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Yes—but only when the map source’s licence or service contract permits your exact use. OpenStreetMap data is generally available for commercial games under the Open Database Licence (ODbL), subject to attribution and possible share-alike duties for database adaptations. Google Maps Platform and Mapbox are contract services: a live, in-service map display may be allowed, while copying tiles, scraping data, tracing geometry, rehosting content or shipping an offline map can breach their terms. A publicly visible map, screenshot or business listing is not automatically free to copy.
What determines whether a real map is legal in a game?
There is no blanket rule for “real-world” maps. The answer follows the rights attached to each source and the way your game uses it. Public visibility does not eliminate copyright, database rights, contract restrictions or trademark requirements. Start by identifying every layer and its legal source:
- Street, boundary and address data
- Rendered map tiles or vector tiles
- Aerial or satellite imagery
- Elevation, terrain and 3D building models
- Points of interest, business names, reviews and photographs
- Geocoding, routing, traffic and transit feeds
- User edits or data imported from another game or application
One provider may license the road network while a different supplier owns the imagery, elevation or points of interest. A permission for one layer does not automatically cover the others. Also separate the technical method: displaying a map through an approved SDK is legally different from downloading the same content, storing it in an asset bundle, modifying it and redistributing it with the game.
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Provider comparison for commercial games
| Provider | Commercial posture | Attribution | Storage, export and derivative restrictions | Typical fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenStreetMap under ODbL | Commercial use is allowed under the licence. | Use “© OpenStreetMap contributors” and clearly identify the ODbL by linking to the OpenStreetMap copyright or ODbL page. | Qualifying adaptations of the database can trigger share-alike duties. Preserve licence notices and distinguish OSM data from other layers. | Self-hosted or otherwise properly licensed rendered data, with an ODbL compliance plan. |
| Google Maps Platform | Use is through Google services under a contract. The grant is non-exclusive, non-transferable and non-sublicensable during the applicable service term. | Show Google Maps and all required data-provider notices whenever Google content is displayed. | Terms prohibit exporting, extracting or scraping Maps Content for use outside the services, including pre-fetching or bulk downloading tiles, geocodes, directions, roads or elevation. Redistribution and substitute or derivative map products are also restricted. | A live map rendered through an allowed API when the selected product, platform, territory and usage comply with current terms. |
| Mapbox | Commercial use is a service relationship governed by product terms, plan and platform conditions. | Maps using Mapbox designs, data or software usually need both the Mapbox logo and text attribution. Mapbox Streets commonly requires “© Mapbox,” “© OpenStreetMap” and an “Improve this map” link, with additional supplier credits where applicable. | Product terms restrict tracing or extracting licensed service content except in specified cases. Storage, redistribution and offline use depend on the exact product and terms. | An SDK- or service-rendered map after reviewing the chosen tileset, SDK, plan, distribution model and attribution requirements. |
For every provider, check the current terms for the exact SDK or dataset before release. The same brand can offer products with different licences, suppliers and permitted uses.
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Using OpenStreetMap commercially
What ODbL permits
OpenStreetMap’s use-case guidance says its data is available for personal, group and commercial use. ODbL is an attribution and share-alike database licence, not a waiver of every right in every map-related asset. You can build a paid game, sell downloadable content and charge for access to a world based on OSM data, provided you meet the licence conditions and obtain separate rights for non-OSM layers.
Required credit
OpenStreetMap’s Legal FAQ gives the requested wording as “© OpenStreetMap contributors”. Your game should also make clear that the data is available under the Open Database Licence by linking to the OpenStreetMap copyright or ODbL page. Keep the wording intact and make the link reachable on the platform where the game is distributed.
Where and how long attribution must appear
Put the credit where a player can reasonably find it: for example, in a title-screen legal panel, credits screen, pause-menu “Licences” page or an always-available map-information button. OpenStreetMap Foundation guidance says a game splash-screen credit must be easily legible and visible long enough for a typical viewer to comprehend it. Do not hide a tiny notice behind a rapidly disappearing loading screen or place it under an opaque HUD element.
When share-alike may apply
ODbL can require you to share adaptations of the database under the same licence. This is most relevant when you edit, merge or enrich the OSM database itself—for example, adding roads, tags or a connected table of geographic features and distributing that database as part of the game or a companion service. A rendered game scene is not automatically the same thing as distributing an editable database, so classify the asset carefully and have counsel assess borderline cases. Keep the original notices, record your changes and be prepared to publish the qualifying database adaptation in the manner the licence requires.
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Layers OSM does not automatically cover
OSM attribution does not clear rights in satellite imagery, aerial photography, elevation models, proprietary 3D buildings, business listings, reviews, traffic, routing or geocoding. Obtain a licence for each such layer and display any additional credits. If a vendor’s terms prohibit downloading or redistribution, do not bake that content into an offline build merely because the underlying streets came from OSM.
Using Google Maps Platform in a game
The permitted pattern
Google’s service terms licence use of the services in a customer application during the term, subject to the product’s conditions. A game that displays a current map through an approved Google API or SDK, keeps the content within that service and shows the required Google and data-provider notices is a different legal pattern from one that copies the map into its own files.
Actions the terms restrict
The terms prohibit exporting, extracting or scraping Maps Content for use outside the services. The stated examples include pre-fetching and bulk downloading tiles, geocodes, directions, roads and elevation data. They also prohibit redistributing content or creating a substitute for Google Maps or its features. In practical terms, do not use an API to populate a permanent road database, trace its geometry into your own level editor, or generate a competing offline map unless a written permission expressly allows that activity.
