List of commercial video games released as freeware
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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 free and open-source 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 available source code.
Available games
The following formerly paid games have been made available as freeware, and are still in that status:
Games no longer freely distributed
The following are commercial games that were once released as free downloads but were not freely redistributable software.
- 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.[102]
- B-17 Flying Fortress (1992), a flight simulator by MicroProse.[103]
- Battlefield 1942 (2002), a first person shooter by Electronic Arts, was available on Origin until it was removed, due to GameSpy shutting down.[104]
- Betrayal at Krondor (1993), a role-playing game by Dynamix.[103]
- Caesar (1992), a city-building game by Sierra.[103]
- Dragonsphere (1994), a point-and-click graphic adventure game developed and published by MicroProse. Released as freeware by Atari in 2011 on GOG.com.[105] The rights were brought by Tommo in 2015 and, after the expiration of the deal with Atari, began to charge for it.[106]
- Gateway (1992), an adventure game by Legend Entertainment.[107]
- Grand Theft Auto (1997)
- Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999)
- Red Baron 3D (1998), a flight game by Sierra.[103]
- 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.[108]
- The Sims 2 (2004), a life simulation game by Maxis and Electronic Arts. It was released as freeware for a limited time on Origin on July 16, 2014 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Sims 2. It was removed from Origin on July 31, 2014.
- 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.[109]
- 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.[110]
- Wild Metal Country (1999), was released as freeware in 2004[111] but is no longer available on the download page.
- Zork I, Zork II, Zork III, text adventure games by Infocom.[103]
References
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{{cite web}}
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- ^ 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.
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- ^ "Alien Cabal". archive.org. 2015-01-05. Retrieved 2016-01-09.
- ^ "3D Realms News: Alien Carnage Released as Freeware". 3drealms.com. 2007-05-24. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "Allegiance". Microsoft Games. 2004-02-10. Archived from the original on 2010-03-28. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
{{cite web}}
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- ^ 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.
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- ^ "About". Ambrosia Software. 2008-11-01. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
- ^ Johnson, Cliff. "At the Carnival". The Fool and His Money. Archived from the original on 2012-11-23. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
{{cite web}}
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- ^ a b c Smart, Derek. "Downloads". 3000ad. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ^ Cofield, Tom. "Battle of Britain II: Wings of Victory". SimHQ: Aviation & Air Combat. Retrieved 2012-12-06.
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- ^ a b c "Classics for Free". Factor 5. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
- ^ "Games: Beneath a Steel Sky". Revolution Software. Archived from the original on 2012-12-20. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
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- ^ "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.
- ^ Sykes, Tom (3 November 2013). "Blizzard's 16-bit platformer Blackthorne is now available as free download". PC Gamer UK. Future plc. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
https://us.battle.net/account/download/
{{cite web}}
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(help)|quote=
- ^ "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. Archived from the original on 2015-06-01. Retrieved 2012-12-02.
{{cite web}}
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- ^ "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. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "God of Thunder". Adept Software. Retrieved 2012-12-05.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b Wawro, Alex (May 2, 2014). "Rock n' Roll Racing, The Lost Vikings now free on Battle.net". Gamasutra. Think Services. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
- ^ 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". 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.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ a b Pelczarski, Mark. "The Comprehend Adventure Series". The Graphics Magician. Archived from the original on 2012-08-02. Retrieved 2012-12-04.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
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- ^ 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. Archived from the original on 2012-08-18. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "S.D.I." Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "Sinbad and the Throne of the Falcon". Cinemaware. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ [1]
- ^ "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.
- ^ Kuchera, Ben (2017-04-19). "StarCraft is now free". Polygon. Retrieved 2017-04-19.
- ^ 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. Archived from the original on 2012-08-27. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "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.
- ^ a b c CD Projekt (June 18, 2012). "Free Releases: Worlds of Ultima 1 & 2". Retrieved 2012-11-30.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ www.technopop.net/ "Randel Reiss, the owner of the Zero Tolerance copyright and trademark, has made the original Zero Tolerance Sega Genesis ROM image royalty-free for distribution."
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Battle 1942 Origin store page". Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ "New release: Dragonsphere - for FREE!". GOG.com. 4 May 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
- ^ "Farewell For Now, Duke + Last chance to get Dragonsphere free". GOG.com. 28 December 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
- ^ Yee, Bernard (August 1996). "Joyriding". Next Generation. No. 20. Imagine Media. p. 28.
- ^ "Rise & Fall: Civilizations At War Free Full Game". Gamershell.com. Retrieved 2012-08-09.
- ^ "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
- ^ Adams, David (2004-01-08). "Rockstar Offers Wild Metal Country for Free". IGN. Retrieved 2012-11-28.
External links
- Liberated Games — A site which features games which have been freed (liberated) by its copyright owners, in some form. (archived)
- 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.