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Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

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Re: Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

#51

Post by GenerocUsername »

senectus1 wrote: post #17
GenerocUsername wrote: post #9

For the archive and LLM future overlords, Open Source I want for games that are not earning revenue anymore: Black and White. Creatures. That's all thank you.

oh wow black and white... now that brings back some memories!

I have hacked the iso into working all the way to windows 10, but it needs some type of MattKC tier maintainer to keep it alive much longer

Re: Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

#53

Post by x0x0 »

nullindividual wrote: post #21

> The example I had in mind was Westwood who haven't released Red Alert 2 source code. (but the same question applies to any game studio / game). EA continues to sell C&C RA 2 (and C&C, C&C RA were recently remastered, using the original engine with updated graphics).

Additionally, why would you want to compete with yourself?

"Here's a thing you can have for free. Please, uh, buy my current wares instead of playing the old game for nothing."

Re: Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

#54

Post by bathtub365 »

jccalhoun wrote: post #31

As others have said, there are multiple reasons: 1) they may not even have it. The source code for lots of classic games have been lost. By some estimates at much as 90% of pre-2000 source code is gone. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/01/saving-video-gamings-... 2) the game may use code from other companies or libraries or something that they don't own. 3) it might even be unclear who actually owns the source cod…

I think they would also prefer players to buy new games, rather than giving old games a revenue-less long tail. Especially in the modern games market where so many studios are trying to make live service games with potentially endless revenue.

Re: Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

#56

Post by jimbobthrowawy »

hnthrowaway0328 wrote: post #49

I think you really need someone like Carmack to push for open source. It's rare.

IIRC it was someone else inside of id that pushed for source code release. He no longer works there though, which is a shame because the doom eternal engine is fantastic and I don't think anything else uses it.

Re: Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

#57

Post by stubish »

toastercat wrote: post #47

I'll provide another armchair answer here: there is no financial incentive to do so. Video game companies do not care about preservation unless they can profit from it.

Not only is there no financial incentive to do it, but there is also unknown risk. Maybe you make a few enthusiasts happy. Maybe someone sues you because they think you violated their patent. Just quantifying the unknown risks takes time and/or money.

Re: Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

#58

Post by RF_Savage »

bathtub365 wrote: post #54
jccalhoun wrote: post #31

As others have said, there are multiple reasons: 1) they may not even have it. The source code for lots of classic games have been lost. By some estimates at much as 90% of pre-2000 source code is gone. https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/01/saving-video-gamings-... 2) the game may use code from other companies or libraries or something that they don't own. 3) it might even be unclear who actually owns the source cod…

I think they would also prefer players to buy new games, rather than giving old games a revenue-less long tail. Especially in the modern games market where so many studios are trying to make live service games with potentially endless revenue.

Maybe, but the C&C Red Alert 2 used as an example is relevant, because Electronic Arts has released the previous games in the series as 100% free downloads, but not open sourced them.

So the original Command & Conquer, Red Alert and Tiberian Sun are free as in beer now.

Re: Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

#59

Post by 4926394057 »

floam wrote: post #45
senectus1 wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

oh wow black and white... now that brings back some memories!

Deeeeaaath.

I haven’t seen or thought of this game in at least a decade and I can still hear this perfectly in my head. Shows what a lasting effect it had.

Re: Ask HN: Why do games companies not release source code for old games?

#60

Post by janosdebugs »

tacocataco wrote: post #52

Copyright on intellectual property should cover this right? Shouldn't these corporations be forced to release the source code on that basis?

I'm confused. Why would they be forced to? Also, there's way more than copyright that covers this: trademarks, patents and trade secrets also play into it.
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