Several scenarios could arise from an unlicensed Sega Genesis/Mega Drive port of Dexter's Laboratory: Robot Rampage, and a subsequent SNES port.
Scenario 1: Limited Success, Legal Battles
- Development: A small, independent developer creates the Genesis port using reverse-engineered assets from the Game Boy Color game. The graphics and sound are significantly downgraded due to hardware limitations and the lack of official assets. Gameplay might be simplified or altered to fit the Genesis's controller. The SNES port follows a similar process, again with compromised quality.
- Marketing & Sales: Marketing is limited due to the unlicensed nature. Sales are modest, primarily driven by fans of the show and retro gaming enthusiasts. The low quality might lead to negative reviews, further hindering sales.
- Legal Ramifications: Cartoon Network (or its parent company) discovers the unlicensed ports and initiates legal action. This could result in cease-and-desist orders, lawsuits for copyright infringement, and the removal of the games from the market. The developers face significant financial penalties and potential legal repercussions.
Scenario 2: Unexpected Success, Legal Gray Area
- Development: Similar to Scenario 1, but the developers manage to improve the graphics and sound surprisingly well, perhaps through clever programming techniques and artistic compromises. They might even add new features or levels not present in the original Game Boy Color game.
- Marketing & Sales: Word-of-mouth and online communities drive significant interest. The games gain a cult following due to their unexpected quality and nostalgic appeal. Sales exceed expectations, generating considerable profit for the developers.
- Legal Ramifications: Cartoon Network might be hesitant to pursue legal action due to the games' unexpected popularity and the potential negative publicity associated with shutting down a beloved fan project. The developers might operate in a legal gray area, potentially facing pressure but avoiding major legal battles.
Scenario 3: Commercial Success, Licensing Agreement
- Development: The developers initially release the Genesis port as an unlicensed project. Its unexpected success attracts the attention of Cartoon Network.
- Marketing & Sales: The game's popularity leads to significant sales and positive reviews.
- Legal Ramifications: Cartoon Network, seeing the potential for profit, approaches the developers to negotiate a licensing agreement for the Genesis and SNES ports, as well as potentially future ports to other platforms. This results in official releases with improved quality, marketing support, and wider distribution. The developers receive royalties and avoid legal trouble.
Scenario 4: Failure and Obscurity
- Development: The unlicensed ports are poorly made, with significant bugs and glitches. The graphics and sound are inferior to the original Game Boy Color game.
- Marketing & Sales: Lack of marketing and poor quality lead to very low sales. The games remain largely unknown and quickly fade into obscurity.
- Legal Ramifications: Cartoon Network might not even notice the games' existence, rendering legal action unnecessary.
These scenarios highlight the potential risks and rewards associated with creating unlicensed game ports. The outcome depends on various factors, including the quality of the ports, the developers' marketing efforts, and Cartoon Network's response. The legal ramifications are a significant factor, potentially leading to financial losses, legal battles, or even a surprising collaboration.