Borderlands 2 Lifts Artist's Work Without Permission

[Fasckira]

When I saw the first comparison I thought, "Meh, same style and concept but not enough to get excited over" but then when I saw the ridge bit which is similar, if not the exact same, I could see why Olly was a bit peeved.

Hate to be the graphic artist at Gearbox though when his boss pulls him up. Even though its not like hes directly ripped the whole image its still enough to cause e-roar.

 

[Andy Chalk]

Here's a slightly higher-res version of the comparison pic, which is a little easier to make out:



The style is similar, but the ridges are identical. Definite lift.

 

[jollybarracuda]

Wow...that whole situation was handled so...calmly. I mean, I'm sure someone at Gearbox is getting hell right now, but it's neat seeing something get cleared up without it becoming a huge mess. Props to both of these people and companies. Gearbox just got some more respect in my book...Maybe I should've gotten Borderlands 2 instead of Guild Wars 2.......nah.

 

[gigastar]

Another entry for the Shout Out [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/ShoutOut/Borderlands2] page...

 

[Croaker42]

Wait a min.... Two parties are acting calmly with respect and kindness to each-other and are actively working to a resolution?
No Lawsuit level finger pointing and pissing around?
Either its total BS or these entities happen to be the coolest artist and gaming company ever.

 

[antipunt]

This whole situation makes me all warm and tingly inside ^_^

 

[josemlopes]

The only similarity I can see is that little ridge in the middle... is that really infringement? It's only a tiny portion of the original picture.

For this sort of job it is kind of a big deal, thinking outside the box is important and when someone looks at your work and copies the style it can still be somewhat accepeted (the inspiration came from there) but to directly use elements of the original work is a dick move. Who ever did the artwork of that image was lazy as fuck, its kind of breaking the integraty of an artist to copy something directly from the original.

I once did a 3D video and the background was similar to the ones used on Team Fortress 2 (the ones on the Alps), I could have used them since they are available online but I did my own background and tried to only "copy" the composition, not the overall image.

Still, everyones reactions were great. Like Will Smith said:

"Chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool"

 

[jFr[e]ak93]

These are the same how...

Stylistically, yes. But if that's the case, Top 40 artists would be in an eternal lawsuit with each other...

 

[Mark D. Stroyer]

And of course, you lift the original image, do a little Photoshop work to make it less like the original, more like what you want, and there ya go.

Would be interesting if he ends up with a job.

 

[The Rogue Wolf]

Mature adults rationally hashing things out with mutual respect?

What's it say about civilization in this day and age when this situation feels... alien?

 

[Evil Smurf]

suing is only a thing if gearbox refuses to help out Moss.

 

[Rip Van Rabbit]

Wait...

No lawsuits, the original artist is not demanding a ridiculous level of compensation, an army of lawyers have not been hired to bury him, the CEO directly reached out to the artist, complimented his work and intends to rectify the problem created. Even though the artist hand-waved it aside.

Everything is so civil and mature.

What is this feeling? R-Respect and admir-ation? I - ...

[small]I can love again[/small]

Gearbox, you make me blush for bringing me the joy that is Borderlands, but now you're just trying to get into my pants with your calm and mature business practices...You know I can't control myself when I have respect for you

 

[Varil]

I have a feeling he'll be compensated rather... handsomely

Yeah, most companies would have made sure he didn't get jack.

 

[GAunderrated]

But still, cool of Gearbox to own up to it and hopefully make things right.

Seriously. A lot of companies would have been like, "What? They're totally different, my lawyer says so. Now stop slandering us before I sue you."

It's nice to see some class on both sides of this issue.

You know, I was going to wait for a price drop/Steam sale before getting Borderlands 2, but I think I'll do it now just because Randy Pitchford is apparently a really cool guy and deserves all of my money.

It is almost sad that two people talking in a mature fashion in a subject about the gaming industry is considered to be irregular. As you have stated normally this kind of thing would lead to a court date (especially if it has EA in it) and a dragged on issue full of slander and bile for both sides.

