21 replies to this topic

[Docktor_Worm]

a real time strategy game in the mechwarrior universe
it wouldn't let me download though, probably due to overflowing servers

Edit: Had to take down the link, since the series is still being sold/ freeware status not sure of atm.

Edited by DeathDude, 04 September 2006 - 10:14 PM.

[DeathDude]

Um these look like the actual mechcommander games that were published back in the day, doubt they are freeware, much less abandonware since the series is still sold.

[Docktor_Worm]

according to wikipedia its freeware, since the source code was released by microsoft

[Doubler]

I don't believe the source code being released as freeware equals the game content being released as freeware, am I right?

[PrejudiceSucks]

Docktor_Worm, on Sep 4 2006, 10:02 PM, said:

according to wikipedia its freeware, since the source code was released by microsoft

The two are different, Quake 2 is not freeware, but the source code is.

[Docktor_Worm]

it was in the catagory of "formerly paid games that have been made available for free download by their copyright holders for various reasons, often as publicity for a forthcoming sequel or compilation release."

[RyGuy]

Couldn't you compile the source code in it's original state though?

[Dimsey]

Haven't downloaded it yet, but I was told that along with the sourcecode is a compiled version of it - and yeah, wiki says tis freeware. Lotta other places saying tis freeware. *shrugs*

[DeathDude]

Going to need some links to see if indeed is freeware from the places that say so.

[a1s]

RyGuy, on Sep 5 2006, 01:23 AM, said:

Couldn't you compile the source code in it's original state though?

you will be surprised how few people own a good C++ compiler, even in our educated times.

as for microsoft releasing the source code... I've no doubt they'd like to, but it's not theirs to release!

P.S. it's a great game though, if it is freeware we should definetly have a review for it.
as for sources, here is a link for you (which you should have followed long ago), trying to fing a better article (one signed by someone from microprose) now.

[RyGuy]

a1s, on Sep 5 2006, 10:53 AM, said:

RyGuy, on Sep 5 2006, 01:23 AM, said:

Couldn't you compile the source code in it's original state though?

you will be surprised how few people own a good C++ compiler, even in our educated times.

as for microsoft releasing the source code... I've no doubt they'd like to, but it's not theirs to release!

P.S. it's a great game though, if it is freeware we should definetly have a review for it.

But there are those who do, no?

[a1s]

RyGuy, on Sep 5 2006, 03:20 PM, said:

But there are those who do not?

yes. that's what I said. anyway, if people can compile it they can use it, yes. (they would allso know where to downaload an illegal version, but that is beside the point).

[RyGuy]

Let's review here.

Death Dude says the series is still sold.

Wikipedia(Need I remind you anyone can edit Wikipedia) says it is freeware because Microsoft released the source code, not the actual game.

Now then, if the game is sold, but the source code is availible, then the source code may be abandonware/freeware, but that in no way affects the status of the full compiled game. So as long as Microsoft had permission to give out the source code, it would be okay for AR to host the source code(Unless they had their lawyers right up some long, long, long document saying otherwise.) but not the game because that is still sold.

[a1s]

not exactly.

Death Dude says the series is still sold.
true written in this thread.

Wikipedia says it is freeware
true follow the link I provided.

because Microsoft released the source code, not the actual game.
false Micrsoft doesn't own the source for Mechcommander (it does of MC 2 though), besides it would be nice if you quoted some sources.

Now then, if the game is sold, but the source code is availible, then the source code may be abandonware/freeware.
that's not how I would say it, but let's assume it's released underGPL. true follows from logics.

but that in no way affects the status of the full compiled game.
true everything that is not specificaly allowed is forbidden in copyright.( even if it's silly)

So as long as Microsoft had permission to give out the source code, it would be okay for AR to host the source code.
true follows from logic.

but not the game because that is still sold.
yup.

[DeathDude]

Yeah that's what was thinking afterwards, if it's just the source code that was released not the actual game, the link that was being provided was for the iso file of the game, so yeah don't think we can host the game at this present time, but we'll continue to monitor the situation and see if that changes or if indeed we can.