Copyright FAQ
This Copyright FAQ exists to clear up the legal situation of the games supported by ScummVM and to address common issues.
Why is copying/downloading of my favorite LucasArts game a problem?
Apart from the obvious (the game was written by people with commercial intent, they own it, so they can ask you not to get it for free) copying games also endangers the ScummVM project.
Providing support for obviously "warezed" versions of games could create the impression that ScummVM promotes copyright violations. Needless to say, this is not in the interest of the ScummVM developers. Game companies often keep a close eye on projects which are re-implementing their game engines; any negative connotation makes it more likely for a project to be shut down.
Game XY isn't being sold any more. Is it ok to download it?
Unless declared otherwise by the copyright holder you are not allowed to get the game free of charge. You can find most games for purchase at eBay.
What about abandonware?
Abandonware is not a proper legal concept. Copyright of computer software seems to end after 70 years. Feel free to check back in around 2060 if you're allowed to download the games then.
What am I allowed to download free of charge?
- Beneath a Steel Sky
- Flight of the Amazon Queen
- Lure of the Temptress
- video packs for Broken Sword 1 and Broken Sword 2
- demos of copyrighted games
- ScummVM itself, of course :)
Which other games am I allowed to download legally?
- Check Liberated Games
Disclaimer
While this document was written with the best intentions, the author is not a lawyer. If you know that something in here is obviously wrong, make a suggestion, don't sue. :)