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Geek Culture / Using homebrew cover songs in non-commercial games, is it allowed?

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Roger Wilco
19
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Joined: 6th Jul 2005
Location: In the Shadow of Chernobyl
Posted: 12th Oct 2010 17:16
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The title basically says it all. I'm wondering if, for instance, I make an 8-bit cover of George Harrison's Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp and use it in my non-commercial platformer game. Would I be allowed to do this, without having to pay massive royalty fees or such? The game's mainly an assignment in school, but I'm thinking about putting it up on the net for free later.
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Van B
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22
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Joined: 8th Oct 2002
Location: Sunnyvale
Posted: 12th Oct 2010 17:20
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Might be best to change it up a little, add in more drums, lengthen it, call it a remix.
One of my recent games had a remix of the original games soundtrack, and I've never had any problems with that - I think remixes are much more acceptable than cover versions.

Health, Ammo, and bacon and eggs!
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Quik
16
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Joined: 3rd Jul 2008
Location: Equestria!
Posted: 12th Oct 2010 17:32
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making a cover and using it "publicly" without the original writers permission is illegal.

you should always ask before.

and as Van B said, Remixes are an totally other matter, since remixes usually changes the text for instance.


[Q]uik, Quiker than most
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Roger Wilco
19
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Joined: 6th Jul 2005
Location: In the Shadow of Chernobyl
Posted: 12th Oct 2010 18:08
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Thanks for the tips, guys! I guess I should go with my plan B; listen to some 8-bit music and gather enough inspiration to make my entirely own songs instead. Hopefully I'll come up with something decent enough before deadline.

Thanks again, a mod can lock the thread if they wish.
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PAGAN_old
19
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Joined: 28th Jan 2006
Location: Capital of the Evil Empire
Posted: 13th Oct 2010 06:26
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i downloaded this random free rpg game and it was full of final fantasy content, the battle backround was from ff6, music was from ff7 dont know much more since i couldnt get past the first boss

dont hate people who rip you off,cheat and get away with it, learn from them
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Slow Programmer
19
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Joined: 5th Apr 2006
Location: USA, Tennessee
Posted: 13th Oct 2010 18:14
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This link may help.

http://www.artistshousemusic.org/expert/how+do+i+record+someone+elses+song

There are two kinds of computer users. Those that use Macs and those that wish they did.
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