List of commercial video games released as freeware
|
|
This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2011) |
This is a list of commercial video games released as freeware; games that, in their original license, were not considered freeware, but were re-released at a later date with a freeware license, sometimes as publicity for a forthcoming sequel or compilation release.
Some of the following games are not freely redistributable software, as they have only been made available as a free download as freeware, but may only be downloaded from certain websites and with the explicit permission of the copyright owner. Consult the software license agreement.
For games that were originally released as freeware, see List of freeware video games. For FLOSS games, and proprietary games re-released as FLOSS, see List of open source video games. For proprietary games with released source code (and proprietary or freeware content) see List of commercial video games with later released source code.
Available games [edit]
The following formerly paid games have been made available as freeware, and are still in that status:
|
Contents
|
Games no longer freely distributed [edit]
The following are commercial games that were re-released as freeware but were not freely redistributable software. They were only available as freeware for a limited time, but could not be redistributed, so they are no longer freely available.
- Airborne Ranger (1988), a stealth 2D game by Microprose. It was released as freeware by Atari to promote Airborne Rangers. A free registration was required to download the game. After Airborne Rangers wasn't released, the Airborne Ranger page and the download link were removed. The game is still mentioned as freeware and many forums and sites have the now dead link to the game page. The legal situation now is unclear because the installer has no disclaimer.
- Area 51 (2005), a first person shooter by Midway Games. Its free release was sponsored by the US Air Force. It later changed hands and its freeware status was removed.[98]
- B-17 Flying Fortress (1992), a flight simulator by MicroProse.[99]
- Betrayal at Krondor (1993), a role-playing game by Dynamix.[99]
- Caesar (1992), a city-building game by Sierra.[99]
- Duke Nukem 3D: Atomic Edition, free at GOG.com for 2012 Holidays.[100]
- Fallout (1997), a role-playing game by Interplay Entertainment, free on GOG.com for two days.
- Far Cry (2004), first-person shooter video game developed by Crytek. Ubisoft had released the game in a four-day promotion as ad-supported freeware on FilePlanet.
- Gateway (1992), an adventure game by Legend Entertainment.
- Hollywood Monsters (1997), an adventure game by Péndulo Studios, for a month to promote the release of another Pendulo title, New York Crimes.[101]
- Patrician III: Rise of the Hanse (2003), a strategy game by Ascaron and FX Interactive, for two weeks to promote the FX Classics Store.[102][103]
- Portal (2007), an action/puzzle game by Valve Corporation, available from May 12, 2010, for two weeks to promote the Steam client's availability to Mac users, and once again for a few days in September 2011, to promote the "Learn with Portals" initiative.[104]
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003), third-person action adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal. Ubisoft released the game as ad-supported freeware on FilePlanet for a limited time.[105]
- Rayman Raving Rabbids (2006), a video game in the popular Rayman series, developed by Ubisoft Montpellier. Ubisoft had released the PC version of the game in a four-day promotion as ad-supported freeware on FilePlanet.
- Realms of Arkania 1+2, free in GOG.com completing a survey.[106]
- Red Baron 3D (1998), a flight game by Sierra.[99]
- Rise and Fall: Civilizations at War (2006), a real-time strategy/third-person shooter by Stainless Steel Studios and Midway Games. Re-released as ad-supported freeware, sponsored by the US Air Force.[107]
- Runaway (2001), an adventure game by Pendulo Studios and published by Dinamic Multimedia, and later by FX Interactive. The game was released for free for 30 days to celebrate the launch of Hollywood Monsters 2, a.k.a. The Next BIG Thing.[108][109]
- The Suffering (2004), a horror third/first person shooter developed by Surreal Software and published by Midway Games. It was released free in September 2008, but is no longer available due to a new copyright holder.[110]
- Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (2001), a tactical shooter by Ubisoft. Released in an ad-supported free download version in 2007 for a limited time; available to US residents only.[111]
- Zork I, Zork II, Zork III, text adventure games by Infocom.[99]
References [edit]
- ^ "3 in Three Gossip". The Fool's Errand et al. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
- ^ a b Siegler, Joe (28 May 2004). "Some Ancient Apogee Games Released as Freeware". 3D Realms. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
- ^ Adams, Scott. "Classic Game Downloads". SAGA (Scott Adams Grand Adventures). Retrieved 14 April 2012. The Adventureland game is bundled within a compilation of other Scott Adams adventure video games also re-released as freeware.
- ^ "The Adventures of Maddog Williams Vol. 1, In the Dungeons of Duridian". Game Crafters. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Adventures of Robbo". Classicdosgames.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ Biondich, Paul. "The Adventures of Robby Roto!". Allgame. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ "3D Realms News: Alien Carnage Released as Freeware". 3drealms.com. 2007-05-24. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Allegiance". Microsoft Games. 2004-02-10. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ Pirocanac, Nick (2008-04-22). "Allegiance". Escapist. Archived from the original on 2008-12-31. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ Moromisato, George. "(Anacreon) DOS Edition". George Moromisato's Neurohack. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ "Antheads: It Came From the Desert II". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ a b c d e "3D Realms News: Several old games released as Freeware". 3drealms.com. 2009-03-20. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ Johnson, Cliff. "At the Carnival". The Fool and His Money. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ Courtney Marchelletta (June 6, 2006). ""Baseball Mogul 2006" Now Free". About.com. Retrieved 2 March 2013.
