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Obtain source code for games (where possible)
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Avimimus A number of games would benefit from ongoing support (i.e. compatibility fixs by 3rd parties). This could be streamlined if GoG.com would look into obtaining the release of any surviving source code for games, while acquiring publishing/distribution rights. In many cases developers would be willing to go open source except for (ancient) agreements with publishers that prevent this.
kitsuneae I think they already are doing this. If so, keep it up. If not... please start hunting. :)
fridgeband That would be nice
SnowHonkey This would be of awesome use to finally fix Dungeon keeper 2.
shaddim hurray! :) Another game's source code saved: Airline Tycoon deluxe www.gog.com/news/release_bairline_tycoon_deluxeb Thank you gog.com! :)
shaddim @rlvampire: no principle legal issues with this wish. Not more than with the "bringing games out of Abandonware" thinggy which gog has been doing now successfully for years.
rlvampire Legal issues with this wish request. No Vote -1
PaladinWay With Linux now as a supported platform, progress on this could be made by simply adding new free games that point to Ubuntu repo versions of games and list them as only supported for Linux. Toss on a disclaimer about the game not being supported by GOG but being listed as a convenience to members (and allow a filter in the store for it). After that, be receptive to others asking for "unsupported by GOG and open source" listings.
Granted, that's not quite what the original author has in mind, but it would be more achievable and get the concept rolling.
vetra_gamer Releasing Quake I source was a boon for quake fans, adding updated modern GFX, designing new features, and so much more.
I want to see "Nexus: The Jupiter Incident" with a modern GFX, fix bugs, go far beyond the tech demo. Using modern GFX cards, give it a modern feel. Fix the many bugs and design problems. I like for users to have the Tech2 Demo as base code for upgrades.
Starfighter 3000 has some great gameplay, but it's GFX are crude. Give it modern GFX and the same gameplay. It would be an even better game.
Many other older games like "Empire Earth I" would benefit for gfx face lift. I still play EEI over modern games. Yes, I know it is a massive cheater. I like to see the AI upgraded, so it doesn't have to cheat.
Vote for these games and so many more to release the source code with a compiler...
SeriousToni *thumbs up*
shaddim @FlamingWire: there seems to be some progress on conquest frontier wars compilation conquestfw.forumatic.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=95&start=150#p3167
FlamingFirewire If only someone could work with this games' source code and get it working on Win8: www.gog.com/game/conquest_frontier_wars
skeletonbow It would be fantastic if the rights owners for any games would be willing to release any particular title under a proper open source license. Even if it were just the code without the data assets. This would maximize the availability of a given game on any platform and allow long standing bugs in many games to be fixed and contributed back for consideration for an official patch among other things. Some publishers might be open to the idea just for the asking I imagine, presuming a game's code can be unmarried from any proprietary licensed technologies it might use (ie: Bink Video, Miles Sound, etc.) Hopefully one way or another we'll see more publishers throw their source code out there for old games eventually.
shaddim @madhog6: That's the spirit! ;) Some encouraging emails to GOG, EA, former Bullfrog studio developers and Peter Molyneaux might help too... ;P (just kidding)
madhog6 Dungeon Keeper 2 source code!!! Definitely yes!!! Tired of dumb AI!!! Dumb AI Definitely no!!! Thanks!!!
shaddim @stan423321: in such cases these parts can be plainly cut out, the community will find subsitute solutions. Like e.g. OpenJK did. github.com/JACoders/OpenJK
stan423321 The whole problem is the "where possible" part. And it doesn't always involve publishers - there are a few known occurences of games using a sound middleware prohibiting game's source distribution for whatever reason.
shmerl Definitely great idea, even though it's very non trivial in most cases.
GlacialTurtle I heartily support this. Source code would allow for many improvement, more extensive modding and less burden on GOG. It might even lessen the dependence on community mods to provide fixes in sometimes hackish ways.
shaddim more concrete process is suggested in this wish: www.gog.com/wishlist/site/add_feature_to_unglue_a_gamelanguagesource_code
shaddim connected to this wish (as motivation) www.gog.com/wishlist/site/travel_back_in_time_to_acquire_lost_source_codes
shaddim Indeed, this would make sense! e.g. "Arx Fatalis" shows that this model works well, source code saved (for getting lost forever), the game gets patched and source ported by the community and the game content is sold here. Win-win situation for everyone! :) Please, good patch support for new hardware and platforms is only possible with available source code! :) see als: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_commercial_video_games_with_later_released_source_code
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