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[mirrorshades]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cazgotsaved @ Mar 11 2007, 12:00 PM) [snapback]282980[/snapback]</div>

Why does a company hold copyrights to a game that they never plan on releasing for purchase anyway? (Like lands of lore, which was only recently released as free/abandon?)
[/b]

The problem is that copyright gives a company the right to make something available -- or not -- as they choose. It's that "or not" part that causes the problems associated with abandonware. This means that they can never be forced to do anything in particular with a title they hold the copyright to.

It's up to them to decide what they will do. My guess is that Daggerfall has so many problems running on modern machines (even using DOSBox), that they'd rather just keep it to themselves instead of releasing it. Even with no strings attached and no warranties, it looks bad if a company releases a game that will give people trouble.

But... it's out there. Just a matter of finding it.

[gregor]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mirrorshades @ Mar 12 2007, 08:53 PM) [snapback]283268[/snapback]</div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(cazgotsaved @ Mar 11 2007, 12:00 PM) [snapback]282980[/snapback]

Why does a company hold copyrights to a game that they never plan on releasing for purchase anyway? (Like lands of lore, which was only recently released as free/abandon?)
[/b]

The problem is that copyright gives a company the right to make something available -- or not -- as they choose. It's that "or not" part that causes the problems associated with abandonware. This means that they can never be forced to do anything in particular with a title they hold the copyright to.
[/b][/quote]


copyright -> only they have the right to make copies of the product.

you dont' need to be producer but can have copyright. you can buy & transfer copyright.