On April 8, 2024, it was announced that a fan-made remake project of ‘Friday the 13th: The Game’ had been canceled due to a copyright infringement notice. I would like to reflect on this event.
The Importance of Copyright
The first point to note in this case is the importance of copyright. ‘Friday the 13th: The Game,’ a game adaptation of the film ‘Friday the 13th,’ was originally sold under a license agreement. However, the sale of the game ceased on December 31, 2023, following the expiration of the license agreement. This clearly illustrates that a license agreement is indispensable for obtaining permission to use a work.
The Limitations of Fan-Made Projects
The remake project undertaken by the team “F13 Resurrected” was carried out without official permission. They announced ‘Friday the 13th: The Game – Resurrected,’ planning to add online features and content not included in the official game. However, this posed a problem of copyright infringement. The project was forced to cease just one week after its announcement due to a copyright infringement notice from Horror Inc.
The Gap Between Intent and Reality
F13 Resurrected commented that they had “no intention of damaging the brand,” but regardless of intent, it is clear that they were infringing on copyright. Fan-made works often arise from affection and respect for the original work, but they cannot be allowed to overstep legal boundaries. Copyright infringement is not only a legal issue but also a matter of respect for the original brand and creators.
Balancing Copyright and Creative Freedom
This case prompts us to consider the balance between copyright and creative freedom. Creative activities by fans can invigorate the community of a work and bring new perspectives and value. However, if such activities are conducted without official permission, there is a risk of legal problems.
Conclusion
Although it is unfortunate that the remake project for ‘Friday the 13th: The Game’ was canceled, it serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of copyright. When engaging in creative activities, it is crucial to adhere to legal frameworks and to maintain respect for the original creators and rights holders.
When facing such issues, it is strongly recommended to seek legal advice. Copyright issues are complex, and obtaining expert guidance can facilitate appropriate responses.
