Author Topic: Total Conversion mods: Legal? and Which ones? and FS1? (Read 4897 times)

xman15 · **on:** December 18, 2011, 08:09:07 am

Hi!

Okay so I was looking into total conversion mods because apparently you don't need to buy FS2 in order to play them.

So let me get this straight:
1. I follow the instructions to download FreeSpace Open - WITHOUT FS2
2. I follow the instructions to download and run a total conversion mod, like say, Babylon Project for example.

Is there anything wrong with this from a legal standpoint, as well as from a getting-this-game-to-work standpoint?

Second question: If this is all true, and I can legally download FSOpen and a total conversion mod, and play it, and not face any repercussions, which ones would you guys recommend? Just a community opinion, is all.

Third question: I own FS1. Is there a way to play FS1 using FSOpen? Basically so I can play FS1 with FSOpen graphics is my query.

Thanks in advance!

xman15

headdie · **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2011, 08:25:31 am

The basics is that the engine has been released to the public domain under a variation of a not for profit licence.

Story and Audio Visual media related content is still owned by Interplay.

What this means is that so long as the TC uses No content that relates to the look, sound or story of the Freespace franchise anyone can use it, otherwise they need a legal copy of FS2 to play.

on point 3 you are looking for FS Port

Dragon · **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2011, 08:28:53 am

I think that as long as a TC doesn't use any content directly from retail, it can be used as standalone. INFSCP was going to be done that way.

xman15 · **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2011, 08:33:32 am

wow that was fast! thanks guys!

1. So Babylon Project would be okay since it doesn't use any freespace-related files?
3. YES!!! WOOT!

So where can I find FSPort? or does it come with FSO?

Thanks again for the replies!

Dragon · **Reply #4 on:** December 18, 2011, 08:37:16 am

Yes and Yes, depending on how you got FSO.
If you used the online installer, or the Hip63's offline installer, then you already have FSPort, you just have to enable it. If not, check the release post on FSPort board.

Jeff Vader · **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2011, 08:55:31 am

As for games that are standalone, you don't need to get FSO separately. TBP, for example, is shipped with an FSO executable already, and it is meant as a full game that you download, install and play.

xman15 · **Reply #6 on:** December 18, 2011, 09:06:46 am

Sweetness! Thanks to everyone for their quick replies! I really appreciate it!

xman15

xman15 · **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2011, 09:19:51 am

This question suddenly occurred to me - sorry for being annoying.

What is the legality in regards to the name?! as in, isn't babylon project a tv show with its own copyright and everything?
Are you allowed to make a game based off of babylon project taking this into account?

I think it has to do with the fact that this is a not-for-profit thing?

Sorry, but I am a huge legality paranoiac.

xman15

karajorma · **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2011, 09:42:47 am

As an end user you're never going to have any issue downloading and playing TBP. While there is a remote chance that we might get in trouble for distributing it, I don't think there's ever been a case of someone being prosecuted for playing a TC even one based on something copyrighted by someone else.

Jeff Vader · **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2011, 09:57:54 am

Quote from: xman15 on December 18, 2011, 09:19:51 am

isn't babylon project a tv show

Babylon 5.

xman15 · **Reply #10 on:** December 18, 2011, 10:33:18 am

karajorma: thanks for the response. However, I'm probably going to ask the TBP dev team what their take is on it. Nothing personal, sorry, but I just think that - considering the disclaimer on their webiste - they probably have worked this out and so can tell me how it is legal. Thank you again for the response - I really appreciate it!

The E · **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2011, 10:37:48 am

xman: Karajorma was on the TBP dev team. He is also project leader on one of the other big WIP total conversions. He has a better grasp on the legalities of the situation than most.

BTW, if you're so worried about legality but want to play FS2, it's only like 6 bucks on goodoldgames.com.....

jg18 · **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2011, 10:55:51 am

Quote from: The E on December 18, 2011, 10:37:48 am

BTW, if you're so worried about legality but want to play FS2, it's only like 6 bucks on goodoldgames.com.....

$2.99 until January 2!

xman15 · **Reply #13 on:** December 18, 2011, 11:10:55 am

ooh, ouch. I feel like a total idiot right now

SORRY!!!!

um, this turned into a really awkward situation right now. Um....yeah.

Well sorry karajorma. Just disregard me as a noob - cos I seriously don't know anything about this. Thank you again for the response.

E: Thanks also to you, and sorry for being so persistently noobish about this. I'll listen to you and jg18 and probably get it.

Thanks again, guys.

karajorma · **Reply #14 on:** December 18, 2011, 11:13:58 am

Not a problem.

mjn.mixael · **Reply #15 on:** December 18, 2011, 12:01:01 pm

Based on this thread, it has not yet been made clear some facts about FSPort.

FSPort is not a TC, it uses FS2 files. Having a copy of FS1 won't help you in anyway to play FS1 with FSO upgrades as most of the FS1 files need to be converted/worked on/fixed to work with FSO... which is what FSPort is.

Also note: FSPort will not have upgraded graphics unless you play it along side the FSPort-MediaVPs and the FSU MediaVPs. Both of which require retail data (a copy of FS2).

Grizzly · **Reply #16 on:** December 19, 2011, 10:50:59 am

Quote

FSPort is not a TC, it uses FS2 files. Having a copy of FS1 won't help you in anyway to play FS1 with FSO upgrades as most of the FS1 files need to be converted/worked on/fixed to work with FSO... which is what FSPort is.

What about Tango and Warble and such?

mjn.mixael · **Reply #17 on:** December 19, 2011, 10:58:25 am

You can try it, but I'm not optimistic... and you probably won't get much technical support for that kind of mixing. Besides, why wouldn't you want to just use FSPort's Tango and Warble? Tango, specifically has been completely remade in hi-res.

Grizzly · **Reply #18 on:** December 19, 2011, 11:03:31 am

Quote from: mjn.mixael on December 19, 2011, 10:58:25 am

You can try it, but I'm not optimistic... and you probably won't get much technical support for that kind of mixing. Besides, why wouldn't you want to just use FSPort's Tango and Warble? Tango, specifically has been completely remade in hi-res.

Oh, I thought they were just direct copies from FS1.
Nvm.

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