How persistence paid off: A developer’s 154-day quest for SpaceX approval
The marathon approval request
In an extraordinary display of determination, independent developer Lyubomir Vladimirov achieved what many would consider impossible – direct brand approval from Elon Musk through relentless social media engagement.
The five-month campaign began when Vladimirov committed to tweeting Musk daily about using SpaceX intellectual property in his Mars colonization game, ultimately succeeding on attempt #154.
Musk’s January 2021 response typified his unconventional approach to intellectual property: “you can steal our name/logos & we probably won’t sue you” – a statement that sparked debate among legal professionals about formal versus casual permissions.
Strategic takeaways for developers
Three key lessons emerged from this case:
1. Persistence pays: Vladimirov’s daily tweeting strategy kept his request visible without crossing into harassment territory
2. Community building: The campaign organically grew an audience invested in both the game and the approval saga
3. Risk awareness: Legal experts note verbal social media approvals may not provide full legal protection
For indie developers, this case demonstrates how social media can level the playing field for brand collaborations, though proper legal documentation should follow any informal approvals.
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No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Elon Musk gives game dev permission to use SpaceX in game about Mars How persistence paid off: A developer's 154-day quest for SpaceX approval