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[Tulac]

Well TBH I think that that idea would never be profitable, because I'm not sure that the demand is that big, so it would probably be available on a limited amount of places, and still the costs of operating such a machine are quite high...
However I think that old game compilations on a disc (with a PDF maual, and maybe community forums to ask for help) would be a much more logical step...

[Quintopotere]

Originally posted by Ghost Pig@May 19 2006, 04:54 PM
I hope this proves that I am dedicated to the cause

That's proving enough for me k:

Even if you got negative results, I thank you for your try

[Ghost Pig]

In an ideal world, guesst's suggestion would be possible - it sounds awesome; and the fact that such things should be possible only make it all the more infuriating... Imagine, a machine that could produce any game from history, and in a form that would work on your PC!

Sadly, costs and the fact that it's damned hard to get a response for developers/publishers (although I imagine that this is much easier if you've got the cash to impress them with) means that this would stay as nothing but a pipe dream...

Of course, you could always reduce costs by having it via an online distribution system, but letting the people own the game, instead of having to pay monthy installments to keep playing with them.

Quintopotere - thanks! I'm going to keep trying and hopefully I'll report back when I get a positive result.

[guesst]

Originally posted by Ghost Pig@May 20 2006, 06:47 PM
In an ideal world, guesst's suggestion would be possible - it sounds awesome; and the fact that such things should be possible only make it all the more infuriating... Imagine, a machine that could produce any game from history, and in a form that would work on your PC!

Sadly, costs and the fact that it's damned hard to get a response for developers/publishers (although I imagine that this is much easier if you've got the cash to impress them with) means that this would stay as nothing but a pipe dream...

Of course, you could always reduce costs by having it via an online distribution system, but letting the people own the game, instead of having to pay monthy installments to keep playing with them.

Quintopotere - thanks! I'm going to keep trying and hopefully I'll report back when I get a positive result.

Well, I don't know about ANY game in history. But start with a library of 25-100 and add more as you get the rights and stuff, making sure that the conversion process includes sufficent enough testing that you're not selling lemons. Start with the big ones (your system shock2 and Alien breed, maybe X-Com and others) that people are likely to be excited about.

Cost, yes, and demand are issues. Will it actually turn a profit after 2 years? 5 years? Ever? But assuming it will there is another major issue. With a legal distribution of these games sites like this will have to be shut down. Abandonware sites would be unjustifyable. All the work and effort that has gone into this site alone, never mind the others... makes me sad actually.

[Ghost Pig]

Just as an update (as I know you've all been dying to know what's happening), following on from Team17's response, the Bitmap Brothers have emailed to say that at this moment they are working though their titles to make them work on XP and will be releasing them for sale on their web site in the near future - which makes me very happy indeed.

Also, Electronic Arts mailed to say:

We also do not have the resources to appropriately patch and clear the rights for license products we no longer sell at retail. That said, I can only imagine in the next couple years all publishers will make their classic back catalog titles available to consumers via legal downloading channels.[/b]

The second part of which hints at a possible happy ending...

The campaign itself hasn't really achieved much, but at least I've learnt that some of my old favourites have been entirely forgotten about!

I do intend to try to organise a physical mail shot, especially as companies like Blizzard don't have an appropriate (public) email address - no doubt I shall re-emerge and tell you more about that once I've had the time to plan.

[Tom Henrik]

Well, I think it sounds promising, really

[Quintopotere]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ghost Pig @ Jul 7 2006, 08:13 PM) [snapback]242157[/snapback]</div>

The campaign itself hasn't really achieved much
[/b]

Well, you received answers with some good news... that's something, in my opinion!

[SupSuper]

Doesn't Blizzard still sell their old titles?

[_r.u.s.s.]

like those?=]
http://www.abandonia.com/games/en/422/Warcraft.htm
http://www.abandonia.com/games/en/56/Blackthorne.htm

[Abi79]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SupSuper @ Jul 8 2006, 05:02 PM) [snapback]242225[/snapback]</div>

Doesn't Blizzard still sell their old titles? [/b]

I don't think so. I could find the first Warcraft or BlackThrone in their online store.