Can I use the customized songs I've composed on my game projects?

Lekoi wrote on 9/22/2015, 3:22 PM

I'm a teen that is currently three-days into the Android app Music Maker Jam, and I have composed a couple of songs using sounds from four free styles.

I'm passionate about creating my first big game (in similar quality to that of Chronotrigger or Secret of Mana 2), and I want to know if I can use the songs I've generated for the games.

I do plan on eventually having a copyright on the game itself, graphics and code, so that I can distribute the game for consumer purchase.

If I involve these songs in the game, must I have individual rights regarding them? What are some concerns or things I should consider before submitting my game to be purchased via the multiple platforms?

Comments

johnebaker wrote on 9/23/2015, 5:46 AM

The licencing for the free Soundpools does not allow you to use them for commercial gain.

If you wish to do this then you need to use Music Maker 2015 and either:

Purchase the necessary Professional licences for the Soundpools used from Catooh - however you cannot claim copyright on the music that is created using them - this belongs exclusively to Magix - also see note below

Create your own music without using the installed Soundpools - anything you compose and create with the Synthesizers / Instruments and drum machines are your own creation and you can claim copyright to them.

Note: there is an issue, in particular with Youtube, over copyright - people have been claiming copyright violation over material created using the Soundpools. This is inevitable when using the Soundpools irrespective of whether the creator has the correct licence, music created using them will have similar riffs, phrases and beats.

The problem is with the way the likes of Youtube use copyright violation detection and require the uploader / creator to confirm they have copyright to the music, when in fact they do not have this - they only have the right to use the Soundpools for commercial gain.

Although this sounds like bad news - so long as you are aware of copyright issues - not just in the music, but also in the game characters plots etc - and follow the guidlines you should not have an issue.

Depending on your location some countries require that you register copyright on your creations, here in in the UK and EU that is not necessary.

Good luck with your game.

HTH

John EB