This page is a plain-language guide. LICENSE.txt contains the controlling legal terms.
The Short Version#
Ben10Mod is source-available, not open-source software.
You do not need prior permission to make and distribute a separate Ben10Mod addon when all of the following are true:
- the addon is independently written
- the addon is free and noncommercial
- users obtain Ben10Mod separately from an official distribution channel
- the addon does not copy, modify, include, or redistribute Ben10Mod code, compiled files, artwork, audio, shaders, documentation, or other assets
- the addon is clearly described as unofficial
The addon may reference Ben10Mod as a runtime or compile-time dependency and may use its public APIs, type names, identifiers, and extension points.
Code blocks expressly presented as addon examples in the version of AddonAPI.md accompanying the targeted official release may be copied and adapted for a qualifying addon. This limited exception does not cover Ben10Mod implementation code or other documentation.
Required Addon Notice#
Include a notice substantially similar to:
Unofficial addon for Ben10Mod. Ben10Mod is not included and is separately licensed.
The notice can appear in the addon's README, Workshop description, or another place users will see before installing it.
What Counts As Commercial#
An addon is commercial when money, revenue, compensation, commercial advantage, or another financial benefit is tied to the addon or its use. Examples include:
- selling the addon or charging for access or early access
- developing the addon as a paid commission
- paid features, support, updates, or downloads
- addon-specific Patreon, crowdfunding, sponsorship, or required donations
- ad-supported addon downloads or adware
- including or requiring it in a paid modpack, server, hosting plan, service, or other paid offering
A general voluntary donation to a creator is not automatically commercial when it is unrelated to the addon and provides no addon access, feature, support, priority, or other benefit in return.
Ordinary gameplay videos, livestreams, screenshots, reviews, tutorials, and news coverage may use platform advertising or general channel subscriptions. This media exception does not allow anyone to distribute Ben10Mod files, sell access to Ben10Mod or an addon, imply endorsement, or use third-party intellectual property without permission.
Commercial use requires prior written permission from DestroyerMob.
Examples#
Allowed without asking:
- a free addon that registers an original transformation through the public API
- a free compatibility addon that connects another mod to Ben10Mod
- a free costume addon containing independently created artwork
- publishing the independently written source code for a free addon
Not allowed without separate written permission:
- copying a Ben10Mod transformation class into another mod
- distributing a modified Ben10Mod build or including Ben10Mod in a modpack
- extracting and reusing Ben10Mod sprites, sounds, shaders, or other assets
- selling an addon, putting it behind a subscription, or accepting an addon commission
- tying addon access, features, support, or early builds to donations or sponsorship
- using Ben10Mod or an addon as part of a paid server or service
Addon Code Licenses#
Addon authors own the original code and assets they create and may publish that independently created work under any terms they choose. Regardless of those terms, distributing or using the addon with Ben10Mod must satisfy the noncommercial addon conditions, and the addon's terms cannot grant rights in Ben10Mod Materials.
Earlier Ben10Mod Versions#
License version 1.1 first applies to Ben10Mod 0.94. Each Ben10Mod version remains subject to the license that accompanied that version, and the current license does not revoke rights already granted for an earlier version.
Questions And Commercial Permission#
If a planned use falls outside the examples above, or involves payment or a business, request permission through the project Discord before releasing it. Permission exists only when DestroyerMob gives explicit written approval.