Hi all,
Few days ago another sad news his gaming scene - a hit game Alan Wake is getting removed from stores dues to expiring music licenses:
https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/12/15631624/alan-wake-digital-stores-expiring-music-licenses-steam-sale
It's difficult to know exactly why licenses were not renewed and if they will restore game at all:
https://twitter.com/remedygames/status/863078590803476481
However, it all comes out to the following:
Don't use expiring licenses in your products. If you don't own IP or license states some constraints, just don't use it.
It doesn't matter how long license is for, be it 2, 5 or 10 years. You definitely want to keep improving and selling your game after that period. The best option is if you (or your team) can produce all assets yourself.
However, definitely don't count on IP-owner's goodwill (not always creators!). This is business and they will bleed you dry given a chance.
I hope they will restore Alan Wake soon,
Les