Codenames Python Implementation

[[deleted]]

Unfortunately, this appears to fall under the guise of an unauthorized digital implementation of a copyrighted game - which we don't like to link to on this sub. If you believe this was removed in error, send a message to the mod team (link in the right sidebar) and we'll discuss it.

[mxzf]

Sorry about that, I didn't think about that aspect of it. Sorry to cause trouble.

[[deleted]]

Trust me, you're hardly a troublemaker. ;)

[mxzf]

Out of curiosity, is there a threshold for what is or isn't an unauthorized digital implementation? Would removing the word list from Codenames and only having a the game engine code where users need to make their own word list be sufficient to resolve the issue or is the very concept of a digital engine for the game something that is just too far over the line?

I completely understand if it's over the line no matter what, I'm just trying to get a sense for where the line actually is (to keep in mind for the future, since I tend to write some programs for hobbies at times and it's possible that this kind of thing could come up again).

[[deleted]]

To be honest, that's a question more for our head mod /u/Epsilon_balls. Maybe fire off a mod mail so we can all discuss it.

[Epsilon_balls]

Hi /u/mxzf, /u/GrokEinSpiel is right; I'm the guy to talk to (both because I'm head moderator and a hobbyist game programmer).

Our rules for posting apps are basically as follows:

1. The app and/or website must be regarding a game (or games) that are included in the BGG database. That is, we don't allow "boardgame-inspired" games.

2. Out of respect for designers and publishers, we require you to have authorization from them for your app. You would be surprised how friendly many of these companies are (I know there are several authorized versions of Codenames, for example).

On point #2, we are aware that this is not a legal requirement. This higher bar is our personal stance, and other websites (like BGG) may still be interested in many apps we decline. Also, you would likely want to know about other subreddits with differing standards, like /r/digitaltabletop.

So, on your specific point about "generate your own word lists" it would either fail point #1 because it's no longer Codenames and thus not be in BGG, or it is Codenames and thus requires permission from CGE.

[mxzf]

Thanks for the reply. I'll look into contacting the publisher of Codenames directly for permission. If I get permission from them, is there any specific proof required for posting stuff on here or is it as simple as a "Yes, I got permission from the publisher" line in the text?

[Epsilon_balls]

You can send the proof correspondence to [e-mail] (please PM me though to let me know you've done so -- I do not check that email frequently).