Ethics of Mapping

Created September 2004

As defined by www.dictionary.com.

ethics (used with a sing. or pl. verb) The rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession: medical ethics.

I know we are not a "profession", more like hobbyists. But we are all members of a group that interact with each other and having ethics allows us to keep a fair and respectful environment to enjoy our hobby.

You can use any content from the game to make a map. This includes textures, static meshes, and sounds. Without the content that comes from the game, most custom maps would never get made.

You can make a modification of a stock map. This is referred to "modding' a map because you didn't actually create it. You will have to have a different file name for the map to insure there are no conflicts with the original one. If you do modify a stock map, take credit for modifying it and not creating it.

You can't modify a custom map made by another amateur map maker with out their permission first. If you do and the map is released, you will more than likely be shunned by the mapping community, if not the other parts of the community.

You can't use or modify any custom made content by another amateur map maker with out their permission first. This normally refers to textures and static meshes. They took the time to make this content and thus have the right to determine how it's used. There may be some map makers that will more than willing to allow you to use their content, but ask them first. If they do allow you to use something, please give them credit in your readme file. This recognition goes a long way.

You can't use content from other games to make a map. This is similar to the content made by amateur map, but it's with a company.

You can use ideas and map designs from other games. Give credit of the design to the other game company. This has been done before for pervious Rainbow Six titles, Counter-Strike, and America's Army, among others.

Be respectful to your fellow map makers. There is a learning curve with making maps and others may be at a different stage than you are. They may not know every thing you know, but they probably know something you don't. If you think they are doing something unethical, let them know, but in a respectful manner.

Written by cwv_Odedge