Reality check: Buying game source code from company

Hello Forumosa!

I have a slightly unusual request. During the 2010s, I got attached to a cute little mobile game for Android and iPhone. It was sold for about 4 USD, if I remember correctly, and I have fond memories playing it with friends.

At that time, I had an iPhone. Over the years and because of Apple’s policies, it is no longer possible for me to play the game as it is was not updated to newer iPhone models, and at some time it was pulled from both Apple’s and Google’s store.

Now, I’m a software developer myself, and I’d be interested in bringing the game back to life. The game was developed by UserJoy Technology ( UserJoy Technology - Wikipedia ). They are located in Taipei. How realistic would it be to approach them and ask for the source code, game rights, etc., to sell to me? To be clear, the game’s scale was nothing compared to the company’s current MMORPG offerings, and I don’t think they profit off the game anymore.

I’d be thankful for any insights or references to lawyers. I’m a Taiwanese (Overseas) citizen, and my target budget would be around (moderator olm: redacted) USD. Too low to make an offer?If necessary, I’d be willing to increase it. I know this might sound stupid for a little mobile game, but it’s a certain kind of stupidity that I’d be known for.

Given that it’s a dead IP from years ago, (moderator olm: redacted) sounds like a lot but idk anything about pricing for stuff like that. Either way,
@Marco might be willing to set you up with his usual lawyer guy.

I redacted the dollar amount, just in case the company reads so that it doesn’t know your budget beforehand ^^

I’d say just ask them. All Taiwan tech companies I dealt with so far were quite approachable. Good Luck!