Forum Administrator: I thought there was a “developers” category, but don’t find it. Please move to the correct category.
I am working with a developer to develop a freeware plane for MSFS that uses a Continental 65 engine. There is a Continental 65 Sound Pack available at Simmarket and Simshack. If we use this sound pack in our freeware model, would it be illegal? I understand that this is not an MSFS issue per se. But perhaps somebody could direct me to the proper place to get this answered. We would really like to use this sound pack, but want to be legal.
Kind of related… It was my impression the even with freeware models, the user is not permitted to “steal” the code. They can modify it for their own use, but can’t redistribute or sell the model as their own software. Is this not the case? Again, is there a resource somewhere that covers these issues? P.S. I think I’ve run across a kind of user agreement or declaration in models acquired from flightsim.to. In other words, even though it’s freeware, it’s not in the public domain.
Moved to the User Support Hub > SDK that is the appropriate category for questions related to 3rd party developments.
Also check the other forum dedicated to the developers, you may also post your question there: https://devsupport.flightsimulator.com/
If it’s sold at Simmarket, get a hold of the author to determine any reuse rights. Go directly to the source. Each product has a contact in the description.
Most free software has a license text file included that specifies how an end-user can use the product. It is often based on the GPL License.
In any case, I agree with @CasualClick that it is best to contact the developer. Even if the license specifies that the content can be used in any manner (including distributing in-whole or in-part with payware), it is polite to let the developer know how their work is being redistributed.
The sound pack is made by Turbine Sound Studios in Denmark. I sent an email to an address found on their website. The Continental 65 Sound Pack was published in 2011. The last posting on their website is 2020. Hopefully they are still in business and will reply.
