View Full Version : The "REAL" Blocks Cometh
Halfbot
01-15-2011, 04:32 PM
***UPDATE***
LAUNCH DATE: FEB 17th!!
***UPDATE!***
The Blocks Cometh trailer!
HClTBD0HixA
Some of you may know about this story already but in case you don't, our flash game The Blocks Cometh was stolen from us and made into an iPhone game. That game is now in the top #100 on the US charts. We've contacted apple about the copyright infringement and we are waiting to hear back from them. There is an article about it on Destructoid (http://www.destructoid.com/another-iphone-game-rip-off-the-blocks-cometh-191647.phtml)
We were in the process of porting this exact game to the iPhone when we noticed the rip off on Thursday evening.
I've summed up everything that has happened in the last few days on our blog. www.halfbot.com (http://www.halfbot.com)
We are working very hard to get The Blocks Cometh ported to the iPhone and it should be ready to submit to apple soon.
I urge everyone, please DON'T buy the version up there right now and wait until the official one is released. It will be better, we promise!
The flash game is available to play now The Blocks Cometh (http://www.halfbot.com/?page_id=279)
http://www.halfbot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/coming-soon.jpg
I was thinking about getting the game but I read your post about it being stolen so I decided not to get it. I feel sorry for you guys. I hope that game gets pulled. I'll definitely wait for the REAL version. I hope it rocks!
doodlejumper
01-15-2011, 06:02 PM
I saw that one and was so unhappy to see how bad the art was. Hearing the story about it not being legit was good, and now that it's really coming it's great!
Hugeworm was another one of their ripoffs, ala Effing Worms. Horrible controls give that one away pretty quick.
n8equalsd
01-15-2011, 06:14 PM
Looks like the real one has better controls. I'm glad I held off on buying the rip-off.
nikhsterboi
01-15-2011, 07:39 PM
Looks so much better than the fake. Can't wait to play this one and rant on and on about how badly the fake sucked!!
I havent played the rip off version but I did watch a demo video, and stolen ideas aside, I must admit the chiptune soundtrack is awesome and the addition of a sword over a side shooting gun I thought was great as well.
Hope things work out for you, maybe steal their additions to your game? lol
thethinice
01-15-2011, 11:14 PM
Haha so if you get ripped off you can sue right? And take their profits or something?
I played the flash version and I think this game will definitely work better on idevices.
mean_monkey
01-16-2011, 01:30 AM
Sadly, i'm not sure apple will pull the app merely because of your report, because it does not breaks any law unless you copyright (or) trademark the name. I suggest you better trademark it soon and get the thief's app down before you release your game
Look at this thread, similar thing happened to a friend of mine, the app is still up despite his report to apple.
http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=68906
These practice are happening quite often now, not only done by some unknown chinese developer nowadays, even big companies like Capcom does this kind of shit
Terribly sorry to hear about this. I will admit I had bought the game, not knowing about the original or that it was stolen (not just from you, but from League of Evil, an upcoming game, as well).
I WILL be buying this version, and I do hope Apple pulls this cheap knockoff from the store. :(
Dusse
01-16-2011, 08:18 AM
Sadly, i'm not sure apple will pull the app merely because of your report, because it does not breaks any law unless you copyright (or) trademark the name. I suggest you better trademark it soon and get the thief's app down before you release your game
Look at this thread, similar thing happened to a friend of mine, the app is still up despite his report to apple.
http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=68906
These practice are happening quite often now, not only done by some unknown chinese developer nowadays, even big companies like Capcom does this kind of shit
That's not quite the same thing though. In this case they've actually stolen stuff.
It's quite a different story with what you linked (and talked about, with Capcom), where what was "stolen" (more copied) was simply concept and "feeling" of art style/game mechanics etc. Such loose things can't really be protected, but actual art assets etc is protected automatically.
I did buy the fake. And it was pretty good, I am sure yours will be much better though
mean_monkey
01-16-2011, 08:44 PM
That's not quite the same thing though. In this case they've actually stolen stuff.
It's quite a different story with what you linked (and talked about, with Capcom), where what was "stolen" (more copied) was simply concept and "feeling" of art style/game mechanics etc. Such loose things can't really be protected, but actual art assets etc is protected automatically.Still a no case, it seems. It can only be deemed as stolen if the original owner can prove they actually legally own the stuff (by copyrighting or trademark)
Dusse
01-17-2011, 03:37 AM
Still a no case, it seems. It can only be deemed as stolen if the original owner can prove they actually legally own the stuff (by copyrighting or trademark)
Art assets etc are not something you have to "copyright". Such stuff is always protected.
