Re: Re: Open source?

From: Michael Akinde <michael.yahoo_at_...>
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:08:02 +0200

waferthinninja skrev:

>   

>> [I'm posting this reply to a private message here, because it's
>> probably of general interest, and because the direct reply bounced]
>>
>>
>>> All technical details aside, I'd love to hear from the developers:
>>> is opening up the source code something that A# has already planned,
>>> is considering, may consider in the future, or already ruled out?
>>>
>> I have yet to see any compelling reason for it to be open source.
>>
>> The technical details are pretty serious, because they prevent one
>> possible goal: more people playing the game.
>> --
>>

>
> The compelling reason is the same compelling reason any software is made open source - you open the code up to a huge pool of talent who will improve your product for you, for free. They will fix bugs, port the game to different platforms etc, just for the sheer love of it. You just have to let them. Your concerns over the technical difficulties underestimates the skill and determination of the coding world at large. 
>
> The sales you are still getting for this 10 year old game are down to word of mouth - fans like us talking the game up and showing it to people. Opening the source would revive the interest of lot of fans, lead to more word of mouth and more sales. 
>   

I agree with most of the above. Though I'm not sure that opening the source would lead to more sales. Open source = anyone who wants to bad enough can compile it = essentially free.

IMO, open-sourcing the game would be purely a gift from the developers to the game community that has enjoyed the game over the years. If A-Sharp is still earning enough money of the product to make it more than just a footnote, I agree with David that it is hard to find a compelling reason to go open source.

Regards,

Michael A.

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