That probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise to retro gaming enthusiasts, but those outside the gaming community might not even know there is a problem…

  • Pyr_Pressure@lemmy.ca
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    1 year ago

    Is there no sort of common property library of video games?

    I feel like after 20 years a video game should become common property for people to download and enjoy for free.

      • techt@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        70 years after the death of the author or 120 years, whichever is less. We can thank Disney for that one.

        • BloodyFable@lemmy.world
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          1 year ago

          Who is the author of a video game, however? It’s a collaborative effort of hundreds of people, sometimes.

        • Peanut@sopuli.xyz
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          1 year ago

          But I thought the Mickey mouse protection act has only served to increase the diversity, well-being and development of artists everywhere!

          Right?

          Or is the reality that Disney and Warner can just buy all the art rights, sitting on those for the next hundred years in an endless cycle of power and wealth consolidation?

          Nobody saw that coming at all.

          Right?

          I’m pretty sure the system has been severely skewed unfavorably for normal people.

    • T156@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Should also add an addendum where if the developer and/or publisher goes out of business, that should also apply.

      They certainly wouldn’t be making any money off it afterwards.