No, it will be available to all at no charge, including non participants. So in that respect I understand Efflux's hesitance.
However, if there are 50 or more buildings it will be very easy for anyone who uses it to make completely original shots.
If you send 1000 people to time square with a camera, your going to get back 1000 different shots. Some will suck and some will be great. And no one will complain that all the photos are of time square.
And as I said, there is no reason that once you get the models, that you cant alter them anyway you like. And make new and totally unique buildings.
The thing about is that, modeling an entire city by your self would take a year. But with 100 people focused on just one or two building each it will get done fast.
Not to mention that the architecture of each building should then be completely unique, just like a real city. Then from each style you can copy and make groups. And build up an original scene.
Frankly, if you dont want to spend a ton of cash or spend a year modeling just buildings. Im not sure of any other way to get a whole city to play with.
Also Dune, I read that they are happy to work with people who use lightwave.
Lastly, Videocopilot will also make "several" models for the pack, as well as do all of the quality control and optimization. I think if enough people participate it will be a real nice thing.