These guidelines set out the terms under which you may create and share fan content based on games produced by Egosoft, the X-Universe, or our related intellectual property.

"Egosoft Content" includes our games, expansions, game titles, trademarks, characters, storylines, lore, settings, text, graphics, 3D models, textures, animations, music, sound effects, code, user interface designs, and any other elements of the X-Universe.

Egosoft owns or controls all intellectual property rights in and to Egosoft Content. Nothing in these guidelines constitutes a transfer of ownership, grant of trademark rights, or assignment of proprietary rights to you.

1. General Principles & Legal Compliance

Non-commercial fan content is generally permitted provided it complies with the following conditions:

• Identification: Content must be clearly identifiable as an unofficial fan creation.
• Prohibited Content: Content must not contain illegal, defamatory, discriminatory, or severely inappropriate material, nor cause harm to the reputation of Egosoft or its brands.
• No Substitution: Fan content must not act as a replacement or substitute for an official game, expansion, or product from Egosoft.
• Third-Party Rights & AI Usage: You must respect third-party intellectual property. AI-assisted content incorporating or based on Egosoft Content is permitted for non-commercial use only, provided no third-party rights are infringed and usage complies with applicable legal frameworks (including the EU AI Act).
• Protection of Minors & Age Ratings: All fan content must comply with applicable regulations regarding youth protection, content classification, and age ratings (e.g., Digital Services Act, Online Safety Act, and German Jugendschutzgesetz).
• Platform Terms of Service: Fan content published on third-party platforms (e.g., Steam, GOG, YouTube, Twitch, Discord, Nexus Mods) must adhere to the respective platform�s terms of service. Platform terms apply concurrently with, and do not override, this Policy.

2. Content Creation, Streaming & Fan Websites

• Videos & Livestreams: You may create, upload, and stream video content containing Egosoft Content on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. Viewers must not be charged compulsory fees or paywalled to access your videos or streams. You may not sell or license video files containing our content to third parties.
• Monetization: Commercial ad-revenue monetization through official platform partner programs (e.g., YouTube Partner Program, Twitch Affiliate/Partner) is permitted. Any other commercial exploitation requires a prior written agreement. If you have questions regarding monetization or partnership requests, please contact us at creators@egosoft.com.
• Music & Soundtracks: The use of official X-game soundtracks is permitted only in videos, reviews, or livestreams that directly feature or relate to games of the X series. Using our soundtracks in non-X series-related content is strictly prohibited.
• Fan Websites & Screenshots: Using screenshots, artwork, information, and data from our games on non-commercial fan websites is permitted, provided you clearly attribute the respective game and include a direct link to the game's official product page on Steam or GOG (e.g., X4: Foundations on Steam or X4: Foundations on GOG).

3. Game Mods & Patching Tools

Non-commercial mods created specifically for a designated X-game may modify and utilize game assets for their operation under the following conditions:

• Legitimate Installation & Container Files: The mod must require a legally acquired copy of the relevant base game (and relevant expansion, if expansion assets are used) to function. Distributing complete original game data containers (e.g., full .dat files) is strictly forbidden.
• Allowed Patching Methods & Code Sharing: Modders are encouraged to use binary diff files, local patch utilities, or custom installer scripts that generate modded files locally on the user's system. Publishing source code for custom patch tools or technical documentation on public repositories (e.g., GitHub) is permitted, provided no original Egosoft assets are included in the repository.
• Asset Containment: Mods must not distribute standalone copies of essential game components or make game files usable outside the game environment.
• Cross-Game Porting Restriction: Transferring or porting assets from one game or expansion to another – including between different X-series titles – is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from Egosoft.
• No Commercialization & Technical Disclaimer: Mods must remain entirely free of charge and cannot be commercialized without explicit written permission. Mods are created and used at your own risk. Egosoft provides no warranty or technical support for mods, and assumes no liability for corrupted save games, technical glitches, or incompatibility following official game updates.

4. Standalone Games & Software Projects

Standalone applications, independent software, or games that run independently of an official X-game are subject to strict conditions:

• Asset Extraction Ban: You may not extract or use original game files (models, textures, animations, code, music, sound effects, UI elements) in standalone projects.
• Original Creations Only: Standalone non-commercial fan games must be built using entirely self-created assets, must clearly designate their unofficial status, and must not cause public confusion with official Egosoft products.
• Branding Restrictions: Using "X", game titles, or Egosoft logos in app titles, logos, domain names, or storefront listings requires prior written consent. Descriptive references to the X-Universe are permitted only where they do not imply official licensing or sponsorship.

5. Media, Literature & Creative Works

Non-commercial fan fiction, comics, audio plays, fan art, and videos may be published provided they are explicitly marked as unofficial fan creations.

• Commercial Releases: Any commercial distribution of books, films, or creative media based on the X-Universe requires a separate written licensing agreement with Egosoft prior to publication.
• Official Projects: For officially licensed or supported works, Egosoft reserves the right to review, request narrative changes for canon consistency, approve final drafts, enforce brand guidelines, and negotiate financial terms.

6. Official Endorsement & Commercial Definition

"Commercial use" refers to any direct or indirect generation of revenue or economic benefit, including sales, paywalled access, subscriptions, advertising (outside platform partner programs), sponsorships, crowdfunding, paid commissions, and licensing.

Mentioning, linking to, or sharing your project on Egosoft's channels does not grant official, authorized, or licensed status.

Any claim of official status or commercial project approval requires an explicit, written agreement signed by Egosoft.

7. Required Disclaimer & Branding Rules

All non-commercial fan projects (including mod distribution pages, fan websites, and standalone tools) must display the following disclaimer in a visible location:

"This is an unofficial fan project. It is not affiliated with, endorsed, or supported by Egosoft. Egosoft assumes no technical support or liability (e.g., for corrupted save games). Use at your own risk. All names, trademarks, and content related to [Game Name, e.g. X4: Foundations] are the property of Egosoft or their respective owners."

Official Egosoft or X-game logos may not be used without prior written authorization, except where provided in official, publicly released fan kits or press kits.

8. Rights Retention & Unilateral Revocation

Egosoft retains all intellectual property rights in and to Egosoft Content. This Policy grants a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license for the specific uses described herein.

Revocation & Disclaimers of Liability: Egosoft reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, restrict, or revoke permission for any fan content at any time, particularly if it violates these guidelines, threatens IP rights, causes confusion, or harms Egosoft�s business interests. Egosoft assumes no responsibility or financial liability for any costs, time, or resources expended by creators on fan projects that are modified, suspended, or terminated under this clause.

9. Licensing Enquiries & Contact

For permissions, licensing enquiries, or questions regarding projects not covered by this Policy, please contact Egosoft (info@egosoft.com) prior to starting development or publication. Please include details on project scope, assets used, planned distribution platforms, monetization models, and presentation.

Prior tolerance or approval of other fan projects does not constitute a binding precedent. Egosoft reserves the right to update this Policy at any time with future effect.