Guide:Song verification

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N-chan explains the verification system[1]

Song verification is the process through which music from both artists and labels are allowed for use in Project Arrhythmia custom levels uploaded to the Steam Workshop. The system acts as a way of recording permissions to use certain songs - with it, artists or labels have complete control over which of their songs are allowed or not.

When creating a level that you plan on uploading to the workshop, it's important to make sure that the song you're using is verified. If it isn't, the level may be removed without warning.[1] This page will walk you through what each song status means, how to check if you can use a song, and how to get permission if it hasn't been granted yet.

Verification Status

There are three main types of verification statuses for songs:[2]

  • Verified artists or labels are permitted for use in levels. For someone to be verified, a written confirmation from them is required. Verified songs are free to use in levels.
  • Unverified artists or labels have not responded to any request to use songs in the game, or have not been asked yet. Unverified songs cannot be used in levels, as asking permission is required.
  • Disallowed songs are not allowed to be used in levels, due to an artist or label declining permission.

These types of verification apply individually to each music artist and the music label. For example, while the artist of a song may be verified, the label it was released on may be unverified. In collaboration songs, verification of individual artists may be different as well. Additionally, certain song types have specific verification requirements:[3]

  • Any music released under Creative Commons is automatically verified, unless it is listed as being non-commercial in which case asking the artist is required. This also applies to other non-commercial licenses.[4]
  • Remixes must have the original song verified to be allowed for use.
  • Collaborations must have all major song artists verified to be allowed for use.
  • A music label being verified will verify all unverified songs released under it, but asking individual artists is still highly recommended.
  • A music artist being verified will verify all songs released under labels by them if labels are not mentioned, unless the label says otherwise.
  • A label or artist being disallowed will disallow a song entirely.

Checking a song's status

To check a song's status, you can join the Vitamin Games Discord and search for the artist's name in the #verified-songs channel. You can do this by searching the text "in: 🎶┆verified-songs" followed by the artist's name. Do not ask if an artist or song is allowed in it, your message will be deleted.

If the song is verified, then you're ready to begin creating! If not, then refer to the section below for how to reach out to the artist(s).

Verifying an Artist

Before reaching out to an artist, it is generally recommended to make sure that nobody else has done it first to avoid repeat messages. When reaching out to a song artist, the following must be mentioned:[5]

  • The custom level is for a paid game, but is freely available and non-commercial itself.
  • All levels will feature a link to the artist's work and their name.
  • The artist can request their songs be removed if they change their mind at any time.

Below is an official message template that can be used for requesting verification.[6] This is useful if you are unsure how to approach the topic, but keep in mind that it is not required - so long as the points above are met, the verification will be approved.

Message template

Hello, I have a question: there's a game called "Project Arrhythmia" — a bullet hell rhythm game developed by Vitamin Games: https://store.steampowered.com/app/440310/Project_Arrhythmia/

This game has a level editor where players can create their own levels with artist approved songs and upload them to the Steam Workshop. I'm reaching out to ask if I can get permission to use your music in one of my levels.

Note: I am just someone who plays the game. I am not affiliated with the developer nor do I represent them.

Additional Info: - Since it's a custom level, it would not make any profit and it is not for commercial purposes. However, the base game itself is a commercial game and must be bought in order to create and play these custom levels.

- You can permit all songs or specify certain songs that are allowed. We usually won't ask to use your remixes or songs you made exclusively for other games or projects to avoid issues with third-parties (unless you state otherwise or we already got permission from them).

- Anyone who has bought the game can download the level from the Steam Workshop and can also use the song for their own custom levels.

- We will credit you with the song title and artist name and will have a link (social media and/or store page) to you in the description of the level.

- There's a chance that YouTubers or Twitch streamers may upload videos featuring levels containing your songs. Let us know if your songs may get their videos claimed by Content ID, get copyright striked, or are safe to use and monetize.

If you have any further questions feel free to can contact the game developer directly via email "[email protected]" or via discord "lily#1234".

Thank you for taking the time to read through my request! Hope you have a lovely day!


Sharing the response

If you get a response from an artist, then you should share it in the verified songs channel as proof. Be sure when sharing to include screenshots of your message and the response, alongside a link to somewhere the artist uploads their music. It is also very important to include the name and any aliases of the artist in your message - if you don't, their name may not be searchable by others.

References