Curse

InfestedHydralisk · Jan 26, 2011, 09:34 PM // 21:34

@Perilay; If it wasn't allowed, Arenanet would have already stopped it. Heck, this wouldn't even be on Guru either.

Chicken of the Seas · Jan 26, 2011, 10:03 PM // 22:03

You can buy commissions for RL money, just contact the artist privately. Also I believe you're not allowed to advertise on guru selling commissions for RL money as well.

Death By An Arrow · Jan 26, 2011, 10:07 PM // 22:07

@Perilay
Essentially it comes down to the difference between payment in-game and payment in real-life.

Because you aren't making a "monetary" profit, in the sense you aren't making money in real life off of the Guild Wars product, then it's fine.

Or atleast that's my understanding of it.

InfestedHydralisk · Jan 26, 2011, 10:09 PM // 22:09

@Chicken; you can, but then it may not be anything owned by Arenanet.

Minami · Jan 26, 2011, 10:22 PM // 22:22

Making real life money off of ArenaNet's designs (which are all copyrighted) is illegal.

Making GW in-game gold (virtual item) by trading a commissioned character drawing for it is not.

ArenaNet knows about the Nolani section of guru, they know that character drawing/art is being traded for in-game currency, and they have never said anything bad about it.

Perilay Elkhorn · Jan 26, 2011, 11:05 PM // 23:05

So it is ok then to trade services in real life for in game currency? or just "art"?
I have absolutely no problem with the amazing artworks that people have posted but it just seems odd that they can make money ingame for that.

What if I started a section that I sell items in the real world for in game currency. Is that not against the EULA?

Death By An Arrow · Jan 26, 2011, 11:19 PM // 23:19

Sort of an expanded answer:
From the EULA:

However, you acknowledge and agree that you shall not reproduce, prepare derivative works based upon, distribute, publicly perform, or transmit any Game Content for commercial uses without first obtaining the express written consent of NC Interactive.

As minami stated, they know about Nolani's ways and don't seem to have a problem with it. Whether there was written consent given at the dawn of time or if there was an equivalent agreement made through messaging. or even if they just decide they think it's fine.

essentially; you need to ask them directly for permission.

*Darcy* · Jan 26, 2011, 11:57 PM // 23:57

@DBaA - the key part of that sentence is "commercial uses" as they do not consider being paid with in-game currency or items as commercial. Commercial is getting real world money for your art. If you start offering to do GW character art for $100 US (really cheap price), see how fast you get a lawyer's letter. You can do a drawing for $100 US, but you can't mention GW.

Death By An Arrow · Jan 27, 2011, 12:01 AM // 00:01

that too. i meant for the example where he/she suggested building a deck for in-game cash. though i think that would follow the same guidelines... not that anyone would build a deck for fakemoneys.

Perilay Elkhorn · Jan 27, 2011, 12:10 AM // 00:10

Ok I suppose they dont seem to mind

Just wanted to make sure so I didnt get into trouble if I did post something(ie commission) etc for IG moneys.
THX

Chicken of the Seas · Jan 27, 2011, 04:38 AM // 04:38

So is illegal, but it happens all the time on DA. Though I don't think Anet finds the time to comb through DA looking for GW commissions of characters done for RL money. Same things happen with other games too.

I guess in other words, its illegal, but Anet doesn't seem to care/mind that much (which is fine by me!)

Perynne · Jan 27, 2011, 06:36 AM // 06:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicken of the Seas

So is illegal, but it happens all the time on DA. Though I don't think Anet finds the time to comb through DA looking for GW commissions of characters done for RL money. Same things happen with other games too.

I guess in other words, its illegal, but Anet doesn't seem to care/mind that much (which is fine by me!)

Generally any kind of fanart is against a dozen different laws. But it's not frowned upon too much because it's free advertisement and a way for fans to show off their love for whatever series they want fanart of.

