Ship replacement assets

[Calinou]

Currently, it is not possible to start Hematite without having a copy of Minecraft around. What about shipping freely licensed replacement assets that can be used?

I can find or make some if needed. Additionally, we might take some from Minetest but it doesn't look that Minecraft-y.

[eddyb]

You can't replace assets, they include block state definitions and block models.

[Calinou]

You can't replace assets, they include block state definitions and block models.

We can also make our own block models, and we can probably get away with writing our own state definitions (or just copying them, as those are hardly copyrightable).

[eddyb]

@Calinou if you consult with a lawyer, sure (EFF could be of assistance here IIRC).
Beware that Minecraft is now owned by Microsoft.

[aij]

Do we know what the arrangement with Microsoft was? Are they now obliged to keep the original promise to open source it?

[Calinou]

Are they now obliged to keep the original promise to open source it?

It never was a proper, legally binding promise...

[c-cube]

I think there are alternative assets, e.g. on http://www.minecrafttexturepacks.com/ . Need to check the license though.

[RichardlL]

On the issues of legality, you dont need a lawyer, just google!
Here is the official terms:
https://account.mojang.com/terms#brand
and restrictions (EULA is also linked),

Basically you can't

• You can't sell access to minecraft content (e.g. Pay for ability to get diamond armor)
• Or give the official Mojang software away for free.)
• Try to affilaite yourself with minecraft (e.g. Hematite: Official Minecraft Rust client)

You can

• Use the specification
• Base work off of it, as long as you don't use any assets (re-distribute source code, graphics, etc) or affialiate yourself (You can say hematite is a Minecraft client, but it would also be a good idea to put in the license

You may develop tools, plug-ins and services as long as they do not seem official or approved
by us, such as by using our logos. Do not make commercial use of anything we've made without our permission.

Since this is open-source, they won't care. If it is commercial, There is a disclaimer you have to put in.

In the interest of the community/goodwill, it would be a good Idea to include a free texture pack, but have the option of using the official.

Block States and Block ID care defined -
http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Block_states
http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Data_values/Block_IDs