LudumData

Links to The Sentient Cube removed

[raw] LD26LD #26 14. May 2013 · 14:21 UTC · 18 days after compo start by Omiya Games · 1

It is sad to inform all of you this late in the contest that I have removed all the links to The Sentient Cube for legal reasons. I was recently informed that the main mechanics of Katamari Damacy are patented (edit: and also, it seems, Crazy Taxi). To stay on the safe side, I’ve deleted the source, webplayers, and executeables from my servers.

I want to be clear that I did not know about this prior to this contest. I fully support the beloved game series, and wish for its continued success.

I want to thank all of you who supported and rated my game, and I truly apologize for the inconveniences.

Edit: Now that the dust have settled a bit, let me address a few things.

  • I did not receive a Cease & Desist order from Namco Bandai or Sega.
  • The take-down was entirely my decision, originally for legal safety.
  • Upon researching into multiple patents, the take-down will be permanent.
  • As mentioned above, every binaries and source codes were taken down. All links to them will simply 404.

Comments

14. May 2013 · 14:30 UTC
Whooops.. One can patent game mechanics O.o? That sucks..
16. May 2013 · 11:14 UTC
It’s impossible for me to say without reading the patent how close your game may or may not be to what they claim to patent. When I played your game I obviously saw the comparison, but I did think it was enough of its own thing that it was still worth something on its own.
14. May 2013 · 14:49 UTC
That really sucks ! That kills creativity and innovation. What if platform games or god games or space invaders were patented ?
14. May 2013 · 14:51 UTC
Sorry to hear that…
14. May 2013 · 15:01 UTC
Let me be clear that Namco Bandai has NOT approached me on this issue, and that they were not involved on the take-down.
14. May 2013 · 16:23 UTC
Taro, I think you should criticize on the practice of patents (and I think this is the perfect opportunity to do so). Patents on physical devices are one thing, but software patents and game mechanic patents are one of the worst things possible for innovation. As lotusgame pointed out, what if the first to develop a game in any of the countless genres we enjoy had patented that gameplay mechanic? Most innovation is born out of taking an existing concept, and improving on it or bringing it in a new direction.
14. May 2013 · 17:54 UTC
You don’t need to take it down. You cannot patent a game mechanic.
Hayawi
14. May 2013 · 18:12 UTC
Wow, I feel so lucky to have played it yesterday, it was just a really amazing game, sorry to hear (or rather read) this.
14. May 2013 · 18:17 UTC
No way! Sentient Cube was a treat, one of those games that stood out from the rest in quality… I think you did a good job and cannot be faulted for something you are not currently selling…
14. May 2013 · 19:19 UTC
If we’re to remove every game that breaches a patent, we can just stop doing what we do.
Xanjos
14. May 2013 · 19:33 UTC
Aw that’s a shame :( I’m lucky I’ve had the chance to have played it before it got taken down.
15. May 2013 · 05:01 UTC
Thanks for all the comments and concerns. I’m truly flattered by all the support I’ve got, here. I know it’s all very disappointing, but I’m glad I’ve found this out early and reacted respectively. I may have dropped out of this contest, but there’s always the next one to look forward to ;).
IonTichy
15. May 2013 · 17:39 UTC
I know this is you decision, but I for one have no respect for this…

It’s called Ludum DARE, not Ludum “Ok Ok, I will obey”.

I read this ridiculous article about game mechanic patents and while they certainly are a means for companies to make somebodys life harder, everybody who truly loves games should disobey.

I say: make as gazillion different versions of Katamari and flood github with them.
16. May 2013 · 00:53 UTC
Might have been a good idea, actually
16. May 2013 · 12:02 UTC
I was informed today that Crazy Taxi also has a patent. I’ve updated the post, indicating Sega was not involved with the takedown, either.