Ok, I am a programmer. I always wanted to make games and make many other things.

The problem I have is that I can't play music so I would need to find music to play in the games and may even sound effects.

I never really started projects due to not fully understanding copyright laws.

I would like to know how companies do these things. I notice major game companies use well known music artists music to be used in their games.

I have heard you need to create a contract with them. I even started to contact record companies since they own the copyrights of artisits I know. I never got an e-mail back from them.


So my question is how do you get to use others work legally?? Do you make a contract?

Also how do you find who holds the copyrights?? I have heard that if the artists are owned by a record company the record company holds the copyrights.

Who holds the copyrights depends on a number of factors (for example, Michael Jackson actually owns the copyrights on most Beatles songs).

But to legally use copyrighted music in a commercial offering you have to purchase a license from the copyright holder. That license could be a one time fee or it may be a per use fee (you pay a royalty for every game you sell).

I would start with the record company they can forward your requests to the copyright holder.

Thanks for the reply.

So if I just contact the record company and they forward me to a copyright holder. I will then be able to ask how much it will cost me.

The problem I have is that it's crazy if they want more then 40% of profits from the games I make I mean I would make the whole product and just use a couple songs for the game from them.

I have heard they do charge an arm and a leg.

I have also heard if you go and find unsigned artists you can then use their music for free in your game.

Because they need you as much as you need them.

This is the only thing that is really holding me back. It's just the legal stuff. How would you protect yourself if like later down the road they say we never allowed him to use the copyrights.

Should I make sure I keep a record of signed contracts??

The thing is that I am not yet making the games but want to gather the legal stuff so I can know what to work with before I start making a game.

First, the copyright fees can range widely. A copyright holder might charge an exorbidant fee simply because they don't want to be associated with the project.

Even independent artists copyright their work. Some may decide they want the exposure and offer free use. But, unless you are sure the work is in the public domain, you should get permission.