Is Tebex.io reputable and legitimate? We think no

What’s Tebex.io?

Tebex.io is a website that offers a platform for server owners and script or mod sellers to connect and conduct business. Server owners can use the Tebex platform to purchase scripts and mods for their servers, while script and mod sellers can use it to sell their products to a wide audience of server owners.

One of the main benefits of Tebex for server owners is the convenience of having a central marketplace for finding and purchasing scripts and mods. This can save time and effort compared to searching for and purchasing from individual sellers on different websites. Tebex also offers a range of tools and features for server owners, including the ability to manage purchases, subscriptions, and donations, as well as integration with popular server control panels like Multicraft and Pterodactyl.

For script and mod sellers, Tebex provides a way to reach a large and potentially global audience of server owners. Sellers can create their own store on the platform and list their products for sale, setting their own prices and terms of sale. Tebex handles the payment processing and other logistical aspects of the transaction, allowing sellers to focus on creating and promoting their products.

Please note that this article is based on personal experience and opinion.

What is a copyright violation (Intellectual Property)?

A copyright violation occurs when someone uses a copyrighted work without permission from the copyright holder. In the gaming industry, this can include using someone else’s game content, graphics, music, or other intellectual property without permission.

For example, if a server owner were to monetize their server using Grand Theft Auto V content without obtaining permission from Rockstar Games, this would be a copyright violation. Similarly, if a company like Tebex.io were to make money off of Grand Theft Auto V without permission from Rockstar Games, this would also be a copyright violation.

Copyright violations can have serious consequences for both the person or company committing the violation and the copyright holder. A GTA V Mod Menu creator had to pay all revenue from his work, because he sold his software to hack GTA Online servers, and damages.

Definition of “Intellectual Property”

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. IP is protected by law, which gives the creator certain exclusive rights to use their creation. The purpose of intellectual property law is to encourage innovation and creativity by giving creators control over how their creations are used and by providing a financial incentive for them to continue creating.

Breaking ToS of Game Companies (Intellectual Property)

Popular games have strict rules when it comes to monetization. Most games do not allow the sales of mods or modified software. Everyone knows that modifying code can be a copyright infringement. For example: Rockstar Games strictly prohibits the monetization of their game, Grand Theft Auto V, especially RP servers. You can read that on this page or directly on Rockstar Games’ page:

They specifically write: “(iii) commercial exploitation, including the sale of “loot boxes” for real-world currency or its in-game equivalent, the sale of virtual currencies, generating revenue via corporate sponsorships or in-game integrations, or the use of cryptocurrencies or crypto assets (e.g. “NFTs”);” is prohibited!

Rockstar Games writes:

This is not a license, and it does not constitute endorsement, approval, or authorization of any third-party project. Take-Two reserves the right to object to any third-party project, or to revise, revoke and/or withdraw this statement at any time in their own discretion. This statement does not constitute a waiver of any rights that Take-Two may have with respect to third-party projects.”

https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/11374598771091/Roleplay-RP-Servers

Lootboxes on Tebex

If you check out the main page of Tebex, you will notice one little detail:

What is that? Is Tebex promoting the sales of Lootboxes for Minecraft and/or GTA?

While their main home page promotes the use of lootboxes (you can clearly see that), why do their “Acceptable Use Policy” say, that lootboxes are forbidden? It seems that they have a shady business here.

Most FiveM servers use Tebex to sell ingame cars and money

For example, NoPixel is selling access (or a faster lane) to their servers. Selling ingame assets, as well as services around FiveM, might fall under the clause above “commercial exploitation, including the sale of “loot boxes” for real-world currency or its in-game equivalent, the sale of virtual currencies, generating revenue via corporate sponsorships or in-game integrations”.

Here, a german server called LateNightV is selling digital assets like pets, cars and/or “Ingame weapon attachments.

Why is Rockstar/TakeTwo not taking down FiveM?

It is possible that Rockstar Games has recognized the value and enjoyment that these platforms bring to players and has chosen to allow them to continue operating. They have written several times that they accept RP servers, but do not accept if their GTA:Online mode is being interrupted. That is why TakeTwo is going against online-modders like modmenu creators.

It is ultimately up to the game developers to decide how to handle these types of platforms and their use within their games, and if they to tolerate FiveM or Tebex, that is completely fine. However, they have written that monetization is forbidden.

In order to use FiveM, players must have a valid license of GTA 5. This means that players must purchase the game in order to access and play on FiveM servers.

Rockstar Games, the developer of GTA 5, profits from the sales of the game. Therefore, it is possible that Rockstar Games has chosen to allow FiveM to continue operating, as it likely generates additional revenue for the company through the sales of GTA 5 to players who wish to use the modification. Rockstar Games has chosen to tolerate FiveM to continue operating, likely due to its popularity and widespread use within the gaming community.

So is Tebex.io legal or not? (Conclusion)

Tebex.io is a website that offers a platform for server owners and script or mod sellers to connect and conduct business. While the platform may offer convenience and efficient transactions for both parties, there have been allegations that Tebex.io may engage in practices that violate the terms of service of certain games and potentially infringe on copyright.

One such concern is the sale of scripts and mods that allow players to cheat or gain an unfair advantage in games. Many games have terms of service that explicitly prohibit the use of hacks or cheats, and the sale of such items on Tebex.io could potentially be in violation of these terms. Additionally, the creation and distribution of such hacks and cheats may also infringe on the copyright of the game developers.

Another concern is the sale of unauthorized copies of games or game content on Tebex.io. While the platform may allow for the sale of scripts and mods that are compatible with certain games, the sale of unauthorized copies of games or game content do seriously infringe on the copyright of the game developers.

So is the usage of Tebex.io legal or not? Well, we are not a lawyer firm (or such) but the business practices are, let’s say, questionable.

It is worth noting that Tebex.io has stated on its website that it has a policy of not allowing the sale of any products that violate the terms of service of games or infringe on copyright. However, those rules contradict what can be found on the website as we have shown above

It is important to be aware of the potential risks and concerns surrounding the platform, including the possibility of violating terms of service and copyright infringement. It is always important to carefully research and consider the risks and legality of any product or service before making a purchase or sell products there.

UPDATE: As of August 2023, Rockstar Games has taken over CFX (FiveM) and therefore Tebex is now official and legal. Read more about here.

Please note that this article is based on personal experience and opinion.

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