When does a game idea cross the line between homage/parody to ripoff?

Posted by Daniel T. on Game Development See other posts from Game Development or by Daniel T.
Published on 2011-02-16T03:58:31Z Indexed on 2013/11/02 10:16 UTC
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I'm not sure where this question belongs, but as it pertains to the development of a game idea, I figured I'd try to post it here.

Recently I've been inspired to create a game based on another game I've played. However, the idea that I have is very similar to the original game. I was wondering, when does a game idea cross from being a homage or parody into the realm of being a ripoff? Are there any hard or fast rules or does this cross into a gray area?

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