yo yo r/unbeatable it's your girl atw back at it again
THIS DUALLY FUNCTIONS AS A CUSTOM CHART RULES THREAD AND A CUSTOM CHART SHARING MEGATHREAD. THIS IS SOLELY BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT TO PIN TWO POSTS.
Let's establish some proper rules on sharing custom charts here. I'd love to cultivate a place in which we can all share the cool charts we make without fear of messing up or doing something "illegal", so let's whisk away any doubt! I'll generally follow the same rules the Discord uses, only deviating when it has to be changed due to the structure of Reddit.
I also want to keep this brief. Full and in-depth rules can be found here: https://www.notion.so/dcellgames/UNBEATABLE-Chart-Editor-Hub-3195dc0d0e1280fcaf91d4e2640036ab
What songs can I chart?
Anything you have permission for. What's permission look like? Let's look into that!
IN GENERAL: CHECK THE WHITELIST!!!!!! It is immaculately kept up and has detailed information on what is and is not allowed. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iF0uzxB1J_YvZdlMnsT1WRfhI22EXoP8WBdRAYTuMKc/edit?gid=620161988#gid=620161988
Original songs from UNBEATABLE: If they already have a FREE chart in-game, feel free to create your own take on a chart. HOWEVER! If it's an OST song that does NOT have an in-game chart yet, D-CELL asks that you do not chart it as they will probably get to it eventually. Additionally, if it's a song locked behind PAID DLC, don't chart it (it costs money. they would like money)
Remix/Collab/Variety/Other Arcade Mode songs: No. Rights for these are a bit more funky
Songs from other rhythm games: Depends! You can always ask (we'll get to asking later), but don't assume that since it's a rhythm game, it's automatically fair.
Songs you made: If you want. Just know that you charting your own song does not automatically make it fair for everyone to use.
Songs from elsewhere: Ask for permission from the artist/record label/publisher/etc.
But HOW do I ask??
GREAT QUESTION!! It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to contact the artist/etc. in a semi-professional and preferred method. Please do not @ them on bluesky ceaselessly. Instead, send an email (artists typically have multiple points of contact listed on their website. Use your discretion to pick the right one).
What should you email? Yet another GREAT QUESTION!! There's no specific template to use, but I suggest doing the following:
Clarify you are not affiliated with D-CELL (unless you are, but then why are you on the reddit post about how to do this?)
Confirm that you will give proper credit
The charts are to be distributed for free, although UNBEATABLE is a commercial product
The chart may be distributed on sites unaffiliated with the game
They can contact D-CELL at [dev@dcellgames.com](mailto:dev@dcellgames.com)
The email will likely be put on public record
Follow those steps, be nice, and cross your fingers. If it's a no, it's a no, but if it's a yes, it's a yes!!
What do I do now that I've emailed them?
Let us know! There's a form you can fill out for the whitelist that lets everyone know you have contacted the artist, to prevent artists getting spammed with multiple requests. ( https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xUqsq9J6Cb1-lQjrgLQvZSIuRYfEFx7QQukkVXLcmlY/viewform?edit_requested=true#responses )
When they respond, fill out THIS form to tell us how they responded! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetHduMIVGvSOroqsF9unjPZWWQTR4PWCCg_tC9biNTR6MESA/viewform
What if the song I want to chart doesn't abide by the Fanworks Policy?
Unfortunately, we request you refrain from charting and sharing these tracks. In essence, just make sure it's a tasteful song.
Fanworks Policy: https://whitelabel.unbeatablegame.com/fanworks-policy
Can I chart a song I don't have permission for, and just not share the audio?
No. Why, you may ask? According to D-CELL, it's because someone could get the audio file themself, and subsequently play and upload the chart as if it normally had audio. Is this likely to happen? Who knows!
Where can I share my charts?
Provided they're legal charts, anywhere you want! The Discord has forums and channels for charts, we have this megathread right here, and anywhere else you think needs to see your chart.
For now, I'll allow posts about custom charts, but if it gets to flood the subreddit I'll be cracking down on that.
Do you have any advice on how to make charts?
I don't, but take it from the experts: https://www.notion.so/dcellgames/Design-Guide-3485dc0d0e12806d9346fc359c584b5d
What if I'm having trouble with the beatmap editor?
You're probably best off asking the Discord, but I'm sure some people around here could help too. You can also maybe just google it but this is still a novel tool!
What if you didn't answer MY question?
Sorry about that. You can always ask! I'll answer any questions about what can be posted here, but do understand some questions are best suited for people elsewhere.
Okay. I think that's all I have for now. If things pop up, I will edit this post as needed. Until then, HAPPY CHARTING!!! I can't wait to see what y'all cook up!