in Ruby. I'm wondering if I can do a remake of this game. Do I have to get permission from the creator, or does it only matter if I use the same resources (graphics and sound)?

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Generally, and nearly universally around the world: game systems (pure mathematical formulas and algorithms) can't be copyrighted, and thus can be copied freely, even without being nice and asking. However, In some jurisdictions they can be protected - in parts or whole - by patents.

For everything else, ask a lawyer.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Yep, Tetris for example. The only thing from Tetris you can't use is anything resembling the name Tetris. \$\endgroup\$
    – Gagege
    Commented Aug 11, 2011 at 16:06
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    \$\begingroup\$ @Gagege Not true. You're also not free to use sound and graphics like Tetris. This blog has interesting information about Tetris and legal issues. \$\endgroup\$
    – bummzack
    Commented Aug 11, 2011 at 17:58

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