[C4:AC] Signup for the project here!

[ForesterSOF]

Have Civ 4 now.

Like others I also find myself drawn back to SMAC/X no matter what I play.

[Nightlifter]

I would like to join in this effort. don't care what I do I just want to contribute. I am fluent in C++ and java, and am willing to learn xml.

I don't have Civ 4 yet but I do have smac, as soon as I buy my new computer a little later this year, I will put both on it.

if there is some way I can be of use please PM me or reply!

[Corvi #6]

Im with nightlifter: i dont have the game but id like to help anyway. btw, if you guys manage to pull this off ill definately be buying civ4. maybe you could get funding from firaxis

[Darsnan]

Originally posted by Corvi #6
maybe you could get funding from firaxis

Nope - this is a labor of love, for a game that deserves it.
Right now the main issue is clearing the legal hurdle. Then once the SDK comes out things will probably get rolling.


D

[GeoModder]

Its starting to look like the SDK will be out before the legal hurdle is taken.

[Corvi #6]

Darsan:
yeah, i know, i was jk!

i really hope you guys get this thing to fly!

btw, is it illegal to start working before the legal stuff is taken care of? so long as you dont post any of it online till the legalities are sorted?

[Darsnan]

Originally posted by GeoModder
Its starting to look like the SDK will be out before the legal hurdle is taken.

The legal hurdle is significant. I really should've given this more consideration when bT and I first started discussing the C4:AC mod about a year ago (although the ramifications of Firaxis being bought by Take2 couldn't have been forseen at that time). Something that really needs to be considered deeply is that Firaxis Games owns SMAC and SMAX, but its EA Games (which is actually now a competitor of Firaxis) that owns the publishing rights (if I understand the legal ramifications correctly). Because EA Games is still publishing SMAC (and SMAX in a very shrewd marketing manner), then they have nothing to gain and everything to lose by consenting to allowing us to move forward with employing SMACX graphics and themes in our mod, as if we are succesful then who is going to want to buy the old version of SMACX?
EA Games also has to assign personnel to reviewing the whole gamut of legal ramifications for processing the request of allowing us to use "their" graphics and themes, and whenever a company talks about personnel, they then link this directly to cost, and when they talk cost then this is directly linked to Return on Investment. The "Return on Investment" in this case would be a negative number, as if EA Games consented to letting us use "their" graphics and themes, then it would probably be killing one of their cash cows (as SMACX must be, as it has very little overhead for them - just burn more CD's whenever they need to, and reap the profits from there!).


D

[Zoid]

But the profits from a game released in ´99 must surely be negligible? When I bought my third AC game (don´t ask ) it only cost me £4,99. SMACX on the other hand is out of print and sells for ridiculous prices at Amazon and eBay. EA doesn´t even sell it anymore, so why should they mind if we make an expansion?

[PJayTycy]

There are 2 possibilities for them:

A) Just say NO. No other work required.

B) Say YES. Then they have to make sure they don't lose money on it (ie: requesting everyone needs an original smacx cd to play) and make sure the quality of the game is high enough.

C) They don't care and say nothing.

I am actually glad it takes a while to get an answer. This means they atleast are not saying NO without thinking about it.

[Padmewan]

I'm interested in helping out. I would be interested in:

* Writing and editing. I hate bad grammar and spelling. Also, the most compelling aspect of SMAC to me is the storyline, so I would like to see that maintained as much as possible.

* Game design and mechanics. But who doesn't?

* I would be willing to learn Python / XML if necessary, but while I could probably pick it up quickly, I'm not sure I have the chops (or the time) necessary.

* As I mentioned in the legal thread, I'm an attorney, albeit a non-practicing one (inactive member of the bar in Massachusetts). Maybe I can be helpful with that as well.

[bioengineer]

What are minimum qualifications to join as programmer?

I am a former computer engineering student who is a fan of both Civ IV and SMAC. I am looking to gain software development experience later this spring and this summer. I've had a few programming classes before I took some time off to get some experience before I go back to finish my electrical/computer degree. What are the minimum requirements to join as a programmer? What would it take? Thanks!

[Senethro]

Thanks for the offers, Padmewan and bioengineer!

Pad: Don't worry about the legal side, although its quiet there are unseen forces at work already.

bio: Not being a programmer myself, I can't give you very good information but there will be programming tasks across many levels of skill. I think familiarity with python would be most useful.

[bioengineer]

So you mean that I can join the team if I want? If so, when does the project start? As soon as the SDK is out?

[Zoid]

I think that´s the general idea

[bioengineer]

What time is the chat in central standard time? 2 p.m. CST, if it's at 8 p.m. UTC, right?