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What's the legality (US law here) of ripping/listening to video game music?
Planr:
So I want to be able to listen to the music of Star Trek Online whenever I want (like one does when they buy a CD for something), but the problem is that there are no CDs or online copies of the music for the game sold. However, I already own a copy of Star Trek Online (from back when it was still pay-to-play) and I still have it now in its free-to-play state.
So, taking all that into account, and the fact that I want to be able to listen to the music wherever, anyone know what the legality is (US law in question here) of listening to music from the files of a video game I bought? I want to be able to legally listen to it without breaking copyright/piracy laws. Do I have to officially buy the music (even if nobody makes or sells the music separately from the game)? Or is it okay if I rip it from the game's audio files and import it into my iTunes library.
This is an example of the music I want to rip from my game files to listen to offline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnQ-LV--cw0&index=10&list=PLD6EF2849B7D30E5F
Just wondering.
Køtt:
you mean those "high quality rips" things? or is this something completely different?
Planr:
--- Quote from: Køtt on September 30, 2017, 11:00:28 PM ---you mean those "high quality rips" things?
--- End quote ---
No, I mean like is it illegal under US law to rip the music files straight from the game directory on my computer (I already own the game) and listen to them on my iPod.
Foxscotch:
not technically legal. but nobody cares. it's literally not worth the money someone would spend trying to sue you over it. you'll be fine
AutoBahn:
Considering some games sell the soundtrack as DLC, it's probably illegal to rip it.