As for BL2, I can't blame you for waiting for the steam sale, but this game in my personal opinion is a bag of fun.

 

[deathninja]

Nice PR save by Randy there, though I can't help but read the email in Jack's voice...

 

[CardinalPiggles]

A happy ending it seems. The lazy artist gets in trouble and the cool artist gets what he deserves. Good job Randy Pitchford.

 

[juyunseen]

The only similarity I can see is that little ridge in the middle... is that really infringement? It's only a tiny portion of the original picture.

It is infringement 'if' the pixels line up to prove that it was actually lifted.

Though as an artist myself, I'd have probably done the same thing in his situation. It was a tiny lift. Sure I'd be annoyed, but it's not THAT big of a deal. He handled it well.

 

[Pebkio]

...how did anyone catch this? Yes, the jagged-road thing is exactly the same, but, that's crazy to notice. Someone must've stared at the Empire Strikes Back poster for at least a combined total of over twenty four hours just to remember what the ridge kind of looks like. That, or it's plastered to all six sides of their room.

Sharp-eyed fan? Obsessive nerd is more like.
What do you think happened? A tale of massive coincidence?

"Hold on, let me just open my brand new Borderlands 2 game box right in front of my Xbox that's sitting right next to my beloved poster of the best Star Wars movie. Now let's look through all the packaging while occasionally gazing at my beloved poster. Hey... wait a minute, the jaggedy-ridge is the same..."

---

Still, kudos to whoever figured this out. A pretentious equivalent to clip-art was reused without permission... but not without consequences. Thanks to you.

I know this won't be a popular opinion, and I do respect the right of artists, but I can't feel any indignation towards the reuse of a jagged ridge silhouette. I feel more strongly about the stylistic feel, and I'm already giving the benefit of the doubt and calling it an homage.

So what if they reused some insert art in some insipid packaging crap that only appears after you've bought the product?

---

I seem to be feeling pretty strongly about this. I think... I'm angry at the fan who kicked up a fuss. Yeah, and also at this article. Dammit guys, if you're getting all bothered by a lifted outline of rocks then you need to go get some perspective.

 

[Thyunda]

...how did anyone catch this? Yes, the jagged-road thing is exactly the same, but, that's crazy to notice. Someone must've stared at the Empire Strikes Back poster for at least a combined total of over twenty four hours just to remember what the ridge kind of looks like. That, or it's plastered to all six sides of their room.

Sharp-eyed fan? Obsessive nerd is more like.
What do you think happened? A tale of massive coincidence?

"Hold on, let me just open my brand new Borderlands 2 game box right in front of my Xbox that's sitting right next to my beloved poster of the best Star Wars movie. Now let's look through all the packaging while occasionally gazing at my beloved poster. Hey... wait a minute, the jaggedy-ridge is the same..."

---

Still, kudos to whoever figured this out. A pretentious equivalent to clip-art was reused without permission... but not without consequences. Thanks to you.

I know this won't be a popular opinion, and I do respect the right of artists, but I can't feel any indignation towards the reuse of a jagged ridge silhouette. I feel more strongly about the stylistic feel, and I'm already giving the benefit of the doubt and calling it an homage.

So what if they reused some insert art in some insipid packaging crap that only appears after you've bought the product?

---

I seem to be feeling pretty strongly about this. I think... I'm angry at the fan who kicked up a fuss. Yeah, and also at this article. Dammit guys, if you're getting all bothered by a lifted outline of rocks then you need to go get some perspective.

Or a fan of the artist just saw it and thought "This looks real familiar." The colours being the same and the big silhouette being present, even if not the same shape. That's the simplest answer. People did the same thing when Tali was actually a stock photo, and honestly I don't know who pays attention to stock photos even at all...nevermind enough to see it during the game and go "I KNOW THAT PICTURE."

The art was lifted, somebody spotted it, and now the artist is in with Gearbox. I fail to see the problem.

As for my own opinion...I really like Gearbox. I like their attitude. I might well buy Borderlands 2 now.