I've only seen 2 people spell "plagiarism" right in this thread, come on Internet.

This. This is more of a morality issue than a legal issue. I didn't take it word for word (even though that's hard to do since it's a video game and not a book), I just used the concept.

You are the first time I have seen the op in the comment section. Kinda cool. I'm glad you liked Mads Effect 3 enough to use it as your inspiration. Many people were disappointed in it. Do you play Dragon Age too??

Actually, I see the OP in the comments all the time, there's a link you can click on telling you that the OP commented on their post! Sometimes I can spot the OP before the link is put up!

Aha, morality. Bang on, OP. Just hope you did justice to that magnificent, epic ME! Anyway, why would Bioware bother to sue for breach of copyright unless they could prove loss of earnings?

Unfortunately, you are wrong. Plagiarism isn't just the written word, colleges also prosecute idea plagiarism, the theft of someone else's ideas. You better hope some other student doesn't call you out on it. You have any idea how many students I see get thrown out of college for copying images and slightly modding them?

Will he get sued, no. Technically, I believe (not an attorney) that it could potentially fall under fair use for education. He could however be thrown out of school.

Again, that's not true. There is a huge difference between using a (non-stock I'm assuming) image and editing it versus taking a "plot idea" from a video game. And like I said, very few ideas are "original". For example: Inception was VERY largely based on the novel and film Paprika. The entire idea plus half of the plotline is the same, and there are scenes (the hotel scene for example) that is literally a live version of the film. But did Chris Nolan get sued for plagiarism? No. There is a very big difference between inspiration and flat out plagiarism. It may sometimes be a fine line to walk, and might be good to just avoid altogether, especially for school projects, but in this case there is no way OP can get in trouble.

I think the reason so many people are mad is because you said you "ripped off" the game.

If you were a true gamer, you'd know there actually are Mass Effect books, and no I am not talking about gaming guides.

It's totally fine if you just used the basic concept - i.e. in the future ___ happens and ___ is a problem, however using characters and anything more in detail than the very base idea is plagiarism. An idea cannot be protected under copyright law. Sincerely, a legal student

#146 beat me to it: an idea cannot be copyrighted because its just that, an idea. For something to be legally protected it has To be captured in a physical or digital way. At least this is what I know.

Forgot to put teacher, my bad. Grammar Nazi skills, I must acquire (>0v0<)