On May 31, ZUN announced updates to the derivative works guidelines for the Touhou Project series. The new guidelines include specific notes on crowdfunding and the platforms where derivative works, such as fan games, can be distributed.
In the announcement by ZUN, creators of derivative Touhou works are advised to refrain from using crowdfunding for their projects, especially without obtaining permission. Additionally, the guidelines clarify that the publisher will not be held responsible for any issues that may arise from crowdfunding activities.
Anyone who wishes to resort to crowdfunding for their fan games needs to contact ZUN for proper permission, this might seem a bad however the changed guidelines has explicitly allowed content creators the avenues of indie game platforms such as itch.io to sell their games without needing prior approval.
The Touhou Project is a long-running series of bullet hell shooter games created by Japanese developer ZUN, who is the sole member of the game development team Team Shanghai Alice. The series, known for its intricate gameplay, expansive cast of characters, and rich lore, has garnered a large fanbase since its inception in the late 1990’s.
ZUN is a rather unique individual as they’re known for encouraging fan creativity, allowing the Touhou community to produce a wide range of derivative works, including fan games, music remixes, and art.
His guidelines for fan creations are quite permissive, but they include some restrictions, this supportive stance has fostered a vibrant and active fan community around the Touhou Project and further expanding its global prominence.
https://touhou-project.news/guideline
ZUN’s requests are quite sincere. Your creative work based on Touhou must explicitly state that it is a derivative of the Touhou Project.
It must not damage the image of the Touhou Project in any way or infringe upon the intellectual property of others. Additionally, you must not use the franchise to express your own ideology.
Official fanworks must not contain extremely inappropriate content, such as excessive sexual material or content that defames individuals based on race or any other group.
Commercial distribution of fanworks based on the Touhou Project is only permitted through approved and legal channels, such as Japanese doujinshi fairs. Any video game made to run via internet browsers or on mobile phones must be made available for free. Introducing in-game advertisements or purchases of any kind is prohibited.
These guidelines are generous but still have their restrictions. Despite the new changes, if crowdfunding is genuinely warranted, it is still permissible as long as the creators contact ZUN directly.
Furthermore, ZUN has stated that developers can now expand their distribution platforms beyond avenues like Steam to explore other established indie platforms. Traditionally, the distribution of Touhou fan games has been limited to in-person sales events and digital stores where the original games are sold such as Valve’s Steam store.
However, the new update includes “indie game sites” in the list of approved platforms. This change means fan game developers can now distribute their work on platforms where the original Touhou Project games are not listed, such as itch.io, DLSite, and BOOTH.
This development is a boon for passionate fan creators of the Touhou Project. The widened availability on alternative platforms introduces customizable pricing, empowering customers to contribute directly to developers by choosing their own price.
While crowdfunding holds promise, its unregulated nature poses risks and could tarnish ZUN’s reputation. Though not entirely ruled out, crowdfunding now requires explicit approval from the creator. These adjustments foster mutual benefits for both creators and consumers, underscoring ZUN’s dedication to community support and earning further admiration from fans.
In the pipeline for upcoming releases in the Touhou Project, fans can anticipate “The Touhou Empires,” a real-time strategy game, “Touhou Fractured Transience,” a 2D platform fighter, and “Touhou ~ Dreams of a Sunflower,” a 3D soulslike adventure.
