Quote:
Originally posted by A. J. Raffles@May 5 2005, 09:44 PM
Part of Abandonia's appeal (for me anyway) lies in the fact that there is a certain amount of "ethics" involved and it isn't simply about getting games for free.
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Couldn't have said it better myself.
Shall be be technical, eh? Becaus that seems where you guys are going.
Try this: Intelectual Property.
The creator has the EXCLUSIVE right to his/her code up to 90 years after it was created (and if things go as planed, that will be extended to 125 years in USA)
The programmer with 99% chanse signed a contract, giving up theire right to the company they worked for.
Therefor the COMPANY owns it..
They can choose to sell it, they might support it, but god damn.. they still OWN it.
If the company went down and under, it's most likly that they sold of the rights as a way to pay off debts, and someone else the the original company now owns the title/code.
They might also choose to just have it stockpiled, and perhaps use the NAME for a sequal in 70 years, but still.. they own it.
So, there is NO definition of "Abandonware".. Abandonware IS "Warez". Just as illigal.
We have our policy to have a friendly rellation with the creators, and not try to feed of them, but on the other hand, realy give the game the cretid it deserves.
Most companies we've talked to find us honest, and that we do more good then harm. Then we have Lucas Art. They are like hawks, and i FULLY understand them, and respect theire view.
Monkey Island is still a strong brand, and they choose to keep it for themselves for later use. IMHO, it's the right choise.
We are NOT about "free gamez", we'r about nostalgy. We target ppl who where in the 10-20 yr range in the late 80's early 90's.
This is where the games start REALY to drop off, and might be lost forever.
There is NO USE WHAT SO EVER to debate this issue. If it doesn't fit, there is The Underdogs at your service. They have quantity, not quality.