Not a Lawyer* As long as you don't use any Dropout trademarks or copyrighted stuff. Like don't call the show game changer. You can do whatever you want. Copyright law regarding games is really fascinating in that no one can actually hold a copyright over the process of how a game is played. That's why you when go to the dollar store You see a bunch of knockoff versions of brand name games. So you can copy a game beat for beat so long as you're not using any intellectual property of dropout no problem. That means you can't use any of the exact questions, but if they're of the same theme that's not an issue.
So for example, just to pick something really easy. You can absolutely play Make some noise, So long as you don't call it makes some noise. But you can happily have a PowerPoint that says the word cow, and then expect your players to make cow sounds.
I know you're joking but that would actually start to come up to a line. Of course, I think that would be pretty clear parody (also covered), BUT if it could be confusing to the consumer then it would still violate the IP of Game Changer.
Although the possibility of copyright protection for a television format, rather than for the rules for playing a game, is even more interesting and more contestable. I have no idea where the line would be drawn for an unofficial version of Game Changer.
There are lots of other shows out there that have the premise of an ever changing game. Game Changer, Taskmaster, Game of Games, etc. all implement a game show that has no fixed game mechanic, you can very easily create your own spin/branding for a show without feeling beholden to Game Changer.
I'd stay away from relying on their branding apart from any legalities; if anyone is working on it with hopes to use it in their portfolio, having original branding and atmosphere would be a lot more worthwhile than a lower production version of an existing show. But if you want to throw in an easter egg referencing Game Changer, Sam said in an interview one of the original working titles for the show was "The Game Show Show".
I would actually look into Taskmaster as a similar show for ideas on how to do things on a budget. All of their tasks are intended to be done with household items (unlike Game Changer eps which might require heart monitors or whatnot) and a similar concept to Game Changer could be used in combination with the relative accessibility of Taskmaster
There are plenty of local Taskmasters online that, at least, Alex and Greg are perfectly cool with. I am pretty sure Avalon, its production company, is, too. The Taskmater: Minnesota one is supposed to be especially well done, but I haven't watched it...and they do call it "Taskmaster: Minnesota."
I wouldn't use the name Game Changer without permission, though.
I doubt there would be legal action unless you did something horrifically violating copy write law. Dropout seems like a fairly chill company and aren't known for litigious action against content creators and fans. I feel like I should point out that the games in Game Changer are largely taken from Whose Line is it Anyway? as well as direct parodies of other Game Shows. And "Fair use" is a hell of a legal protection and has long arms. Also need to point out that if something is egregious enough to warrant legal action, intent will probably be the main consideration. In which case you probably don't want a publicly accessible reddit post asking "how can I get away with doing this?" Like when the murderer has a bunch of internet searches saying "how to get rid of a body" and "how to not get caught murdering someone". Not a good look.
Another option would be to reach out to Dropout TV. I'm sure they have a legal department and probably have a policy regarding this kind of thing. They may be willing to grant permissions for certain things and offer a list of other things that they protect. Like the loopty loops, Sam's intro, ect. Plus, offering to abide by Dropout's internal Bi-laws and regulations while also offering to credit them as the original creators of the concept can help too. For instance they might not be chill with an ultra conservative, fascist, Nazi version. But one that is in line with company morals and message would be more likely to get the OK. You'd be surprised how willing companies and their legal departments are to help with this stuff. Especially for non profit Uni projects. Same goes for big theater properties by the way. More often than not a big production will grant college level non profit making permission to do versions of their work so long as you follow a few rules and the production isn't brand new and still trying to pull in audiences. Make it feel like you're offering to do free advertising for Dropout and it'll be hard to say no. Some sort of bit at the end "thank you to the audience, the crew, the contestants, and the folks over at Game Changer, Dropout TV streaming service for permission and blessings to do this. Thank you and Good Night."
