Is Better SADX legal?

[k.schutze1]

For personal reasons, if the mod technically takes assets from an emulated version of the DC version or anything, for my own comfort I don't want to download it. But if Sega gave it approval since I know they can be cool with these things (or if anyone can confirm that emulation wasn't involved), then I'd love to try it since the base game is...wanting.

Thanks y'all!

[NBOX21]

It's just modifying the base assets from the PC version to make it look like the original Dreamcast release. No emulation is involved whatsoever, considering all it does is it takes the files from the PC release, changes them to fix the things that are wrong with it, all while preserving all the improvements made to the DX version such as 60FPS during gameplay, skippable cutscenes and music not resetting during screen transitions in the HUB areas, along with new improvements like proper widescreen.

Besides, mods like this are absolutely legal because they still require you to own the game itself in order to use them anyway. It's not like they're distributing the game, only the resources needed to mod the existing files that are already installed.

[k.schutze1]

Thank you so much~

[UnfriendlyGuy01]

This is cringe of the highest degree

[Desko]

You shouldn't be using BetterSADX in 2022 anyway, since it isn't supported anymore. PiKeyAr's (PkR's) SADX Mod Installer is the way to go nowadays.

[Sea Prince Gillywix]

Originally posted by NBOX21:

It's just modifying the base assets from the PC version to make it look like the original Dreamcast release. No emulation is involved whatsoever, considering all it does is it takes the files from the PC release, changes them to fix the things that are wrong with it, all while preserving all the improvements made to the DX version such as 60FPS during gameplay, skippable cutscenes and music not resetting during screen transitions in the HUB areas, along with new improvements like proper widescreen.

Besides, mods like this are absolutely legal because they still require you to own the game itself in order to use them anyway. It's not like they're distributing the game, only the resources needed to mod the existing files that are already installed.

Its still technically not legal because any unauthorized use of copyrighted assets is still illegal, but Sega usually doesn't mind mods like these so long as people aren't trying to make a profit off it or it isn't doing something to damage the sonic brand.

[NBOX21]

Originally posted by Sea Prince Gillywix:

Its still technically not legal because any unauthorized use of copyrighted assets is still illegal, but Sega usually doesn't mind mods like these so long as people aren't trying to make a profit off it or it isn't doing something to damage the sonic brand.

What exactly is illegal about a simple widescreen mod?

[Sea Prince Gillywix]

Originally posted by NBOX21:

Originally posted by Sea Prince Gillywix:

Its still technically not legal because any unauthorized use of copyrighted assets is still illegal, but Sega usually doesn't mind mods like these so long as people aren't trying to make a profit off it or it isn't doing something to damage the sonic brand.

What exactly is illegal about a simple widescreen mod?

Modifying the base assets, but again. Sega probably won't mind. Just as always with mods its wise to tread lightly.

[NBOX21]

Originally posted by Sea Prince Gillywix:

Originally posted by NBOX21:

What exactly is illegal about a simple widescreen mod?

Modifying the base assets

Which is perfectly legal. There's no law against modifying assets that already exist in the game's files.

[Desko]

Originally posted by NBOX21:

Originally posted by Sea Prince Gillywix:

Modifying the base assets

Which is perfectly legal. There's no law against modifying assets that already exist in the game's files.

The Dreamcast Conversion mod uses assets taken from the Dreamcast version that weren't present at all in DX's files. It's also worth noting that BetterSADX and SADX Mod Installer don't simply grant mod support for the Steam version, they straight up replace it with files from the 2004 port, including the executable. Neither are legal, but Sega hasn't done anything to stop or discourage their distribution.

[Sea Prince Gillywix]

Originally posted by NBOX21:

Originally posted by Sea Prince Gillywix:

Modifying the base assets

Which is perfectly legal. There's no law against modifying assets that already exist in the game's files.

Maybe if you live in Russia, but in the United States it is illegal technically.

[NBOX21]

Originally posted by Sea Prince Gillywix:

Originally posted by NBOX21:

Which is perfectly legal. There's no law against modifying assets that already exist in the game's files.

Maybe if you live in Russia, but in the United States it is illegal technically.

Firstly, I don't live in either of those countries so that's a moot point, and secondly, if mods were illegal like you say they are, even in the US, then all the major gaming companies, including SEGA, would have all of them shut down by now given how massively popular they are among the PC community, even including simple widescreen mods.

Even Nintendo, who loves to take down everything that fans work on, have not shut down the Newer Super Mario Bros. DS/Wii or any Mario Kart Wii mods despite how well known they are. The only company I have ever seen actually shut down fan mods for a popular game is Rockstar, who are in the wrong to do so, both legally and ethically as most, if not all those mods are transformative work which, as far as I'm aware, fall under fair use or similar laws.

[Sea Prince Gillywix]

Originally posted by NBOX21:

Originally posted by Sea Prince Gillywix:

Maybe if you live in Russia, but in the United States it is illegal technically.

Firstly, I don't live in either of those countries so that's a moot point, and secondly, if mods were illegal like you say they are, even in the US, then all the major gaming companies, including SEGA, would have all of them shut down by now given how massively popular they are among the PC community, even including simple widescreen mods.

Even Nintendo, who loves to take down everything that fans work on, have not shut down the Newer Super Mario Bros. DS/Wii or any Mario Kart Wii mods despite how well known they are. The only company I have ever seen actually shut down fan mods for a popular game is Rockstar, who are in the wrong to do so, both legally and ethically as most, if not all those mods are transformative work which, as far as I'm aware, fall under fair use or similar laws.

Big game companies usually don't go after mods like these because its more costly and harmful for them to attempt it and many of the folks working at this company may secretly like the mods. Now certain works could fall under parodies in the US. But thats more the exception then the rule.