Board Thread:Speculation House/@comment-27511601-20170107190552/@comment-4042934-20170709154649

I know this is old, but I need to clear up some things said in here. I was an MMD modeler for almost ten years and after all this time I can say I know how things work in that community. So:

*There is a key difference between MMD modeler and MMD editor. Editors will rip from games and import models in MMD or they will break models apart to make new characters. MMD modelers, on the other hand, will model everything from scratch in other software and import their own modeling data in MMD. So the argument that the MMD data used in RWBY were paid stock material is invalid, because...


 * Montecore is a very well-known japanese MMD modeler, most known for his Touhou project models. He offers free downloads for all his models, save for R18 versions of them in doujin sites like melonbooks. The paid versions can be used more freely as data for proffessional programs is also included (Maya, Max). But the fact that those models include lower poly subdivision levels on the software he uses to make them (Metasequoia) proves that they were created by him. Moreover he used to post progress pictures on nyappon, a now dead online community for japanese MMDers.


 * MMD models do not share the same terms of usage; they change from modeler to modeler. Montecore specifically requests the editors to not distribute models with parts from his paid versions. Usage for commercial purposes is not allowed in general. And of course, outright claiming to be he model's creator is not allowed either.

You may ask, what is the problem? if they bought Montecore's data there shouldn't be one, right? Well, the thing is, the models of Mokou, the Watatsuki sisters and Luka Megurine are not models with paid versions. They basically broke both the commercial and creator guidelines. And the way they defended themselves with threatening? This kind of audacious move towards modelers is something to be expected from immature teens in DeviantArt, not a big company like RoosterTeeth.

This is basically why RWBY got a bad reputation within some MMD modeler circles. It's not that they copied the designs; we would care less about another gothic lolita or a bunny girl. It's not that they copied the style of MMD animation; there are plenty of ways to render with toon shaders. It's that they are making a huge profit using assets they were never allowed to use in the first place and did everything in their power to keep everyone's mouth shut about it.