pcIs it legal
pcIs it legal
Hey everyone
There are some older games that aren't available on Steam or other platforms, like the ones for Spiderman and TMNT 2003. I can only find free reloads or repackaged versions, so I'm wondering if it's okay to download those.
It really depends on the local regulations regarding piracy, doesn't it? In most places it wouldn't be considered legal, but publishers likely wouldn't pursue you either. That doesn't really justify taking action just because you might not get caught. It seems safer to buy the game from eBay instead.
What you're describing relates to abandoned software: programs that are no longer maintained and are typically overlooked by their original publisher or its successors. This category sits in a gray zone. The publisher might still retain copyrights and trademarks, and even if they’re ignoring the game today, they could resume enforcement at any time. That’s why most abandoned sites feature developers from the 1990s, such as Sierra or NovaLogic, rather than later companies like EA or UbiSoft.
I’m sharing my own perspective on abandonware here just in case the community thinks this touches on piracy. Please remove that section.
My understanding of abandonware is this: if a game is no longer supported by the publisher and isn’t being sold anywhere—online or in retail as part of a shareware bundle—and hasn’t received a patch in at least five years, it’s generally safe to download. "Publisher" can also refer to the successor company, like the original Maxis titles now available through EA. Steam has made things more accessible, allowing publishers to leave 1990s games on the market indefinitely. If there’s no viable alternative that fairly compensates the publisher or its successors for their efforts, then I’m fine with downloading it.
Reloaded and Repacked indicate they are cracked or use key generator versions. These would be considered illegal or pirated formats. Laws differ by country, making it hard to say what's legal or not. If such games appear on sites like GOG.com, using them is against copyright rules. Otherwise, the abandoned games exist, but buying them is still preferable to avoid any guilt about being a thief.