- ^ a b c Smart, Derek. "Downloads". 3000ad. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ^ Broida, Rick (2012-11-05). "Get Battlefield 1942 (PC) for free". CNET. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ Cofield, Tom. "Battle of Britain II: Wings of Victory". SimHQ: Aviation & Air Combat. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ a b c "Classics for Free". Factor 5. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
- ^ "Games: Beneath a Steel Sky". Revolution Software. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
- ^ Mobygames: Castle Wolfenstein Accessed: 5/9/2012
- ^ "3D Realms News: Beyond the Titanic Released as Freeware!". 3drealms.com. 1998-03-10. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "3D Realms News: Bio Menace released as freeware!". 3drealms.com. 2005-12-23. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Blades of Exile Source Code". Spiderweb Software. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
- ^ Reitz, Jennifer Diane. "Boppin': The Official Home Of The Infamous Accursed Toys Game". Jenniverse. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
- ^ Saada, Rick (2005-09-20). "The Rick Saada Home Page". Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ a b c d "3D Realms Site: Detailed Release Timeline". 3D Realms. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
- ^ "CM 01/02 - Free Download". Football Manager (FM) Scout. 2012-01-29. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ "Clonk Endeavour" (in German). CHIP Online. 2008-10-08. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Clyde's Adventure". Classicdosgames.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Clyde's Revenge". Classicdosgames.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ Bergfeld, Carlos (2007-08-31). "Free Download of Command & Conquer Gold Begins C&C 12th Anniversary Celebration". Shacknews. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ Goldstein, Maarten (2008-08-31). "C&C: Red Alert Free Download Available". Shacknews. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ Michael Klappenbach (September 1, 2008). "Command & Conquer Red Alert Released as Freeware". about.com. Retrieved 2009-06-11.
- ^ O'Connor, Alice (2010-02-15). "Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun Released for Free". Shacknews. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Cybersphere". Classicdosgames.com. 1996-04-15. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Cybersphere Plus". Classicdosgames.com. 1998-02-03. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Dark Horizons: Lore Free to Download". LinuxGames. 2007-12-24. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
- ^ O'Connor, Alice (2009-10-20). "Death Rally Released for Free". Shacknews. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ "Defender of the Crown". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "Dink Smallwood v1.08 Free Full Game". Gamer's Hell. 2007-01-27. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
- ^ "Strangerke" (2012-10-21). "Dreamweb Released As Freeware". ScummVM. Retrieved 2012-11-18.
- ^ "The Elder Scrolls: Arena 10th anniversary full install". Download.com (CNET). 2004-04-08. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
- ^ Joystiq: Bethesda's classic The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall Goes Free Accessed: 5/9/2012
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Electro Man". Classicdosgames.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Sierra Entertainment's F.E.A.R. Combat now available!". GamesIndustry International. 2006-08-16. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
- ^ "Flight of the Amazon Queen Freeware". Gamer's Hell. 2004-04-26. Retrieved 2012-12-05.
- ^ "The Fool's Errand Lore". The Fool's Errand et al. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
- ^ "God of Thunder". Adept Software. Retrieved 2012-12-05.
- ^ Butts, Steve (2003-03-07). "Grand Theft Auto for Free". IGN. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
- ^ Goldstein, Maarten (2004-12-22). "Grand Theft Auto 2 Download". Shacknews. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
- ^ "Hades2 - Free". Espaço Informática. Retrieved 2012-12-18.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Heartlight PC". Classicdosgames.com. 2006-06-25. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Hidden & Dangerous Deluxe - Full Game". Shacknews. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The History of the Game". BBC Radio 4. November 2005. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
- ^ "It Came From the Desert". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "Jetpack". Adept Software. Retrieved 2012-12-05.
- ^ Silverman, Ken. "The official Ken's Labyrinth page". Ken Silverman's Official Home Page. Retrieved 2012-11-30.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Kiloblaster". Classicdosgames.com. 2008-08-04. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "The King of Chicago". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Kye". Classicdosgames.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Lords of the Rising Sun". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "Games: Lure of the Temptress". Revolution Software. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
- ^ Burnes, Andrew (2010-04-30). "MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries Re-Released As Free Game". Voodoo Extreme (IGN). Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ van Es, Martijn (2005-10-07). "Mystery House Review". Adventure Gamers. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ "No Gravity". Realtech VR. Retrieved 2012-12-05.
- ^ "Diversions Entertainment" (in english). Diversions Entertainment. Archived from the original on 2004. Retrieved 2012-01-19. "Since its release in 1994, the game has been made freeware (available for download) and inducted into the Gamespy Hall of Fame in 2002."
