(10-15-2013, 09:04 PM)Neweegee Wrote: Wa-wait a sec, am I reading that the only reason fan-games are created is because it's just a good way to learn how to develop games, rather than a fan tribute to a series and a fun way to try your own spin on a game you liked?
Not necessarily, but that's one reason to choose making a fan game. Obviously, if you would rather make a fan game to put your own spin on things or as a tribute to the original, then that's a totally valid reason to make one as well.
Joxon's question seems to ask more about the technical reasons than the personal reasons though, and I answered it as such. The decision really depends on his end goal, and if that is "make a game", then a fan game would be easier and good practice. If it's "make a tribute to Mario", then a fan game would be the obvious choice.
(I also just realised that perhaps this should be moved to Gaming Discussion or Games Development.)