Hello,
I have a question regarding uploading video game files for 3D printing. I have seen alot of models ripped/copied from game files uploaded on platforms like Thingiverse and Makerworld.
I have some models from games I would be interested in uploading (that I havent seen available before), so I was wondering if there is a TOS or Rules section that I should know about. IE is it allowed, any issues/disclaimers, etc.
I think you would need a license to distribute the models from the owner of the game assets. Here is a snippet from the Terms of Use:
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By uploading User Content using the Services, the User warrants that the User has all rights to the User Content to, for example and without limitation, distribute the User Content and sub-license the User Content subject to these User license terms through the Services.
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By uploading and publishing User Content through the Services, the User represents and warrants that they have all rights, power, and authority necessary to further distribute, license, and/or sub-license the User Content to MakerWorld and other Users under a Free Licence selected by the User. Because the User alone is responsible for User Content, the User may expose themselves to liability, if the User posts or shares User Content without all necessary rights.
this applies if the model is just a direct rip. If the user makes hefty changes (like adding ball joints/articulation, as one example) then it would be classed as Fair Use under the Transformative Fan Art category.
Generally though, reposing the model or changing the facial expression does not qualify as Fair Use. Significant changes have to be made to warrant it.
You usually need the rights to share game models.
I would assume using model itself is not fair use. You would need to remodel full thing self…then make changes.
If this was true, taking any model from here even if no remix allowed, i could class it as ‘fair use’
which is why BambuLab doesn’t remove them when they get reported.