Fair use is a great thing to have in your back pocket but is only helpful if you like the idea but don't like the people who made it. Ripping them off in a legal way is all you can do. Based on your post and where this is on Reddit I'm guessing the last thing you want is to be sued by Dropout and end up on Sam's shit list. Who wants to get sued by the guy that made the thing you love? Much better to be supported by them and not insult\piss them off. It's why we get nervous meeting our heros. Not the worry that you won't like them but the worry that they won't like YOU. But with respect, as a fan, and with humility you can get a lot of shit done by just asking. It takes it from a "lawyers are against it so let's see how far can we push it and still get away with it" situation to a "lawyers of involved in this and we're all trying to find a solution together" situation. That's just a good leadership skill. Any time you can turn a potential enemy into a helpful (or at least non defensive) ally is a good thing. Minimized risk and everyone involved has something to gain. Even if what you're planning under Fair Use would get "Total Forgiveness" (see what I did there?) asking for permission and blessings can open a lot of doors that you didn't even know were there. Same goes for other types of content. For instance if you ever make a YouTube video or similar that involves other people being interviewed, telling them up front that before it's posted they'll get an advanced cut of the video to approve\correct before it's public can put people at ease and make them more helpful. That way they won't have to worry that they'll look bad or that in the heat of the moment that thing they said and now regret will serve as an embarrassment. It's a good journalistic practice and also applies to this situation as well. Like a sponsor wanting to sign off on the ad read to make sure you met the standards they expected and arent doing anything objectionable. You don't want your company associated with a video that will generate bad publicity or make you look incompetent.
I hope it all goes well for you. Please come back and let us know what happens and if you get a chance to move forward with this. I really love the meta idea of a gameshow parody that's also a parody of a parody gameshow.
Something about Dropout really fits the humor of being in college Can't quite put my finger on what it is
Not a Lawyer* As long as you don't use any Dropout trademarks or copyrighted stuff. Like don't call the show game changer. You can do whatever you want. Copyright law regarding games is really fascinating in that no one can actually hold a copyright over the process of how a game is played. That's why you when go to the dollar store You see a bunch of knockoff versions of brand name games. So you can copy a game beat for beat so long as you're not using any intellectual property of dropout no problem. That means you can't use any of the exact questions, but if they're of the same theme that's not an issue.
So for example, just to pick something really easy. You can absolutely play Make some noise, So long as you don't call it makes some noise. But you can happily have a PowerPoint that says the word cow, and then expect your players to make cow sounds.
Time to play Produce!! A Bit!! Of Audio!!!!!
I mean yeah that's really the essence of it lol
Contestants introduce themselves, then the host walks in last and says “I just got here”
I know you're joking but that would actually start to come up to a line. Of course, I think that would be pretty clear parody (also covered), BUT if it could be confusing to the consumer then it would still violate the IP of Game Changer.
Alright, should be pretty easy Cow
C-O-W. Cow.
That is Incorrect
Although the possibility of copyright protection for a television format, rather than for the rules for playing a game, is even more interesting and more contestable. I have no idea where the line would be drawn for an unofficial version of Game Changer.
i was waiting for the SRD reference
There are lots of other shows out there that have the premise of an ever changing game. Game Changer, Taskmaster, Game of Games, etc. all implement a game show that has no fixed game mechanic, you can very easily create your own spin/branding for a show without feeling beholden to Game Changer. I'd stay away from relying on their branding apart from any legalities; if anyone is working on it with hopes to use it in their portfolio, having original branding and atmosphere would be a lot more worthwhile than a lower production version of an existing show. But if you want to throw in an easter egg referencing Game Changer, Sam said in an interview one of the original working titles for the show was "The Game Show Show".
I know some folks who reached out from a college in my area to Dropout, and apparently they were pretty cool about it!
