Are the Devs allowed to buff/change licensed killers?

zacmangaming

So this thought has been on my mind now and I've been wondering if the Devs can make any changes to the killers without permission from whoever owns said killer. I remember a while ago when the devs said Freddy was their next priority in terms of buffs but since then we've gotten Trapper, Hag and Wraith buffs and even the release of a new killer but Freddy has yet to have any sort of change. This would kind of explain why 3/4 of the licensed killers are mostly lackluster and have yet to receive any love in terms of buffs.

I know we currently have a Freddy rework in the works but given how long it's taken it leaves me wondering if the Devs need to go through a whole process of getting permission to make any sort of changes to the killers which would really explain a lot

MysterTal

That's actually an interesting question I've wondered about, myself.

I think they can, because both Myers and Freddy were adjusted after they were released. Leatherface had small touch-ups as well. Bill Overbeck (who is a Left 4 Dead licensed character) and Laurie (Halloween character) had their Perks changed post-release as well - so one might assume they can make changes.
But on the other hand, licensed characters rarely receive changes and they're rarely big, so maybe any change involves communication with the license holders?

I, for one, think that Pig (Saw license) is in sore need of some buffs.

I don't know if the Devs can answer the main question (are they able to make changes to the mechanics of licensed characters on their own accord) but I'd be very curious to know.

zacmangaming

@MysterTal said:
That's actually an interesting question I've wondered about, myself.

I think they can, because both Myers and Freddy were adjusted after they were released. Leatherface had small touch-ups as well. Bill Overbeck (who is a Left 4 Dead licensed character) and Laurie (Halloween character) had their Perks changed post-release as well - so one might assume they can make changes.
But on the other hand, licensed characters rarely receive changes and they're rarely big, so maybe any change involves communication with the license holders?

I, for one, think that Pig (Saw license) is in sore need of some buffs.

I don't know if the Devs can answer the main question (are they able to make changes to the mechanics of licensed characters on their own accord) but I'd be very curious to know.

I'm right with you on the idea of Pig getting some buffs. I think the rework Freddy is receiving was probably something the Devs needed to get permission for hence why It's taken so long.

powerbats

The perks can be changed but any cosmetics would have to get approval from the owners and of course part of each sale would go to the owner. So they can change whatever they want in regards to balance but any model cosmetics follow the 2nd rule.