DMCA Policy – Arcadia Archive

At Arcadia Archive, we are dedicated to protecting the intellectual property rights of video game developers, publishers, designers, artists, composers, writers, and all other individuals who contribute to the creation of video games. Video games combine software code, visual art, music, storytelling, cinematic sequences, and interactive gameplay mechanics, all of which are protected under copyright law. Our platform provides a space for players, enthusiasts, and creators to share content, discuss games, and participate in the gaming community, while fully respecting the rights of content creators.

This Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Policy explains how we handle claims of copyright infringement, how rights holders can report unauthorized use, and how users can respond if their content has been removed. Our goal is to balance the protection of creative works with the ability for gamers to engage with content in a lawful and fair manner.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear process for handling copyright complaints related to video games. Copyrighted content in this context may include, but is not limited to:

  • Game software, source code, and executable files
  • Graphics, character designs, environments, and interface elements
  • Music, sound effects, voice recordings, and soundtracks
  • Scripts, dialogues, storylines, and cinematic sequences
  • Promotional materials, concept art, screenshots, and videos
  • In-game assets, items, and proprietary mechanics

Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or public display of these materials may constitute infringement. This includes sharing game files, broadcasting gameplay, distributing mods without authorization, or posting copyrighted material without permission.

2. Filing a DMCA Takedown Notice

If you believe that your copyrighted video game material has been used on our platform without permission, you may submit a DMCA Takedown Notice. Your notice must include:

  • Your full legal name, mailing address, phone number, and email address
  • Identification of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
  • The location of the allegedly infringing content on our platform
  • A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner
  • A statement that the information in the notice is accurate and that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner
  • Your physical or electronic signature

Upon receiving a valid notice, we will promptly review it, remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing material, and notify the user who uploaded the content.

3. Counter-Notification

If your content has been removed or disabled and you believe this was done in error, you may submit a counter-notification containing:

  • Your full legal name, mailing address, phone number, and email address
  • Identification of the material that was removed and its original location
  • A statement asserting your good faith belief that the removal was a mistake or misidentification
  • A statement that you consent to the jurisdiction of the appropriate court and accept service of process
  • Your physical or electronic signature

If the counter-notification is valid, we will forward it to the original complainant. Unless the complainant initiates legal action within the statutory period, the content may be restored.

4. Repeat Infringers

Users who repeatedly upload infringing content may have their accounts suspended or terminated. Additional restrictions may be applied to frequent violators.

5. Fair Use Considerations

Certain uses may qualify as fair use, including:

  • Reviews and critiques
  • Educational demonstrations and tutorials
  • Commentary or transformative works
  • Streaming or recording gameplay for non-commercial purposes
  • Parody or news reporting

Determining fair use is on a case-by-case basis, and users are responsible for ensuring their content qualifies before posting.

6. Misuse of the DMCA Process

Submitting false or misleading DMCA notices or counter-notifications may lead to legal liability. All parties must act in good faith and provide accurate, truthful, and complete information.

7. Enforcement and Updates

We actively enforce this DMCA policy to maintain a lawful and respectful environment for creators and users. This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in copyright law, industry practices, or operational requirements.