Hi there,
I have created a plugin for blender that simplifies the workflow and streamlines the pipeline as well as adds a few bells and whistles to the animation process with automated features such as automatic IK bone re-positioning.
Now that the plugin is basically ready to actually ship (ei: not in development) I was wanting to try and release it on the UE4 Marketplace - what better place for it to be then the marketplace of the software it’s designed to work with?
Anyway, in trying to push the plugin into the marketplace, I realized that this is technically not allowed for the plugin is dependent on the use of Blender which is released on a GPL license.
I was wondering if there are exception made for Free plugins - no one is looking to make money off this.
The plugin is also equitable to this product though with less features and for another software.
I have the product created and all, but I figured I would double check before submitting for approval and filling out the Third Party Software Declaration Form - Formstack form for no reason…
Does the plugin incorporate SDKs/APIs from Blender?
The version that alerts you add and modify animation curves does since it includes a heavily modified FBX import/export system.
The version without curves does not, it’s all original code and all of the calls are made to other function rely on those function being available within blender, so their code or any code other the my own is not included.
I would need to know what kind of license I should release this version under as well, since I was considering GPL given the fact it’s a blender product. Obviously I could not if this is released on the marketplace.
Marketplace items are licensed to end users under the UE4 EULA, which is not compatible with GPL. This shouldn’t present issues for original code, but to the extent you’ve incorporated code from Blender licensed under GPL, I’m afraid that can’t be sold on the marketplace.
I suppose the non animation curve version can be submitted for approval then. I’ll just have to divide the plugins into 2 parts.
Am I allowed to mention different versions being available outside of marketplace via the plugin it self (ei when you use a function or upon install present the user with a prompt?)
We generally don’t allow links to other stores. Would this be directed to your own website?
Yes, for the user manual and usage instructions as well (or almost entirely).
Sure, here is a link of what will become the live page upon release, and after changes for the plug in separations. (As well as direct branding approval of the unreal logo SVG which is in the pipeline).
http://new.mosthostla.com/gamedev/bonebreaker/
Would you mind providing a link? Not specific links to the manual/instructions, but just the high-level website is fine.
Thanks very much for providing this info. We recommend that you apply to be a publisher via this link Publisher Portal. We’ll work together with you to find an implementation that works.
Thanks, that url returns a 404 (page not found) error.
Do you mean this form?
I should note, i’m already an approved publisher and the basic setup (or draft) of the addon is already created. I just haven’t submitted it since there would be no point in doing so if it is directly against your terms.
Sorry, a period got captured at the end of the link:
https://publish.unrealengine.com/v2/welcome
If you’re already an approved publisher, please go ahead and submit. We haven’t identified anything directly against our terms based on this discussion.
Also, if the version you are submitting now only contains original code, there is no need to submit the third party software declaration form.
Thanks for your patience with us!
Should have noticed the dot at the end, my bad.
Thanks for your clarification.
I will submit the fixed version shortly 