Big companies, including Anet, will turn a blind eye to even irl currency commissions as long as the person isn't raking in lots of money off it. One or two irl money commissions of fanart characters is generally allowed, even though officially the companies aren't happy about it.
When it gets to the point where the person is constantly making products for real money (such as when Kiya in Nolani was going to make those skill bracelets, based off Anet's skill designs, for anyone who was willing to pay irl money), then they will step in and stop it.
However, ordering a one-time fanart of a GW character from an artist in deviantART is not gonna get you in trouble, since chances are that artist isn't looking to get rich off GW in particular, they're just trying to get some money from doing any kind of art.

... Also, it seems to be company specific as to how much they allow you to do. In the west, companies tend to be more stingy whereas in Asia, everyone is constantly selling fan-made products out of existing, copyrighted characters.

Doing character art for ingame money is much more harmless, so Anet does not have a problem with it. It's a wonderful way to let fans be creative, without harming their business in any way. It would actually be more harmful to them if they did make it illegal, because it would seriously harm the feeling of community and would piss off a lot of artistic fans.

I've been an artist doing commissions on-off in Nolani for 3-4 years, and during all that time Anet has never had a problem with us doing fanart for ingame money. They know this forum exist, we've been pretty loud about it sometimes because we like to promote our artistic projects, and they have seen no reason to close it down.
So don't worry, getting art for ingame money is not gonna get you in trouble.

Ravenhawk · Jan 27, 2011, 12:23 PM // 12:23

If you noticed, most of the commission threads are closed, it's because we all post from jail now

Just kidding of course

Everyone explained it very well. Can't wait to see you open a commission thread

Tommy's · Jan 27, 2011, 12:37 PM // 12:37

They took my tablet D:

GeminiJuSa · Jan 27, 2011, 01:34 PM // 13:34

The fan art made in the nolani forum for in game money is actually an endorsement for the game. It pulls artistic people into gaming and the gamers get to explore their artistic sides. To arena net (since the only money involved would be through the in game store or by purchasing expansions) it's a win-win. The players stay, enjoy the game and endorse it on their own "Hey look at my awesome art! But to commission me, you need to pay with in-game money, so get in there and play!"

But when it comes to making stuff for in game money I have no idea what the rules should be. I'm sure you could make someone a Terrance irl and have them pay with in game money, but I'm not sure what fun you'd get out of it, but I think it would be legal.

And yes, real life money commissions on already copyright characters is illegal. Unless you have a written agreement with the ones holding the copyright... So all fanart being sold on mugs, t-shirt and as posters on conventions is technically illegal.

The general rule of anything; if you can earn money on it, it's wrong. T_T (blowing of a small frustration fuse here on this statement only. Hope you can see the joke in it though ;P)

BUUUT not very many care. Some people make money on people not caring about the original artists. Especially in webdesign. "I found your pic on google, that means I can use it! hurp de dee durp durp.... And now I sell the layout for thousands of dollars, yay for me!"

Verene · Jan 27, 2011, 03:12 PM // 15:12

Quote:

Especially in webdesign. "I found your pic on google, that means I can use it! hurp de dee durp durp.... And now I sell the layout for thousands of dollars, yay for me!"

Designer here pitching in to say "that is a very very bad thing to do". Not only is said image likely copyrighted, but it's also likely not a good enough size/quality to be used for a layout

There are tons of stock sites available for stuff like that. Including tons of free stock. Even the paid stuff isn't too expensive.

GeminiJuSa · Jan 27, 2011, 03:44 PM // 15:44

I'm a designer too Verene. That's why it's bothering me so much when other designers do it. Big companies at that.

And it it fairly easy to enlarge a fairly big pic and make it nice enough for people who knows nothing about art/design or computers.

I know several artists having their art stolen.

Antonina Rotz · Dec 08, 2014, 04:11 PM // 16:11

I am a new artist and i find this guide very useful, Thanks for the share.

Aeronwen · Dec 12, 2014, 06:14 PM // 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antonina Rotz

I am a new artist and i find this guide very useful, Thanks for the share.

I would love to see some of your work.