If I use GPL licensed game models, does the game have to be open source?

Question

I am attempting my first commercial game. I am using some paid-for content and some free and have found some content under GPL license that would be very suitable to use in my game. Although my game uses NO GPL code and I do not want to open source the game, I would like to use some 3D models that have GPL license. The models will be placed in seperate folders with GPL license etc. and will not be packed into a zip or pak file with other models.

Is this sufficient to keep me in compliance with the GPL?

EDIT: Sadly I do not have money for a lawyer. Obviously I will not consider any answers as perfect.

Answer 1

Do you have enough money to cover a lawsuit? It's far more than the cost of hiring a lawyer for an hour or two.

I'd recommend finding somebody who specializes in open source law or read a book if that's all you can afford.

At the minimum, take an hour or two and read the licenses carefully. You should be able to glean what your obligations are without too much trouble. Some licenses are worded such that using the library exposes your game as open source. There's no way around it if you find that language. Maybe you'll have to replace those libraries with alternatives.

Answer 2

GPL would be an unusual license for model data, as its definitions of ‘source’ and ‘compiled’ code would seem not to fit very well. However, I would by default assume that the authors intended to invoke the spirit of GPL and require you to give back work you've built on top of theirs. Therefore I would not use GPL model data in a non-GPL project.

It would probably be worth contacting the authors of the model data you want to use and asking them what their intent is, and whether they might consider licensing the models to you under more favourable terms.

Answer 3

OK, I'm a hypocrite, I voted to close but here's an answer.

ASK THE FSF

That's right, go to their web site, pick up an email address, and send them an email. They will be perfectly happy to tell you their interpretation of their license. If you don't want to get sued, the only safe path is to ask the authors of the license.