Allegiance Rebuild

Jimen · Post by **Jimen** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:24 am

Deathrender wrote:QUOTE (Deathrender @ Mar 12 2015, 02:22 PM) I would appreciate thoughts and feedback on that PM so I can have more input on where to take it from here.

Is that person you PMed a MS insider? His advice sounds reasonable. Microsoft these days is kind of notorious for its multi-layered management hell and poor inter-departmental communication, so somehow tracking down whoever in MS actually "owns" Alleg or whatever program it's become attached to is probably the best starting move. Before we start writing up contracts, it does sound like a good idea to find someone in MS who remembers that Alleg exists and is willing to push things along from the inside for us, or else our request might just get lost in an endless bureaucratic shuffle.

Of course, that then leads into the question of how we could find that person, which I don't really have many answers for. Didn't some MS employees used to be involved in the community way, way back? If anyone knows how to contact them that might be worth a shot; even if they don't work for MS anymore, they might know somebody, or know somebody who knows somebody.

Adaven · Post by **Adaven** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:38 am

Jimen wrote:QUOTE (Jimen @ Mar 12 2015, 07:24 PM) Of course, that then leads into the question of how we could find that person, which I don't really have many answers for. Didn't some MS employees used to be involved in the community way, way back? If anyone knows how to contact them that might be worth a shot; even if they don't work for MS anymore, they might know somebody, or know somebody who knows somebody.

Look at the game's credits and then Google or check LinkedIn. I found personal websites and contact info for half the art devs back when I got the source art.

Deathrender · Post by **Deathrender** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:46 am

The fellow I'm speaking to over Reddit is looking for a copy of the shared source license. Can anyone link that? I can't find it.

It's essential that I get this. These guys can't help much if we can't track it down.

Adaven · Post by **Adaven** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 2:42 am

Deathrender wrote:QUOTE (Deathrender @ Mar 12 2015, 07:46 PM) The fellow I'm speaking to over Reddit is looking for a copy of the shared source license. Can anyone link that? I can't find it.

It's essential that I get this. These guys can't help much if we can't track it down.

http://svn.alleg.net/svn/Allegiance/trunk/src/license.txt

Deathrender · Post by **Deathrender** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 2:51 am

~YO

Thanks for the save, man.

Deathrender · Post by **Deathrender** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 2:59 am

Checked in with Solap. He's not able to offer much help with the whole copyright thing. Said not much of a chance in them releasing it. He's already been the hero we deserve, anyway.

But hey, we've got nothing to lose!

I've invited the person I'm discussing this with on Reddit to join this thread. Sent the license link, too. Will keep you posted.

raumvogel · Post by **raumvogel** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:32 am

Jimen wrote:QUOTE (Jimen @ Mar 12 2015, 08:24 PM) Is that person you PMed a MS insider? His advice sounds reasonable. Microsoft these days is kind of notorious for its multi-layered management hell and poor inter-departmental communication, so somehow tracking down whoever in MS actually "owns" Alleg or whatever program it's become attached to is probably the best starting move. Before we start writing up contracts, it does sound like a good idea to find someone in MS who remembers that Alleg exists and is willing to push things along from the inside for us, or else our request might just get lost in an endless bureaucratic shuffle.

Of course, that then leads into the question of how we could find that person, which I don't really have many answers for. Didn't some MS employees used to be involved in the community way, way back? If anyone knows how to contact them that might be worth a shot; even if they don't work for MS anymore, they might know somebody, or know somebody who knows somebody.

I'm going to hold off on that e-mail,then.

peet · Post by **peet** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:56 am

After reading the license I agree that finding the correct legal M$ person seems the only way. I doubt it's even legal to port FA to a modern game engine, putting it on - say - Steam seems prohibited. Heck, I doubt that even changing the audio samples to another format is allowed.

Idea: maybe someone can find out who represents the legal department in M$? Surely they know who "holds" the rights?

notjarvis · Post by **notjarvis** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:34 am

peet wrote:QUOTE (peet @ Mar 13 2015, 07:56 AM) I doubt it's even legal to port FA to a modern game engine, putting it on - say - Steam seems prohibited.

As I understood it - It isn't legal, or it is legal to do that if you want - but you still wouldn't own the rights to it or be able to put it on steam etc.

Only way to do it and "own" your product. would be to make an "Allegiance-a-like" with no reference to the story/factions etc. and no reused artwork, and also a great amount of care on the terminology used in game.
The Trick is to make it Allegiance-a-like, but not so allegiance alike you could fairly be accused of ripping them off.

Creating the game engine would be a large part, even if easier nowadays - but all the other required tasks would be very time consuming too.

Post by **MagisterXF94** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:43 am

I could ask my friend to pitch our case to MSR. he's no lawyer, but he is the only direct to link to MS that i've got.