OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

AussieDave · 11-09-2015, 06:28 AM

I have a question related to both FHM and sport management games in general: how does player licensing work?

I see that you do not have any photographs of players or official team uniforms, which I can understand would be copyrighted, but is there any copyright on simply the name and characteristics of players?

I figure it is one of the following:

1) There is an agreement between the developers and different leagues/player associations to use the real names and characteristics
2) No agreement is necessary because no one controls the rights to just names, only their photos
3) There really should be an agreement but since this is a relatively small-time game (compared to FIFA, Madden etc) there is generally no hassle or legal procedures

I'm curious why would Pro Basketball Manager, which probably has a similar level profile to FHM, have slightly altered names like "Lebron Jamas" whereas FHM has the real deal (no Sydney Krosbey in sight!)

Thanks in advance! David

11-09-2015, 06:28 AM	#1
AussieDave Bat Boy Join Date: Nov 2015 Posts: 3	How does player licensing work? I have a question related to both FHM and sport management games in general: how does player licensing work? I see that you do not have any photographs of players or official team uniforms, which I can understand would be copyrighted, but is there any copyright on simply the name and characteristics of players? I figure it is one of the following: 1) There is an agreement between the developers and different leagues/player associations to use the real names and characteristics 2) No agreement is necessary because no one controls the rights to just names, only their photos 3) There really should be an agreement but since this is a relatively small-time game (compared to FIFA, Madden etc) there is generally no hassle or legal procedures I'm curious why would Pro Basketball Manager, which probably has a similar level profile to FHM, have slightly altered names like "Lebron Jamas" whereas FHM has the real deal (no Sydney Krosbey in sight!) Thanks in advance! David