Over the past few weeks, we've noticed a sharp increase in posts and messages asking how to acquire The Simpsons Hit & Run or other copyrighted material through unofficial or illegal means. Some of these questions have been direct, while others have tried to toe the line. Because of this, we feel it is important to clarify Donut Team's stance on the matter and ensure that we operate within the law for the sake of the community.
While it would certainly help our community grow to have the game more readily available, it simply isn't feasible or legal without the express permission from rights holders. We must respect their decision on the matter and continue to operate in a manner that does not infringe on their rights.
Our Position on Piracy
Donut Team does not support or condone piracy in any form. We do not allow discussions, instructions or links that facilitate illegally obtaining copyrighted games or other materials.
This is a legal obligation. We create mods, software and community resources but we do so while respecting intellectual property laws and the rights of the original copyright holders.
Donut Team exists because we love this game and want to see this classic flourish. That passion and drive comes with a responsibility to operate within the boundaries of the law.
But, isn't the game abandonware?
Abandonware is often touted as a legal loophole for distributing copyrighted material. That simply isn't the case. It is a made-up label for software that is old, out of print or hard to buy. Copyright law dictates that The Simpsons Hit & Run will be under copyright until the year 2098 unless the rights holders explicitly release it earlier.
Until then, even if the game feels "abandoned," sharing or downloading it without permission still infringes on the rights holder's copyright.
Copyright laws do apply differently across different jurisdiction. Therefore, if you have additional questions regarding copyright law or "abandonware", you should refer to your local laws. However, because Donut Team operates within the United States, we follow U.S. copyright regulations. These laws also apply to other social media such as Discord, Reddit, YouTube, etc.
The only legal way to obtain the game is from second-hand sources, such as Ebay, Amazon or other outlets that sell old PC games. There is currently no legally available digital distribution; all online sources, including any leaked material, is still illegal.
What about mods that add/replace with other copyrighted material?
Mods that incorporate characters and worlds from outside franchises still rely on the original, legally obtained game to function.
These kind of mods are creative add-ons, not standalone replacements. They can not legally act as a full game, nor can they be packaged with the copyrighted game files to make them run on their own. Copyright law treats them as modifications layered on top of the user's legally owned copy.
Because these mods occasionally involve other works, we do provide rights holders with a clear and accessible process to request removal if they believe their intellectual property has been used inappropriately. When a rights holder contacts us with a valid concern, we will review promptly and remove the content if necessary.
What can I do to follow these guidelines?
When you sign up for Donut Team, you agree to the Terms of Service. This document dictates that sharing or discussing illegal material is strictly prohibited.
Because of this sharp uptick, we will be issuing clearer moderation actions when these rules are violated. Posts or messages that promote piracy or link to unauthorized downloads will be removed. Repeat behaviour will lead to temporary, or permanent, account restrictions.
Our goal isn't to punish people, it is to keep our community safe, legally protected and focused on the positivity and creativity that comes from the advancements brought to this game.
Closing
We thank you for your attention to this matter. This discussion is not something we'd like to have to discuss, but we feel it is imperative that we get this message across to prevent future disruptions or problems.
- Donut Team