SA license, how to provide game assets
I was hoping someone could clarify something about the CC-BY-SA license for me. I understand that under that license I must provide attribution for the original work and any derivatives (noting if changes were made), and that the derivatives must be offered under the same license. If I use them in a game, is there restrictions on HOW I release the assets under that license? For the game I am developing I am either embedding assets into the binary or bundling them into a compressed archive suitable for runtime loading. If in the credits I give the proper attribution and note that those game assets are being released under the same license, is it okay that it is not easy for a user the grab the asset themselves (either they have to highjack it from the executable or work through the compressed game ready versions)? Or would it be acceptable to provide a link to my games website where they can download the assets as PNG's or whatever?
Thanks in advance!
I am not a lawyer, but I think that the interpretation of -SA varies wildly. In this case, there is a clause in the text of -SA which applies here:
Therefore, making it technologically (or legally) challenging for end users to use your adapted versions is a violation of -SA (to my understanding).
This is a good question that comes up quite frequently.
My general take would be that what you are describing would be a violation of the license for thr reason DezrasDragons highlights.
One thing you could do would be to build the assets into your game however you want, but then also include the unencumbered files with your game distribution along with a copy of the cc-sa license and a doc enuneratting the works and their authors. Not sure if this would still technically be a violation of the license but it certainly would get you closer to the spirit of it.
https://withthelove.itch.io/
Thanks for the responses. I think i'll use your idea capbros. I don't see how that could be a violation because the assets are there in an unencumbered form. Attribution will be given both in the game credits and in the assets folder so I'm good there. Regardless, I'll be double checking with authors of -SA content to make sure they are satisfied with how I do things.
@jdean300: Glad to be of assistance! That last step you mention, contacting the orginal authors directly is a great idea. Theoretically the licenses should obviate the need for checking directly with the original artists, but, especially in cases like yours where the license isn't perfectly clear about something, it's always a great idea to go straight to the creator and make sure what you are doing is ok with them.
https://withthelove.itch.io/