Using Audio in Games and TRPGs
Audio from this site may be used free of charge as background music, jingles, and sound effects in games and tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs), provided the use complies with the Audio Usage License.
It may be used by individuals or organizations, in free or paid smartphone apps, PC games, console games, browser games, online games, and TRPG sessions.
Requirements for use
You may use the audio when all of the following conditions are met.
- The game or TRPG session is the main content, and the audio is used as its background music, jingle, or sound effect
- The audio is properly incorporated into the game and cannot be extracted and used as a standalone audio file
- You comply with the Audio Usage License and any conditions specified by the composer or creator of each audio item
- The use does not fall under any prohibited use in the Audio Usage License
The audio may be used as background music for title screens, menus, stages, event scenes, battle scenes, credits, and similar parts of a game, or as sound effects such as interface sounds, ambient sounds, and production effects.
Commercial use and game sales
In principle, no additional usage fee is required, regardless of whether the user is an individual or an organization or whether the use is commercial or noncommercial.
The following uses are also permitted.
- Creating and selling paid games
- Using the audio in games containing advertising or in-app purchases
- Selling or distributing games through game distribution platforms or app stores
- Entering games in contests or exhibiting them at events
- Using the audio in trial or demo versions
- Using the audio in game trailers or advertisements
- Using the audio in game updates or additional content
- Using the audio in paid TRPG sessions or events
A composer or creator may specify additional conditions for individual audio items. Please check the conditions shown on each audio page before use.
Incorporating audio into games
You may incorporate audio into a game as data required for the game to function.
You may also make the following changes for use in a game.
- Convert the file format
- Adjust the volume
- Create loops
- Add fade-ins or fade-outs
- Extract the required portion
- Add effects to match the game presentation
However, you may not distribute a game in a form that allows end users to easily access the audio files and copy or save the audio by itself.
Check the game's distribution format and game-engine settings, and distribute the game with the audio properly incorporated as game data.
When distributing a public game-engine project, template, sample project, or similar material, make sure users cannot extract and reuse the audio as a separate asset.
If system limitations make the above measures difficult, please contact us in advance.
Use in TRPGs
Audio from this site may be used as background music, jingles, and sound effects in TRPG sessions, whether held in person or online.
The following uses are also permitted.
- Playing the audio in a TRPG session held by an individual or group
- Playing the audio in a session using an online session tool or voice-call service
- Using the audio in paid events or TRPG sessions held at a venue or store
- Using the audio in TRPG replay videos or livestreams
- Using the audio in TRPG replay audio or podcasts
- Using the audio in videos introducing or promoting a scenario or event
For in-person sessions
Download the audio in advance and play it from a PC, smartphone, or other device.
For online sessions
If you upload audio to an online session tool or similar service for playback, use a method that does not allow participants to obtain and reuse the audio file as an asset.
Also check the terms of use of the online session tool, voice-call service, or other service you use.
When distributing or selling scenarios
You may not include audio files downloaded from this site as-is when distributing or selling TRPG scenario data or asset collections.
You may introduce or recommend tracks within a scenario. In that case, do not include the audio file; instead, direct users to the relevant OpenTracks audio page.
If system limitations make the above measures difficult, please contact us in advance.
Game commentary and gameplay videos
You may publish or distribute commentary videos, gameplay videos, promotional videos, and similar content featuring games that incorporate audio from this site.
A streamer or commentator may also add audio downloaded separately from this site as background music for a commentary video or livestream.
In all cases, the video or stream must be the main content, and the audio must be used within the scope of the Audio Usage License.
If you receive a rights claim on YouTube, see Using audio on YouTube.
Examples of uses that are not permitted
The following uses fall outside the standard Audio Usage License.
- Games or apps whose main purpose is to let users listen to the audio
- Games or apps with no primary function other than audio playback
- Distribution in a form that allows the audio file to be extracted and reused as an asset
- Distribution of the audio as music assets, templates, or similar materials for a game engine
- Including audio files in TRPG scenario data or asset collections
- Separately distributing or selling audio used in a game as a soundtrack or music collection
- Any other use prohibited by the Audio Usage License
Music games, rhythm games, in-game music-listening features, and other products in which listening to the audio itself is a primary purpose fall outside the standard Audio Usage License. Organizations wishing to use the audio in this way should contact us in advance.