Backwards compatible music?

[Chris_Pitre]

I should probably elaborate. I want to start a new project, usually I have no interest in making something with any intention of posting it online. But I'm curious this time, thing is, I had an idea and I'm not sure if it's fair play or not.

So, as the title suggests, it's about the soundtrack used for the game. I've worn out the MV tracks already (my friends play everything I make) and I grew up tinkering with RPG Maker 2 for the PS2.

So, I'm curious. If I were to go through all the trouble of downloading the RPG Maker 2 soundtrack-- or any of the previous RPG Maker OSTs, and then edit it to loop using software like Audacity. Convert it to .ogg and port it into my BGM library... Is this still fair use, or does it breech illegal use of something and bar any means to post it without the ever present aura of disgrace?

I mean, I would *assume* it's perfectly fine since it's all the same thing-- RPG Maker, it was designed to be created and shared so all of the RTP for any previous RPG Maker is royalty free (well, aside from Credit to Enterbrain, obviously).

RPG Maker 2 for example has a very "Dragon Warrior" feel to it, I want this next project to fight in first person and I think it will go extremely well together... But will it still be legit?

 

[Llareian]

First of all, the RTP from any previous RPG Maker is only usable if you own the maker it comes from (and are using it in RPG Maker software). So, for example, if you no longer own RPG Maker 2, you wouldn't be able to use any of the resources from that program in MV without first purchasing a new copy of RPG Maker 2.

Someone more knowledgeable/official may be able to answer your question as to whether updating/converting/editing soundtrack files is allowed.

 

[Chris_Pitre]

Hrm. Well if the only obstacle is owning the physical copy then that's no issue-- Though I imagine it can't be that simple. I also notice on the PS2 version of RM2, it was produced by AgeTec as opposed to Enterbrain (they seem to be responsible for two different ports, one being console, the other PC), and that probably muddies things...

But, on RM2 and 3, it holds special features specifically designed for distribution (utilizing the USB ports on the PS2)-- Not for sale of course, but still. It may count for something on a legal precedent. Maybe.

Hopefully that certain knowledgeable someone appears from the wild soon

 

[Leon Kennedy]

Agetec released all the north american versions of the console rpg maker games. While ASCll released the japan versions for the console, also rpg maker 2000 which is claimed to be able to be used in any maker beyond that as long as you own the game. I think ASCll became Kadokawa or merged with Enterbrain [not sure]. So I guess this depends, did Agetec change the soundtracks for the USA versions and have their own set of rules for the composed music? I'm not sure if many will know the answer to that question.

 

[Kes]

If you legally own a copy of an RPGMaker engine, then you are free to edit the music, remaster it, loop it etc. What you cannot do is sell it as a standalone music track. So you can include it in a free or commercial game, but not sell it as separate OST.

If you own RPGMaker 2, then there will be a EULA for it. It is one I have never seen, so I will have to check this and get back to you.

 

[Sharm]

I was told a while back that the EULA for the console engines doesn't allow for use in anything but that specific version. So even though I own RPG Maker 1 for the Playstation I can't use any of it in MV.

 

[Kes]

I've been informed that RPGMaker 2 was a bonus for those who pre-ordered VX Ace. So unless you did in fact pre-order Ace, you should not have access to it. Though due to the info that Sharm has given you, you couldn't use it anyway.

 

[Leon Kennedy]

I was told a while back that the EULA for the console engines doesn't allow for use in anything but that specific version. So even though I own RPG Maker 1 for the Playstation I can't use any of it in MV.

does that have to do with agetec releasing it or was that enterbrains policy as well?

 

[Sharm]

No idea. Does it matter? I don't think Agetec or Degica or Enterbrain or Kadokawa have any intention of contradicting each other on this.