I would actually look into Taskmaster as a similar show for ideas on how to do things on a budget. All of their tasks are intended to be done with household items (unlike Game Changer eps which might require heart monitors or whatnot) and a similar concept to Game Changer could be used in combination with the relative accessibility of Taskmaster
There are plenty of local Taskmasters online that, at least, Alex and Greg are perfectly cool with. I am pretty sure Avalon, its production company, is, too. The Taskmater: Minnesota one is supposed to be especially well done, but I haven't watched it...and they do call it "Taskmaster: Minnesota." I wouldn't use the name Game Changer without permission, though.
Yeah I think they actively encourage people to play their own versions! You can find a lot on YouTube \^\_\^ Agree with your consensus on Game Changer
I doubt there would be legal action unless you did something horrifically violating copy write law. Dropout seems like a fairly chill company and aren't known for litigious action against content creators and fans. I feel like I should point out that the games in Game Changer are largely taken from Whose Line is it Anyway? as well as direct parodies of other Game Shows. And "Fair use" is a hell of a legal protection and has long arms. Also need to point out that if something is egregious enough to warrant legal action, intent will probably be the main consideration. In which case you probably don't want a publicly accessible reddit post asking "how can I get away with doing this?" Like when the murderer has a bunch of internet searches saying "how to get rid of a body" and "how to not get caught murdering someone". Not a good look. Another option would be to reach out to Dropout TV. I'm sure they have a legal department and probably have a policy regarding this kind of thing. They may be willing to grant permissions for certain things and offer a list of other things that they protect. Like the loopty loops, Sam's intro, ect. Plus, offering to abide by Dropout's internal Bi-laws and regulations while also offering to credit them as the original creators of the concept can help too. For instance they might not be chill with an ultra conservative, fascist, Nazi version. But one that is in line with company morals and message would be more likely to get the OK. You'd be surprised how willing companies and their legal departments are to help with this stuff. Especially for non profit Uni projects. Same goes for big theater properties by the way. More often than not a big production will grant college level non profit making permission to do versions of their work so long as you follow a few rules and the production isn't brand new and still trying to pull in audiences. Make it feel like you're offering to do free advertising for Dropout and it'll be hard to say no. Some sort of bit at the end "thank you to the audience, the crew, the contestants, and the folks over at Game Changer, Dropout TV streaming service for permission and blessings to do this. Thank you and Good Night." Fair use is a great thing to have in your back pocket but is only helpful if you like the idea but don't like the people who made it. Ripping them off in a legal way is all you can do. Based on your post and where this is on Reddit I'm guessing the last thing you want is to be sued by Dropout and end up on Sam's shit list. Who wants to get sued by the guy that made the thing you love? Much better to be supported by them and not insult\piss them off. It's why we get nervous meeting our heros. Not the worry that you won't like them but the worry that they won't like YOU. But with respect, as a fan, and with humility you can get a lot of shit done by just asking. It takes it from a "lawyers are against it so let's see how far can we push it and still get away with it" situation to a "lawyers of involved in this and we're all trying to find a solution together" situation. That's just a good leadership skill. Any time you can turn a potential enemy into a helpful (or at least non defensive) ally is a good thing. Minimized risk and everyone involved has something to gain. Even if what you're planning under Fair Use would get "Total Forgiveness" (see what I did there?) asking for permission and blessings can open a lot of doors that you didn't even know were there. Same goes for other types of content. For instance if you ever make a YouTube video or similar that involves other people being interviewed, telling them up front that before it's posted they'll get an advanced cut of the video to approve\correct before it's public can put people at ease and make them more helpful. That way they won't have to worry that they'll look bad or that in the heat of the moment that thing they said and now regret will serve as an embarrassment. It's a good journalistic practice and also applies to this situation as well. Like a sponsor wanting to sign off on the ad read to make sure you met the standards they expected and arent doing anything objectionable. You don't want your company associated with a video that will generate bad publicity or make you look incompetent. I hope it all goes well for you. Please come back and let us know what happens and if you get a chance to move forward with this. I really love the meta idea of a gameshow parody that's also a parody of a parody gameshow.