FAQs
Are games listed on this website copyright-free?
Most of the games listed on OldGamesDownload remain under copyright. They are abandonware, meaning the developers or publishers no longer sell or support them, so there is no legitimate way to obtain them. In many cases the studio closed decades ago and the rights have changed hands or become impossible to trace. We archive these games so they are not lost entirely.
We take copyright holder complaints seriously and remove games when the rights holder asks us to. If you own the copyright or licence to a game and want it removed, please send us a message.
Occasionally a game that was abandonware is relaunched. If you find one still listed, let us know and we will remove it.
To read more about abandonware, see the Wikipedia article.
Are your downloads safe?
Every file we upload is checked to be virus free. We do not distribute malware and never will. If you find anything suspicious in a download, contact us immediately.
Do I have to register or pay to download games?
No. OldGamesDownload is a free archive – you will not be asked to register or pay to access anything on the site.
Why do you compress the game files you upload?
Most files come in a compressed archive format such as .zip, .rar or .7z. Compression keeps the files smaller, which means faster downloads and less chance of corruption in transit.
To reach the original files you will need to extract the archive first. Our wiki has tutorials covering how to do that.
What are the controls for this game?
Controls differ by game and by platform. Where we can, we include them on the game’s page. Many games also ship with a readme or manual, which usually lists the controls. If you are playing through an emulator, check the emulator’s documentation.
Can you add a game?
If there is a game you played years ago and cannot find anywhere to buy or download it, request it here.
We only add games that are abandoned – no longer sold or supported by their publishers or developers in any way.
Can I donate a game?
We accept donations of rare, abandoned games that cannot already be found online. See how to donate a game for details.
How can I support you?
We are not accepting money donations. Advertising on the site covers server costs and the time the team spends maintaining the database.
If you would like to help, share the site with friends and family. You can also buy a title from the missing games list and donate it, which preserves it for good.