"Can players use legal means to prevent the deactivation of an MMOG, or to force developers to open source a game prior to deactivation?"
I've always thought that they should either open source, or give away the server software (if open sourcing means giving away proprietary tech), since you bought the game you should be able to play it at any time, even after the servers are down.
Player could then start their own servers if they so wanted, and a few probably would, and then gamers could get together and play the game again.
Yes, I do realize that setting up the servers would be expensive for players, but look at the kind of crazy things players will do just for the love of their games (See Multi Theft Auto and Chrono Ressurection for two very time consuming mods).
Re: Server openjbourrieJanuary 4 2006, 18:10:39 UTC
It would also be an interesting way to educate and silence the droves of MMO whiners that are convinced that the devs suck and they don't care. Show em all the hell that goes into maintaining and tweaking a game in real time.
I think if companies were forced to give away their software or open source it, you'd find something in the EULA that says by playing this game you agree that they do not have to give away the software/source code in the event they close the game.
I know whats real.
anonymous
January 4 2006, 18:25:14 UTC
It is an enlightening thought that things done in a virtual world could have legal ramifications for people who pay to play. However with the questions you have presented, I tend to wonder others myself such as: Can the individuals who use the virtual property they sale as a means of living be charged with theft? I ask this for the following reason, lets take the example of a television cable service. Like MMORPGs, you pay to access the service of playing the game, the publisher as well as the developer own creative control over everything associated with it, from the little spec of polygons that form grass to the mammoth-size graphics that are some of the beautiful scenery. They can change and alter these devices because they own the right to, we as players pay for the right to rent time to observe and enjoy the opporunity to mix in with this environment. However, those who do things like sell various items to the real world are in effect taking the items of creativity from both the publisher and developer and selling them to
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Re: I know whats real.tyrillpaladinJanuary 4 2006, 18:57:48 UTC
"However, those who do things like sell various items to the real world are in effect taking the items of creativity from both the publisher and developer and selling them to make a profit where the only thing expended is the time gaining said item and doing so without the creator's permission.I think the important point to note is you're not actually selling the item in question. You're selling your right to use said item to someone else, as well as marketing the services and time rendered to obtain said item. The item in question never belonged to you, thus it's not yours to sell. But the ability to use it was given to you by the company that does own it and obtained through your own sacrifice of time, which is legally sellable
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Comments 42
I've always thought that they should either open source, or give away the server software (if open sourcing means giving away proprietary tech), since you bought the game you should be able to play it at any time, even after the servers are down.
Player could then start their own servers if they so wanted, and a few probably would, and then gamers could get together and play the game again.
Yes, I do realize that setting up the servers would be expensive for players, but look at the kind of crazy things players will do just for the love of their games (See Multi Theft Auto and Chrono Ressurection for two very time consuming mods).
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