Attribution and service dependency
When Google content is displayed, keep the Google Maps attribution and relevant data-provider notices visible and legible. A live integration may stop working if the account, API, quota, platform or service term changes, so build an operational fallback and review the applicable terms before each major release. An approved live display does not grant a right to keep using downloaded copies after the service relationship ends.
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Using Mapbox in a paid game
Logo and text credits
Mapbox documentation says maps using Mapbox designs, data or software usually must display both the Mapbox logo and text attribution. For Mapbox Streets, the text commonly includes “© Mapbox,” “© OpenStreetMap” and an “Improve this map” link. Satellite or other tilesets can require additional supplier attribution. Use the exact credit supplied for the product and keep it visible in every view where the licensed map appears, unless the product terms specify another compliant placement.
Tracing, extraction and offline assets
Mapbox product terms restrict tracing or extracting service content except in specified cases. Treat vector tiles, imagery, terrain and points of interest as licensed service content rather than raw material for a proprietary database. Before shipping an offline build, verify the exact tileset, SDK, plan, platform and distribution model; a permission for online rendering does not automatically permit local storage or redistribution. Obtain written permission for any proposed export, tracing workflow or persistent cache that the published terms do not clearly authorize.
Offline maps, caches and baked assets
“Offline” is a legal decision, not just a technical setting. Classify the planned implementation before artists or engineers start exporting files.
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|---|---|---|
| Live rendering | The game requests map content at runtime from an approved service. | Is the SDK allowed in games? Are the territory, platform, account and quota compliant? Are all required credits visible? |
| Temporary cache | Content is stored briefly to improve performance or survive a connection interruption. | Does the provider permit caching, for how long, and in what form? Is the cache encrypted or otherwise controlled as required? |
| Offline bundle | Tiles, imagery, terrain or POIs are packaged with the game and redistributed to every player. | Does the licence expressly permit storage, redistribution and offline display? Are supplier notices and update duties preserved? |
| Derived game assets | Developers trace roads, build meshes or convert map data into a new proprietary format. | Is the result an adaptation or extraction? Does share-alike apply? Do service terms prohibit tracing or derivative map products? |
For proprietary providers, assume that bundling tiles, imagery, POIs or traced geometry is not permitted until the current written terms say so. For OSM, document the source, preserve notices and analyze whether the database portion of the package is an ODbL adaptation. Do not assume that replacing a provider logo or changing file formats cures an export restriction.
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A practical compliance workflow
- Inventory every layer. Record the owner, dataset name, licence or API, version/date, geographic coverage and whether it is rendered live, cached or shipped.
- Separate suppliers. Mark which files are OSM-derived and which come from imagery, elevation, POI, geocoding, traffic or other vendors. Attach each required notice to the correct layer.
- Choose the distribution model. Decide whether players need a live connection, a temporary cache or a permanent offline package. Ask for storage and redistribution permission separately from display permission.
- Read product-specific terms. For Google or Mapbox, review the selected SDK, platform, plan, territory and usage tier. Do not rely on a generic provider overview.
- Design attribution into the UI. Add a legible on-map credit where required and an always-available legal screen containing the full notices and licence links. Test on small screens, different aspect ratios and low-contrast displays.
- Handle OSM obligations. Include “© OpenStreetMap contributors,” identify the ODbL, retain notices and assess whether edits or merged tables form a database adaptation that must be shared.
- Freeze and archive evidence. Keep copies of the licences, terms, attribution text, approval emails, source register and build version that shipped. A future provider-term change should not erase what was authorized at release.
- Escalate unusual uses. Obtain legal review for copied imagery, derivative 3D terrain, real business listings, user-generated map edits, persistent offline caches or any product that could substitute for a mapping service.
Common mistakes and how to correct them
“The map is visible on the internet, so I can copy it.”
Visibility is not a licence. Replace screenshots, copied tiles and downloaded business data with a source whose terms expressly cover your use, then follow its attribution rules.
“I credited the provider, so offline redistribution is fine.”
Attribution satisfies only the attribution condition. Storage, extraction, sublicensing and redistribution can remain prohibited. Confirm each permission independently.
“The roads came from OSM, so every layer is OSM.”
Imagery, elevation, POIs and geocoding can have different owners and restrictions. Maintain a layer-by-layer register and credits.
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Credits must be legible and available for a reasonable viewing period. Add a persistent legal screen so players can inspect the notices later.
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“Tracing provider geometry creates original art.”
Tracing can still be extraction or a prohibited derivative product under service terms. Obtain written permission or use a dataset whose licence permits the workflow.
“A free API tier covers a commercial release.”
Price and permission are different questions. Verify commercial eligibility, quotas, attribution, platform rules and the consequences of ending the service.
Which approach fits a game project?
- Need a live navigation-style map: An approved Google or Mapbox SDK may fit if its current terms, attribution and usage limits match your platform and business model.
- Need a self-controlled world database: OSM is often the more flexible starting point, but plan for ODbL attribution, possible share-alike obligations and separate licences for every non-OSM layer.
- Need a fully offline real-world map: Prefer data with explicit redistribution rights. Treat proprietary tiles, imagery, POIs and traced geometry as unavailable unless written terms clearly authorize bundling.
- Need to sell edited geographic data: Separate the game’s produced artwork from any distributed database, then obtain a licence review before release.
Bottom line
A commercial game can legally use real map data, but only within the rights granted by the specific dataset licence or mapping-service contract. OSM under ODbL is generally commercial-friendly when you provide the exact attribution, link to the licence information and address share-alike duties. Google Maps Platform and Mapbox are service-bound: keep content in the permitted SDK or API, show the required branding and credits, and do not export, scrape, trace, rehost or ship offline copies unless the current product terms or a written permission expressly allow it. Make a layer inventory and obtain legal review before launch whenever the game stores, transforms or redistributes map content.
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