As an expert in intellectual property and digital rights, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the legality of downloading a game for free.

First and foremost, it is important to understand the concept of copyright. Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights to its use and distribution, usually for a limited time. This includes games, which are considered a form of creative expression protected by copyright law. When a game is created, the developers and publishers hold the copyright to that game, which means they have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and sell it.

The legality of downloading a game for free depends on the source and method of acquisition. If the game is downloaded from an authorized distributor, such as the game's official website or a legitimate online store, and it is either provided for free by the copyright holder or the downloader has paid for it, then it is legal. Many games are offered for free as a business model, known as "free-to-play" (F2P), where the game itself is free, but certain in-game items or features may require payment.

However, downloading a game for free from an unauthorized source, such as a torrent site or a file-sharing platform that does not have the permission of the copyright holder, is illegal. This act constitutes copyright infringement. The unauthorized distribution and use of copyrighted material, including games, is a violation of the copyright holder's rights and can lead to legal consequences.

The reference content you provided suggests that downloading a game for free is illegal until the game endorses a copyright claim. This statement is somewhat misleading. Copyright claims are typically made after infringement has occurred, not as a prerequisite for legality. The legality of downloading a game is determined by whether the act of downloading is authorized by the copyright holder, not by the existence of a copyright claim.

The reference also mentions that the rate of prosecution for such cases is non-existential. While it is true that many cases of copyright infringement go unreported or unprosecuted, this does not mean that the act is legal or without consequence. The lack of widespread enforcement is often due to the difficulty in tracking down individual infringers, especially in the case of digital piracy. However, copyright holders do take legal action against large-scale infringers, such as websites that distribute pirated content, and individuals who engage in particularly flagrant infringement.

In conclusion, downloading a game for free is only legal if it is done through authorized channels with the permission of the copyright holder. Unauthorized downloading is a form of copyright infringement and can result in legal repercussions. It is always advisable to respect the rights of creators and to support the gaming industry by acquiring games through legitimate means.

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Yes it is very much illegal, till the game endorses a copyright claim. Whether you download a minute after it is released or after a decade, it is still a case of copyright infringement and you can be prosecuted if caught and sued. However, the rate of such cases has been pretty much non-existential till this date.read more >>