"In all countries that are members of the Berne Convention, copyright is automatic and need not be obtained through official registration with any government office. Once an idea has been reduced to tangible form, for example by securing it in a fixed medium (such as a drawing, sheet music, photograph, a videotape, or a computer file), the copyright holder is entitled to enforce his or her exclusive rights."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright#Obtaining_copyright
Halfbot
01-17-2011, 03:39 PM
Hey guys thanks for the support! Dusse thanks for summing up that reply for me! I was about to say the same thing. I think we'll be able to make a pretty strong case and the fact that the only part of the game that wasn't ripped from us was ripped from the League of Evil. I think apple won't question the copyright violation.
We can confirm to everyone that the game will have Touch Pad controls and Tilt Controls. So you can choose how you would like to play the game. We also have a few surprises coming and we'll be making some announcements soon!
shyguy3
01-17-2011, 07:18 PM
Dude I'm so sorry about what happened. That's really some f***** up sh**. I hope you guys have a strong case.
I was actually thinking of buying the game but since I now know the full story behind it I'm glad I never purchased it. I will be sure to wait for your version to come out.
I hope this unfortunate event has a good ending for you guys. Best of luck.
VortexGamesInc
01-17-2011, 08:04 PM
Hey Guys,
This really sucks that it happened. This is exactly why I keep all details secure until I know that we are past the point someone could copy any of our games. You guys had a Flash game out there which is very easy to download and copy all assets from.
You guys do have rights to the art, though the mechanics will be a much harder thing to prove unless they copied line for line (which is possible since you can put flash games on iPhone now). Software copyright cases are very hard to fight because as people have stated before, what is an original idea? Lots of games are just updated versions of older games or use the same concepts. Like Angry Birds was not an original gameplay idea.
I do hope that Apple sees that the game is a copy and wrong and pulls it down. I also hope that you guys can make some money off of your real game. What I might suggest for you though is to come up with a new game that you can put on the iPhone. You've created a very cool Flash game and I know you guys probably have thousands of more ideas for games. You have the passion to do it, so don't let this slight set back stop you guys from venturing out.
If you'd like any help or perhaps would like to collaborate with an indie game studio on another game feel free to contact us. We know talent and passion when we see it and we know you guys have it.
nesio718
01-17-2011, 08:21 PM
Hurry up and release the game!! A stronger case can be made if their app actually affects your sales.
Halfbot
01-17-2011, 08:45 PM
Thanks for the ideas! We are very confident apple will remove the game in question. We have a lot of awesome supporters that are looking forward to the Official game release so we definitely don't want to disappoint those fans! The game may not be as successful as it could have been but we are still moving ahead with the port regardless!
Don't worry more iPhone games are planned for the future! We're in this for the long haul!
shyguy3
01-17-2011, 09:08 PM
Glad to know the real version is still in plans for a release. Will it now be called "the real blocks cometh" not to be confused with the stolen version from the a holes at edison?
Halfbot
01-18-2011, 03:12 PM
We've spoken with apple and the case is being sent to their legal department right now. Let's see how long this takes to get resolved!
nikhsterboi
01-18-2011, 03:37 PM
Cha-CHING!
jsrco
01-19-2011, 11:19 PM
n/a ---
Poedonk
01-20-2011, 10:03 AM
Bought the copy, seemed fishy when compared to the flash after i played it. I'll change my rating to 1 star and will surely buy yours when it drops.
Halfbot
01-22-2011, 09:36 AM
Well it seems the copycat game has been pulled! This is definitely good news! Not sure if it's permanent yet but hopefully we'll hear from apple soon on the matter. Thanks everyone for your help, support and advice!
Halfbot
01-28-2011, 03:37 PM
We are proud to announce that HyperDuck SoundWorks will be lending their incredible music talent to create a brand new soundtrack for the iOS launch of The Blocks Cometh by Halfbot!
We still have a lot more exciting news about the official iOS release of The Blocks Cometh so be sure to check back or follow us on twitter! @halfbot
Halfbot
02-09-2011, 06:15 PM
Our big announcement has been made regarding the League of Evil and The Blocks Cometh team up.
You can find all of the information about it here!
http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?p=1582065
Our big announcement has been made regarding the League of Evil and The Blocks Cometh team up.
You can find all of the information about it here!
http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?p=1582065
:eek::eek::eek: Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D
jsrco
02-09-2011, 09:33 PM
Our big announcement has been made regarding the League of Evil and The Blocks Cometh team up.
You can find all of the information about it here!
http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?p=1582065
Thank you so much!
Halfbot
02-11-2011, 08:40 AM
You guys are more then welcome! If you are happy then we are happy! Time for us to get revenge on the bastards that stole our game! And by revenge have our game do really well:)
I'm hoping we can get approved soon and set our launch date!
jak56
02-11-2011, 01:00 PM
OMG! i cant wait
this seems like a great casual game. cant wait to get addicted to it!
