Quote:
Originally Posted by Dowly
Yeah, better ask and be sure. IIRC, the problem is in that abandonware sites,
kinda make their own rules as to when something is in their mind OK to start
distributing for free.
It's a two edged sword, on one hand, there really is nothing wrong morally
in distributing something that doesn't financially or otherwise harm the
author of the game (game not sold anywhere anymore = no monetary loss
due to free downloads). But on the other hand, there is the law, that you are
breaking in doing so, think the copyright lasts for 60-70 years unless
otherwise stated.
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Well said. Strictly speaking, no one has the legal right to distribute a game or work of art simply because it is no longer of interest by the author. A copyright means the author decides the distribution of his work, and I respect that. But, there's the real, reasonable issue of people wanting to play a game that's no longer available for sale. Over the years I have softened my stand on abandonware, I certainly do not want to be a hypocrite. But I maintain that it is better not to make
discussion of possible abandonware titles a routine thing here, because some people will take that inch and run for a mile. Next thing you know, we have people stating that this or that game is "abandonware", when they really are not.
As for TvsT, if it is still being widely sold, then it's not
my definition of abandonware (everyone's definition may vary). If you cannot
reasonably find it for sale, then....