- ^ a b Pelczarski, Mark. "The Comprehend Adventure Series". The Graphics Magician. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Overkill". Classicdosgames.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ Stern, Zack (2006-11-30). "Download Railroad Tycoon for free". Joystiq. Retrieved 2012-11-27.
- ^ "Rocket Ranger". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Brandon Cobb. "Sango Fighter". www.sangofighter.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "S.D.I.". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "Sinbad and the Throne of the Falcon". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "Skyroads". Bluemoon Interactive. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
- ^ Meer, Alec (2007-11-29). "Hopped Up On Goofballs". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
- ^ Gillen, Kieron (2010-02-16). "Raising Your Spirits: Spirit Engine 2 Free". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
- ^ a b Rubin, Brian (2012-01-16). "Starshatter: The Gathering Storm Goes Open Source!". spacegamejunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-01-08. "Apparently the excellent and unique military space sim, Starshatter: The Gathering Storm, has gone open source thanks to its original developer releasing the source code. [...]: "14 DEC, 2011 – STARSHATTER:THE GATHERING STORM – Open Source Version 5.0.5. This download Includes the cumulative Starshatter-TGS game up to version 5.0.5 (No CD Required). It is available for download from our “Lagacy Official File” section.""
- ^ "3D Realms News: Stargunner Released as Freeware!". 3drealms.com. 2005-06-22. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Starsiege: Tribes full install". Download.com (CNET). 2004-06-08. Retrieved 2012-12-05.
- ^ a b c http://www.symbioticsoftware.net/starfleet/downloads.htm[dead link]
- ^ "3D Realms News: Supernova Released as Freeware!". 3drealms.com. 1998-03-26. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ Brandon Cobb. "Super Fighter". www.superfighter.net. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "TerraFire History". Ortsoftware.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "The Three Stooges". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Traffic Department 2192". Classicdosgames.com. 2007-07-19. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ Grayson, Nathan (2009-01-06). "TribesNext Resurrects Tribes 2, Keeps It Free". Maximum PC. Retrieved 2012-12-05.
- ^ "TV Sports Baseball". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "TV Sports Basketball". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "TV Sports Boxing". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ WtF Dragon (Kenneth P. Kully) (2011-03-25). "Concerning Ultima 4 (Or: In Which I Have to Be The Wet Blanket)". The Ultima Codex. Retrieved 2012-10-30.
- ^ Mitchell, Richard (2011-06-03). "Ultima 4 now free, EA launches UltimaForever.com". Joystiq. Retrieved 2012-10-30.
- ^ Adams, David (2004-01-08). "Rockstar Offers Wild Metal Country for Free". IGN. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
- ^ "Wings". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Hachman, Mark (2012-05-09). "Free, Browser-Based 'Wolfenstein 3D' Released by Bethesda". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
- ^ GOG.com (June 18, 2012). "Free Releases: Worlds of Ultima 1 & 2". Retrieved 2012-11-30.
- ^ "RGB Classic Games - Xargon". Classicdosgames.com. 2008-08-04. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "3D Realms News: The Apogee Legacy #16 - Jason Blochowiak". 3drealms.com. 2006-04-24. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Area 51 Free Full Game". Gamershell.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ a b c d e "General Liberated Games FAQ". Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
- ^ [http://www.gog.com /news/holiday_gift_duke_nukem_3d_pcmac "Holiday Gift: Duke Nukem 3D (Win+Mac)"]. GOG.com. 2012-12-12.
- ^ "New York Crimes: Péndulo Studios estrena su primer thriller" (in spanish). FX Interactive. 2012-02-27.
- ^ "Estas Navidades FX Classics Store te regala Patrician III - Imperio de los Mares" (in spanish). FX Interactive. 2011-12-22.
- ^ "Questo Natale FX Classics Store te regala Patrician III - Impero dei Mari" (in italian). FX Interactive. 2011-12-22.
- ^ "Glad Tidings: Portal Free Until Sep 20th". Rock Paper Shotgun.
- ^ "Full Games: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Free Full Game (Ad Supported) - Demo Movie Patch Download Section". GamersHell.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ Joshua Derocher (2012-09-16). "Complete GOG survey and get Realms of Arkania for free". Destructoid.
- ^ "Rise & Fall: Civilizations At War Free Full Game". Gamershell.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Hollywood Monsters 2 ya está en las tiendas de toda España" (in spanish). FX Interactive.
- ^ "Lunga vita all’avventura! Hollywood Monsters 2 è già qui" (in italian). FX Interactive.
- ^ "The Suffering Free Full Game". Gamershell.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Free Full Game (Ad Supported)". GamersHell.com. Retrieved 18 March 2009. "You will need an Ubi.com account and you must live in the U.S. to play the game"
External links [edit]
- Liberated Games — A site which features games which have been freed (liberated) by its copyright owners, in some form.
- Remain In Play — Features commercial games that have been released as freeware by their copyright owners.
- World of Spectrum — Large archive of legal ZX Spectrum downloads, with various permissions including some from Spectrum hardware copyright holder Amstrad.
|
|||||