Roblox's Strategy to Address Copyright Infringement by Launching a Self-Licensing Feature Specifically for Popular Manga Catalogs
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Here are the key points regarding this self-serve IP licensing feature:
- Automated Revenue-Sharing System: Whenever a player purchases a licensed manga item within a game, the revenue (Robux) is automatically split between the creator and the IP rights holder according to agreed-upon terms.
- Four New Manga IPs from Kodansha: The licensing catalog now includes four new popular manga titles available for creators to adopt: FAIRY TAIL, Rent-A-Girlfriend, Knights of Sidonia, and Ghost Encyclopedia. These titles join the previously available series Blue Lock and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
- Flexibility for Existing Games: Creators do not need to build new games from scratch. These item licensing options can be integrated directly into live games for instance, for seasonal events or the sale of exclusive avatar cosmetics.
- Application Process: Eligible creators can submit requests via the Roblox License Manager by providing the IP owner with their asset usage concepts and project supporting materials.
With the inclusion of these titles, Roblox game creators can now officially design items such as Natsu’s magic sword from FAIRY TAIL or costumes based on other iconic characters.
This not only enhances the games' appeal to players who are also anime fans but also provides protection against the copyright infringement penalties that often loom over fan-made games.
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To maintain the quality of available assets, Roblox employs a curation-based submission process. Eligible creators can apply for a license directly through the developer dashboard.
They are required to submit an asset usage concept, project estimates, and other supporting materials, which are then reviewed directly by the IP owner's team in this case, Kodansha.
Through this micro-licensing integration, Roblox has successfully bridged Japan's traditional creative industry with the dynamic metaverse. This strategic move is expected to be adopted by many other global entertainment publishers in the near future as a way to reach the massive young audience on Roblox.
