OpenTracks Clarifies Rhythm Games Fall Outside Standard Audio License
OpenTracks, the free BGM site formerly known as DOVA-SYNDROME, said on November 11 that music games and rhythm games fall outside its standard audio license, since listening to the audio itself is the main purpose.
1 source 7h ago
Reporting from 1 source: Game Spark.
Why it matters
The clarification turns a rule that was already in the license into a deadline creators can act on, and two developers have already pulled or replaced tracks ahead of it.
Key Facts
- OpenTracks announced the clarification on November 11 via its official X account.
- The site's help article lists music games, rhythm games, and in-game music appreciation features as outside the standard audio use license.
- Audio embedded in games released on or before November 11, 2026 may be used for three years from that date.
- Yu~taro is removing all 34 OpenTracks tracks from the music game KamuSan.
- buri is replacing the rhythm section music in Pierce Game, which releases on November 13.
The site said the rule is not new and that earlier explanations were insufficient. Games released on or before November 11, 2026 get a three-year grace period.
The help article now spells out that music games, rhythm games, and in-game music appreciation features are outside the standard license, because the audio itself is the point of the work. OpenTracks said the condition has never been permitted and that inquiries were answered that way, but that the previous explanations did not make the scope clear enough.
Games already released on or before November 11, 2026 may keep embedded audio for three years from that date. New audio, and audio added to new or different works, is not covered. Two developers have already acted: Yu~taro is removing all 34 OpenTracks tracks from KamuSan, and buri is replacing the rhythm section music in Pierce Game, which releases November 13.
Written with AI by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited. See our editorial policy.
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