Release Fallout 2 source code

[Lemmy]

sounds crazy??
not so crazy, read this, from No Mutants Allowed:

Sunday, April 14


Fallout 2 sourcecode petition by Odin - 15:06 - Comment Me (0) - News Source: #Fallout on Gamesnet
Since Fallout 1 and 2 are quite old and it doesn't look like Interplay is ever going to use the code for it. The Fallout community have posted a petition, asking Interplay to release it to the public. So I ask everyone to sign this petition so we, the Fallout community, can make a new Fallout !!

Update: We actually seem to have some support for this, JE Sawyer of BIS posted this little baby:
I think it would be cool if we released the editors and/or source. I do know that there is licensed thirty party sound code in the Fallout and/or Fallout 2 engine, so that would have to be re-written or replaced. We have talked about the possibility in the past. Right now, the division is pretty busy working on IWD2 and/or Jefferson, though.
Could it be for real ? Or are the laywers going to rip us off ?

[Urban Ranger]

Aren't they making Fallout 3? If so, why would they want competition?

[Grumbold]

Anything with ther graphical quality of Fallout 2 would rate as shareware these days so I don't think they'd need be unduly concerned by the competition, particularly if Fallout '3' is going to be a console-only Final Fantasy style game. I will be surprised if they release the source code though. Most companies obstinately hold on to old code forever even if they never pan to use it again - there's been a campaign to get the Darklands code running for years.

[Urban Ranger]

Darklands? The name rings a bell but I can't recall what it is.

At any rate, graphics will be improved. There is also this thing called cost. If a free software version of Fallout 2 is floating around it could put a dent in Fallout 3, considering that it costs nothing and is totally reconfigurable

[Imran Siddiqui]

UR, I guess that depends on if they actually release Fallout 3 for PCs (let's hope ).

[ravagon]

Releasing the source code is a pretty major step and has significant legal ramifications for 3rd-party software produced with said source code.
The graphics issue is also surely moot as anything produced with said source code wouldn't be restricted to the graphics limitations of the original (or would it? ).

So best of luck but I wouldn't hold my breath. After all, civ is up to #3 now (or #2.5 if you want to be cynical ) and the civ1 source code is still safely under lock & key.

[Grumbold]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger
Darklands? The name rings a bell but I can't recall what it is.

A classic Microprose realtime with pause RPG set in Dark Ages Germany. While it had a core plotline to follow there is also an infinite event engine that can keep you adventuring more or less as long as you want to. A game begging for some kind company to buy the rights and give it a graphical overhaul and re-release.

[Scouse Gits]

Wouldn't it be nice if ...

SG[1]

[Paul Go Gain]

The code would be probably being programmer's hell. What I really hated was the bug at FO2, the one that made the car disappear. I waited for the patch but you couldn't restore savegames after installing it!!! I was so upset that I stopped playing FO2.
Ha! Makes me still angry.

[Grumbold]

I can empathise with you, but FO2 is worth replaying with the patch, honest.

[Paul Go Gain]

I tried it a few months ago but it's quite annoying if you know the story already

[Urban Ranger]

I agree that many game companies should release source codes for games they no longer support and/or producing sequels.