[The E]

Buying it in order to remove any restrictions on the SCP on the other hand.....

This. How valuable is this?

For one thing, it would allow us to release the engine under a proper open source license, which is a prerequisite to get it listed in various Linux distros default repositories. It would also allow us to properly use code released under GPL (something we cannot currently do), which would make a few features possible that we can't currently support (like, for example, h264 support for videos).

[mjn.mixael]

Buying it in order to remove any restrictions on the SCP on the other hand.....

This. How valuable is this?

For one thing, it would allow us to release the engine under a proper open source license, which is a prerequisite to get it listed in various Linux distros default repositories. It would also allow us to properly use code released under GPL (something we cannot currently do), which would make a few features possible that we can't currently support (like, for example, h264 support for videos).

OK. Here's my $7. I've been saving for this for years.

[AdmiralRalwood]

which would make a few features possible that we can't currently support (like, for example, h264 support for videos).

Last I heard, licensing wasn't a problem with that branch anymore.

[m!m]

which would make a few features possible that we can't currently support (like, for example, h264 support for videos).

Last I heard, licensing wasn't a problem with that branch anymore.

The LGPL version of FFmpeg is sufficient for the new cutscene player but it requires custom built binaries which is the only thing that is still an issue with that branch. There are pre-built binaries but those use the GPL license so we can't use them. If we could release the source code under GPL (which would also cause a lot of legal trouble) we could simplify a lot of things.

For one thing, it would allow us to release the engine under a proper open source license, which is a prerequisite to get it listed in various Linux distros default repositories. It would also allow us to properly use code released under GPL (something we cannot currently do), which would make a few features possible that we can't currently support (like, for example, h264 support for videos).

Are we sure that the IP actually includes the source code? As far as I know that is still owned by Volition (according to the copyright statement in the source code).

[0rph3u5]

This is hardly suprising considering how little new, functioning buisness Interplay has had in recent years, not including the legal costs after going head-to-head with Bethesda (see below)...

But on the other hand, I cannot help but wonder if this will acctually produce results; the values of the IP can and might still be misjudged to either end. (Considering this forum, we might just overstate the value of the Freespace IP a bit)

It's interesting that Fallout is not on the list. That IP and the licensing fees it generates must be the only thing keeping Interplay alive these days.

Interplay hasn't owned Fallout in years.

Interplay used to have control of the IP up until a legal battle with Bethesda starting around the release of Fallout 3, when Interplay re-released the original two games as well as Fallout: Tactics as retail bundle called "Fallout Trilogy" is most regions. Which then lead the accusation of misleading advertisement and breach of contract by Bethesda. As part of the settlement the IP went 100% to Bethesda.

[The E]

I'm actually not sure anymore. Depends on what exactly :V:'s deliverables were, I suppose.

[ViRGE]

I'm not at all interested I buying the licence to FS in order to make FS3.

Buying it in order to remove any restrictions on the SCP on the other hand.....

This. The whole thing would be a long shot to begin with, but getting control of Freespace to actually make it free to clear up all legal issues once and for all is a meaningful goal. I don't really expect that there's anyone who would screw with the SCP at this point, but there are definitely risks if someone more proactive got the IP.

(And then maybe, maybe once day it can be licensed out to a studio to do a proper FS3.)

[Luis Dias]

Forget FS3. If I had lottery money, I'd definitely buy the licence just to ensure there would be no FS3. Then I'd hire a bunch of people to do two things and two things only: Improve the engine and all the assets and the other thing, improve all the tools for more intuitive and snappy modding. And at the end, either sell the result as a "remaster" (like Homeworld), or better yet, just give it all out (after a good marketing stunt to get it as wide as possible).

IOW, the outlandish fantasy scenario does not include a studio publishing some idiotic sequel that will most assuredly disappoint in almost every level (story-wise, interface-wise, gameplay-wise, etc.) and basically burn out any outside interest in the series (just look at what the ending of Mass Effect 3 did to its community).

No, it would include the exact opposite: the groundwork for better modding, greater and better stories, interesting gameplay, etc. IOW, something that would improve the community.


But as far as I can tell, the price is nowhere near the "thousands of dollars" that some people brough up. It's way more. So it will probably be bought as a package by some big studio. Which will sit on top of it until some fan developer within it may convince the top suits to do "something" about it. And when that time comes, just hope it's not something stupid. Like FreeSpace 3.

[Phantom Hoover]

The absolute best thing we could do with the license, without a doubt, would simply be to start distributing FSO as an all-in-one install.

[LaineyBugsDaddy]

Couldn't we even completely replace retail assets at that point? Maybe even offer them as a classic mod instead of the newer higher quality assets being the mod?

[mjn.mixael]

Couldn't we even completely replace retail assets at that point? Maybe even offer them as a classic mod instead of the newer higher quality assets being the mod?

Um.. what's the difference?

[Luis Dias]

Ease of access to the big crowd out there, I guess. You just click "Install" and when you double click the game's icon, not only it's the new launcher by default, it's the mediavps2020 by default.

[The E]

I think Homeworld Remastered is kind of the gold standard for how to do this.

[Luis Dias]

Yeah wouldn't mind that.

Except there's a problem there.

Current FSO version and mediavps2014 is probably better than anything today's studios could come up with. Not because they couldn't, but because they wouldn't.

[Kinslayer]

Hello everyone,

I reached out to the seller of the IP and was informed that they are selling them in bulk only. http://imgur.com/a/6Zemd

I also received a pdf with the details of the sale that i cant attach as it is too large. If you are interested in seeing it i can upload it to google drive.

Edit: I have uploaded the PDF to Google Drive. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx7rn7kEXNCaYm11VzB0Y3FkZmc/view?usp=sharing

[Gee1337]

If this is legit, then  need to get all over this. Shame the Descent IP is in a different bundle if I am interpreting this right!

[Kinslayer]

I think the sale is legit. I can reply back to the email and say that i am still interested to get an idea on the bidding process.

[Singh]

Kinslayer, please email and find out. I will be very interested in pitching substantially into this.

[The E]

Okay, this is the third thread on this topic. Time for some merging.

[Kinslayer]

Alright i will reply to the email and will post when I receive new information.