Halfbot
02-14-2011, 11:17 AM
OMG! i cant wait
this seems like a great casual game. cant wait to get addicted to it!
Hey check out the trailer at the top of this forum posting!
jak56
02-14-2011, 11:54 AM
i played the flash version, and it's really fun!
and its even greater now that youre planning a crossover with league of evil, i dont think it can get any better?!
shyguy3
02-14-2011, 02:31 PM
Can't wait for the release. This will be an instant buy for me. Has a release date been scheduled yet?
Halfbot
02-15-2011, 03:32 PM
we wont be able to schedule a release date until apple approves the game. It's currently in review.
In the meantime check out this cool article from MTV on our team up with the League of Evil!
http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2011/...o-game-pirate/
we wont be able to schedule a release date until apple approves the game. It's currently in review.
In the meantime check out this cool article from MTV on our team up with the League of Evil!
http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2011/...o-game-pirate/
I think its been approved. Search it in the appstore. It shows The Blocks Cometh.
nesio718
02-15-2011, 04:40 PM
definitely dont see it online. do you guys plan on letting us download it as soon as its approved? at this point, why wait?
nikhsterboi
02-15-2011, 04:43 PM
I think its been approved. Search it in the appstore. It shows The Blocks Cometh.
Still has the records from the fake. That's been there since before this was submitted.
Still has the records from the fake. That's been there since before this was submitted.
Nevermind then. So the name really will be "The Real Blocks Cometh"?
Halfbot
02-15-2011, 07:46 PM
Nevermind then. So the name really will be "The Real Blocks Cometh"?
First of all thanks for the mini heart attack:P
We will set a release date to get the biggest launch we can possibly get. We need to gain moment that was lost from the pirated game. A lot of people out there bought the fake and may be confused by seeing it again in the app store. So we need our supporters to all get behind us day one!
As for the title it will be "The Blocks Cometh by Halfbot"
If you want immediate updates following us on twitter (@halfbot) is your best bet but we will be posting in here as soon as we have the launch date locked down.
doodlejumper
02-15-2011, 07:53 PM
First of all thanks for the mini heart attack:P
We will set a release date to get the biggest launch we can possibly get. We need to gain moment that was lost from the pirated game. A lot of people out there bought the fake and may be confused by seeing it again in the app store. So we need our supporters to all get behind us day one!
As for the title it will be "The Blocks Cometh by Halfbot"
If you want immediate updates following us on twitter (@halfbot) is your best bet but we will be posting in here as soon as we have the launch date locked down.
Halfbot's The Blocks Cometh sounds better.
bmdino
02-15-2011, 07:56 PM
Halfbot's The Blocks Cometh sounds better.
I totally agree +1
Halfbot
02-15-2011, 08:35 PM
The Blocks Cometh launch date is set for Feb 17th!! Spread the word!!
The Blocks Cometh launch date is set for Feb 17th!! Spread the word!!
Nice! :)
nikhsterboi
02-15-2011, 08:54 PM
The Blocks Cometh launch date is set for Feb 17th!! Spread the word!!
Awesome! That means it's out in NZ tomorrow. This is great, just great news. Hopefully LoE will get its update then too and we can all be extremely happy! :D
dizzydank
02-16-2011, 06:16 AM
Congrats to the team at halfbot for winning the clone wars lol.
Can't wait to play the real Blocks Cometh tomorrow!
Halfbot
02-16-2011, 10:08 AM
Haha CLONE WARS! I love it:D
Congrats to the team at halfbot for winning the clone wars lol.
Can't wait to play the real Blocks Cometh tomorrow!
parabola_master
02-16-2011, 10:53 PM
The game is awesome, but the Jump button sucks. Bad.
Seriously, the game would be perfect if you guys just made the button more responsive.
I mean, I know that the Jump button is a small circle, but that doesn't mean that the "responsive" area has to be the same size. A larger, invisible circle around the Jump button won't hurt. In fact, it's what every single other app developer does to make the controls better.
JoeyLP
02-16-2011, 11:29 PM
This game is so awesome!
I can't stop playing it!
Halfbot
02-17-2011, 12:00 AM
The game is awesome, but the Jump button sucks. Bad.
Seriously, the game would be perfect if you guys just made the button more responsive.
I mean, I know that the Jump button is a small circle, but that doesn't mean that the "responsive" area has to be the same size. A larger, invisible circle around the Jump button won't hurt. In fact, it's what every single other app developer does to make the controls better.
We'll be looking into all your suggestions for update fixes! Thanks for the feedback!
Halfbot
02-17-2011, 12:02 AM
The game is available right now in North America! Go get it!!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-blocks-cometh-by-halfbot/id415877950?mt=8
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