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Clarification on music rules

A topic by AshGB created 5 days ago Views: 155 Replies: 8
Viewing posts 1 to 4

Can I make a gameboy version of an old song that's now public domain? This will be a rendition of an old sea shanty but with my own twists so not a direct copy of the original.

Jam Host(+1)

If you're using the song as a reference by ear for inspiration that would be okay. But you shouldn't just be importing MIDI and changing a few notes around. If it's the former, then go ahead. I'd still recommend trying to do it yourself, though. For sea shanties, the Dorian mode absolutely kills it.

Jam Host (2 edits)

um akshually… technically the use of public domain works (or any assets, except fonts) is not allowed.

Can I use public domain assets?
No. Music, art and programming must be provided by the people entering the jam. This is to encourage teaming up with other users to make the best game you can!

Hi, just wanted to clarify. So making a cover of a song is not allowed? It's a completely original creation in the sense that it's our sounds and our interpretation made within the jam timeline, but it is based on a pre-existing song. Our whole game was inspired by a song, so if we can't include our own version of it, we'll have to change a fair amount...!

Jam Host

If you are taking inspiration from a song, and writing your own version, just focus on the answer Polter originally gave you :)

(2 edits)

I don't know what you mean by "writing our own version". Do we need to change the melody or lyrics for it to count? Our plan was to make a chiptune instrumental of a piece of the song and show the lyrics on screen; the lyrics are what inspired us, so we wanted to show a piece of it. 

Jam Host

covers, remixes, remakes, demakes all are not allowed. just make something new. use the song as inspiration without copying it.

Okay, thank you for the clarification. We will change these parts.

(+1)

Yeah I saw the rule, just wasn't sure since I did create it by scratch and it isn't a direct cover of said song but I'll go ahead and scrap it just to be safe. I have a couple fully original tracks I can use instead. Thanks!