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An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

openttd.org

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Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#11

Post by mhitza »

The initial post has omitted any reason for the change. Of course people would speculate, including in the HN comments.

What seemed majority at the time was the idea of some collaboration/partnership and monetary exchange.

I think its a good lesson in communication, especially when you have a dedicated community. Transparency is welcome.

Regarding Atari and "their rights", there hasn't been an Atari for way too long and the IP was passed between companies left and right without additive value to users. I expect transport tycoon to be another cash grab, but happy to be surprised for the better.

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#12

Post by Closi »

paxys wrote: post #4

I'm sure I'm missing some context but what is Atari's role here exactly? Isn't OpenTTD an independent and fully legal project? What is Atari's basis for asking for a "compromise"? Or is it just the case that the project maintainers got paid off?

Atari own all the IP and copyright.

While OpenTTD is open source, it's basis is really that the original game was reverse-engineered, originally using the original assets, and then rebuilt.

Also all the map data etc is owned by Atari, so you need to have a 'genuine' copy to access all the levels etc.

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#13

Post by paxys »

Closi wrote: post #12
paxys wrote: post #4

I'm sure I'm missing some context but what is Atari's role here exactly? Isn't OpenTTD an independent and fully legal project? What is Atari's basis for asking for a "compromise"? Or is it just the case that the project maintainers got paid off?

Atari own all the IP and copyright. While OpenTTD is open source, it's basis is really that the original game was reverse-engineered, originally using the original assets, and then rebuilt. Also all the map data etc is owned by Atari, so you need to have a 'genuine' copy to access all the levels etc.

What copyright? OpenTTD doesn't copy any code or assets from the original game. It is a ground-up rewrite. There is no copyright violation.

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#14

Post by LoganDark »

paxys wrote: post #4

I'm sure I'm missing some context but what is Atari's role here exactly? Isn't OpenTTD an independent and fully legal project? What is Atari's basis for asking for a "compromise"? Or is it just the case that the project maintainers got paid off?

Atari probably threatened to take it down if there wouldn't be a compromise. So a compromise was worked out that wouldn't require a takedown.

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#15

Post by legitster »

As a sidenote, this whole situation implies just how important platforms are.

Nothing about OpenTTD has changed. You can literally just go download it off their website for free - same as it was 20 years ago. And you can add it to your Steam library just fine. It's only been on the Steam store for 5 of those years.

But the open internet is dead now and just being "de-merchandised" from a platform feels like being relegated to the dark web (maybe something the open source community doesn't quite fully appreciate).

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#16

Post by speefers »

CivBase wrote: post #7

> we have not been “pressured” by Atari to make these changes. > Atari approached us to explain their plans for the Transport Tycoon Deluxe re-release, and what it might mean for OpenTTD. > we understood that a compromise would be needed to balance Atari’s commercial interests […] against the availability of a free, well-developed evolution of the game. Sounds to me like you were pressured by Atari to make these chan…

[dead]

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#17

Post by 999900000999 »

This is beyond reasonable.

You can still download it for free outside of Steam.

If I make a Sonic fan game and Sega is like, you can keep it online, but just not on Steam, that’s nice.

In this situation you still have the option of playing it on Steam for a modest price

The alternative is the Nintendo route…

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#18

Post by ApolloFortyNine »

>Additionally, as part of the discussions we held, Atari agreed to make a contribution towards the running costs of our server infrastructure. We are also extremely grateful for the many donations that have come in over the past few days from users - your support will help keep our services going, and it is deeply appreciated.

That's pretty cool of them.

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#19

Post by sylos »

paxys wrote: post #13
Closi wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Atari own all the IP and copyright. While OpenTTD is open source, it's basis is really that the original game was reverse-engineered, originally using the original assets, and then rebuilt. Also all the map data etc is owned by Atari, so you need to have a 'genuine' copy to access all the levels etc.

What copyright? OpenTTD doesn't copy any code or assets from the original game. It is a ground-up rewrite. There is no copyright violation.

I read somewhere that it's not a clean room rewrite but rather it started off as a reverse engineering.

Re: An update on Steam / GOG changes for OpenTTD

#20

Post by designerarvid »

paxys wrote: post #13
Closi wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Atari own all the IP and copyright. While OpenTTD is open source, it's basis is really that the original game was reverse-engineered, originally using the original assets, and then rebuilt. Also all the map data etc is owned by Atari, so you need to have a 'genuine' copy to access all the levels etc.

What copyright? OpenTTD doesn't copy any code or assets from the original game. It is a ground-up rewrite. There is no copyright violation.

Reproducing someone’s intellectual property and publishing it is exactly what constitutes a copyright violation.

You can retype someone’s book with your keyboard, it’s still not yours.

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