I'm sure this has been asked a bajoodled amount of times. What music am I allowed to put in my games? I have some music from an album that could theoretically fit in one of my games, but I want to know if that's allowed. Is it merely a don't-make-money thing? Or do I have to put credits? Do I have to get permission? I highly doubt I'll be able to contact the author of the musics. :|
I'm pretty sure if you credit the music and you're not selling the game you would be okay, but It's always best to try and ask the musicians before hand
Sorry to see your thread went off topic so quickly, OMC. I just read your post again, if it's a well known piece and you credit it I'm sure you'll be fine
Originally Posted by -Adam- Sorry to see your thread went off topic so quickly, OMC. I just read your post again, if it's a well known piece and you credit it I'm sure you'll be fine
no adam thats incorrect. If you are making the game commercial, you cannot legally use "any" music. Even the original works on VGMusic.com wouldn't be legal, because they are derivative works. However, if your game is shareware, you don't even need to document it. Nobody will care. Its just good manners; I had an INI in Gridquest with the full information on each midi file I used
whatever the case is you can't legally use any piece of musical composition without the written authorization of the authors/legal rights owners, either you'll be using it for freeware or commercial games, because the problem isn't only about taking advantage of someone else's work, it's also redistributing it without the consent of the author.
That is correct Johnny; inherent copyright means control over redistribution of your intellectual property. It is only 'legal' to use music for your games that have free-distribution clauses attached to them; the ones the author has voluntarily surrendered to public use. However, if you're making a freeware game, while it is technically illegal to use commercial media in it, you have higher odds of being struck by a meteorite than anyone caring. Its just that in commercial games, because you are directly (or indirectly) profiting, you need to make absolutely sure your have only original content. So in other words, for freeware games, go ahead and use whatever floats your boat. Its good manners to cite it, but it doesn't really matter, and nobody is ever going to ask you to remove any of the music, much less sue you.
That sounds pretty much right, but i don't actually know so maybe you shouldn't listen to me. I'm certain, though, that it's more about distribution rights as opposed to the actual playing of the music.
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good ol' phizzy!
Edited by the Author.
