[brandx0]

Well guys, I'm sorry to say, but it happened.

We finally got our cease and decist letter from LucasArts.  Apparently even though they don't have any more Star Wars simulator games in the works, they want us shut down.  Chief and Myself have talked it over and considered the possibility of taking the matter to a court on the basis of freedom of expression, however neither of us has any real assets able to pay for what is sure to be a lengthy court process.  Why can't companies like this target rich guys who can afford to fight them I wonder?

Alas, It is my sad duty to say that the Star Wars Conversion must be terminated.  I'm sorry guys. 

I guess, on the bright side, this team that we've assembled (full of a helluva lot of talent, great work guys!) will be available to work on other mods.  Chief and I have talked about creating our own new mod project, but we can't really release details at the moment.

So thank you so much to our fans who have supported us this far, if nothing else, it's been a great learning experience for all of us, I think.

May the Force be with you.  Always.

[Wobble73]

 

Gutting!


 

[Admiral_Stones]

You fool. It's an april joke.

[chief1983]

You fool. It's an april joke.

Any other April 1, you'd be 100% right.  But unfortunately, this time, you're 100% wrong.  I really am surprised they noticed us, as we were trying to keep a fairly low profile, but I guess it was bound to happen eventually.  I'm already in the process of eliminating all the existing content and must request the same of everyone else who currently controls any infringing material.  Here's a copy of the letter I received:

To the user in control of the online identity 'chief1983':

It has come to my attention that you have made an unauthorized use of copyrighted work belonging to LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC ("LucasArts") entitled "Star Wars" (the "Work") in the preparation of a work derived therefrom. LucasArts has reserved all rights in the Work, first published in 1977, and have registered copyright therein. Your work entitled "Fate of the Galaxy: The Star Wars Conversion for Freespace 2" ("Fate of the Galaxy") has clearly used the Work as its basis. Examples include the use of both craft and locations depicted or described in the the work.

As you neither asked for nor received permission to use the Work as the basis for Fate of the Galaxy nor to make or distribute copies, including electronic copies, of same, LucasArts believes you have willfully infringed my rights under 17 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq. and could be liable for statutory damages as high as $150,000 as set forth in Section 504(c)(2) therein.

LucasArts demands that you immediately cease the use and distribution of all infringing works derived from the Work, and all copies, including electronic copies, of same, that you deliver to me, if applicable, all unused, undistributed copies of same, or destroy such copies immediately and that you desist from this or any other infringement of LucasArts' rights in the future. If LucasArts has not received an affirmative response from you by April 14, 2008 indicating that you have fully complied with these requirements, LucasArts shall take further action against you.

Very truly yours,
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC

So we really don't have much choice in the matter.  Again, it was fun while it lasted, just a shame we didn't get to a release before this had to happen.

[Admiral_Stones]

Oh well. Supposedly, George Lucas is an arse.

[jdjtcagle]

very well done, if it is a hoax...

[GT-Keravnos]

Well done guys. 

You know, I would believe you, any other day.

[jdjtcagle]

Very truly yours,
Lucasarts Entertainment Company LLC

Someone's got a girlfriend...

[Snail]

Skunk ****ers.

[TopAce]

And how will they be able to track chief down? They only know a login name, and perhaps his town.

[Woolie Wool]

Copyright laws allow copyright holders to force ISPs to divulge customer information.

[chief1983]

Actually, they don't force them to, but most ISPs buckle rather than fight it.  There are alternatives to divulging it though, it's just easier to pass the buck than watch out for your customers.  It's not like most of them have any competition.

[Galemp]

Is the day over yet? Can we go to New Zealand time again?

[archangel35757]

You know this mod isn't something that should be on your April Fool's target list...  By the way, Legal firms would not write a letter of this nature in the first person: "It has come to my attention..."

Nice try... now everyone back to work!

P.S. - that's very slick how you've played "musical chairs" with folks' user-IDs when they post.   

[Admiral_Stones]

C. Whut deed I sey?

[Scourge of Ages]

Why do I only recognize two of those poster's names? And none of them are chief?

Edit: oh, I see.

If this is true, then LA are complete jerks. If it's not true, then you guys are all jerks.

[BS403]

WTF is going on the posters names keep changing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

this is bs403

[Jeff Vader]

WTF is going on the posters names keep changing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

this is bs403

It is an April Fool's Day gag, that has apparently gained consciousness and refuses to die, despite the date.

This is ya mama

[brandx0]

Happy April Fools guys. 

[jdjtcagle]

It was obvious with phrases like -

Very truly yours,
LucasArts Entertainment Company LLC