PC game source code- Legal question

[Aero]

So, there's this old PC game that I've been trying to find for quite awhile now- but it's extremely hard to find, and expensive once located...
(name of game withheld to protect limited availability)

However, I have found out that the source code has been released.

Does this mean that the game is only able to be modified or expanded on?

Or perhaps, could I find someone with an original version of the game and have them burn me a copy?


TIA

[vass0922]

are you talking bout quake?
we can't exactly burn you a copy of <fill in blank>

It'd be an awful boring cd

is it legally released source code?

[Aero]

Hello vass,

Well, it's not exactly Quake- but you're close...

Yes, it's legally released source code...


I'm not asking anyone here to burn me a copy of anything. I am merely seeking an answer to a question that seems to be in the gray area of law. The way I understand things, you cannot legally copy software that has not been released into the public domain. But, does the source code being released mean that we can copy or modify it at will?

I'm about as anti-piracy as they come, and wish to keep this completely legal.


Quake?... boring?... perhaps we're not thinking of the same game?

This depends upon the specific game and the license attached to the open source version. Some developers only release their games into the open source community and retain rights to the original levels, characters, etc.; while others may release the entire contents of the game.

In addition, depending upon the specific lisencing terms, the open source release may be free while the original already compiled game is still protected by copyrights.

Robert Richmond

[Aero]

Thanks for the info, Robert!

While I can easily find places to download this source code, I cannot seem to find much of a license attached to it.

-----------
Quote from the text file for the source files:

The *~* directory contains the source code for *~*. The package contains within it the original *~* code, bug fixes that were released for the patches, and necessary code changes for *~*.
-----------

That doesn't say anything about the original levels, characters, models, or other intellectual property of the game. I would tend to think that it is only the software necessary to create new levels and maps for the game. One would think that the developer would retain all rights to the original version of the game- but that quote doesn't really say that.


So, I guess I'll have to try contacting the developers and see what they have to say.

Or, maybe I'll bite the bullet- and pay an ungodly price for an original CD...

[U-96]

you'll need the game anyway. most source code releases are exactly that - you are expected to get any vids, music, textures, maps, models and external datasets off the original game CD
(Battle of Britain and Falcon 4 come to mind in that respect)

Why so shy with the game name? You never know who may have a copy they are willing to swap or donate

[enekomeg]

R U talking about HL2???

That could be why you haven't mention the name of the mistery game?

[Barney]

The game is Hexen II. Like U-96 said, the source code doesn't include maps, textures, sounds, etc. Raven is only giving the source code away, you'll still have to buy the rest of the game.

[Aero]

Why so shy with the game name? You never know who may have a copy they are willing to swap or donate

I was being candid about the name of the game because two original CD's have been sniped from me on Ebay...

Nope, it's not HL2 either...


Ah, Barney's getting close- he must have been reading my recent posts...

Actually, it's the expansion pack for Hexen 2 called "Portal of Praevus". I've searched everywhere for a retail copy of it, posted a wanted ad here and elsewhere- with no luck. Apparently it was quite popular in Europe, which is where it is most likely to be found. Recently, I posted a request on a friends forum in London and lo-and-behold, a couple of copies have come up for bid on Ebay from the UK. (Coincidence? I think not...)

So anyway, if anyone reading this post has this expansion pack- I'm in the buying mood...

Otherwise, I'll be doing a bit of sniping on Ebay myself...


Hexen 2, while it's an old game that doesn't seem to have been very popular- is something that I really enjoyed. With the right command switches, you can play it in super-high resolution- and it really shows what the original Quake engine could do when pushed to the limits.

My question has been answered, thanks people!

[thePh@r@oh]

heretic 1 its gotta be heretic 1.......lol JK but i want to find heretic 1 can anyone lead me in the right direction