Game Development Community

Music copyright question

by Sean H. · in Technical Issues · 10/27/2005 (7:51 am) · 3 replies

Does anyone have a good understanding on copyright issues when it comes to game music and audio? let's say I've downloaded a few free videogame tracks from download.com. Is it illegal for me to use this music in my game without permission? what if the game was distributed freely and artists were clearly credited in the game?
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Torque Owner Philip Mansfield
Default Studio Name
#1
10/27/2005 (7:55 am)
Crediting the artists won't do you a lot of good if you haven't asked their permission first. Just ask them and see what they say. You might find a couple that are keen to let you use their music for free, providing the game is free.

If you plan on charging for your game, the musician will undoubtedly want either a lump up front, royalties, or maybe a bit of both.

Associate David Montgomery-Blake
David MontgomeryBlake
#2
10/27/2005 (7:55 am)
If it was released to the public domain by the copyright holder, then you are safe. This is rarely the case, though. Most tracks on Downloads.com were negotiated for release there, and redistribution requires you to contact (and contract) the music for use in your own titles. Also, you'll need to look at synchronization rights if you wish to synch your audio with video.

Music licensing is a hugely hairy issue for film and games.

Ryan Holaday
#3
02/16/2006 (12:42 pm)
Hey, if you need music for your game, i might be able to help. I've been looking for small chunks of projects to contribute to, you know, a track or two. Something so that I can practice composing to video (or general gameplay feeling). If you're interested, fire me an email.


ryanscissorhands@hotmail.com