if it's not abandonware........

Matthew on 4/9/2007 at 10:55

Also, Shock 2 is technically still available at retail in at least one country represented on these forums, whereas Shock 1 is not. That's also a factor here, I believe.

Assidragon on 4/9/2007 at 11:00

From legal standpoint, SS1 is no more abandonware than SS2 (read: not abandonware at all, downloading and/or distributing is illegal and punishable).

It's just more accepted on this forum to download, while SS2 aint. Think of it as a local custom to get used to. :thumb:

C0rtexReaver on 4/9/2007 at 14:03

I'm sorry, but if it's not in print and you can't get support for it, it is absolutely abandonware.

Does it mean it's free & legal to copy & distribute, not necessarily, but splitting this hair over "abandonware" is simply moronic.

-CR

icemann on 4/9/2007 at 14:05

I see it alot like music downloading. If you really like the band, you go out and buy their album. Where as if you only liked one of their songs but hated the rest, then you`ll just go and download it. Or thats my way of goin about it usually.

Same goes with games. And now I`m not saying that TTLG made bad games. I love the vast majority of em. But EA on the other hand is a different kettle of fish entirely.

Rogue Keeper on 4/9/2007 at 14:22

In before thread is locked.

Quote Posted by C0rtexReaver

but splitting this hair over "abandonware" is simply moronic.

Sorry, but there is really nothing like abandonware in legal terminology. It's just a term the gamers have invented out of thin air.
Everybody is free to do what he wants to get a game which he can't buy, it's matter of an individual decision, but he doesn't have any right to defend that act with "but it's abandonware!"

What I don't understand is why EA doesn't make a re-edition of the game or doesn't sell the rights for third party budget edition or make it available for some gaming mags to covermount. Obviously they must see there is still considerable interest in the game and they could make some little money on it.

Stupid stupid policy.

Matthew on 4/9/2007 at 14:41

It'll be included in the Collector's Edition of System Shock 3. :p

Nameless Voice on 4/9/2007 at 14:43

I notice that (http://www.gameswarehouse.com.au/longpage.asp?gameid=2950) Games Warehouse are no longer selling the game.
I did find this, though: (http://www.zerenox.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=54121) System Shock 2 for $107. Great price, eh?

The reason downloading SS2 is so discouraged here is because a) it is still, theoretically, available for purchase and b) EA are a very unfriendly company who aggressively protect their IP, and TTLG don't want to be sued.

Oh, and if you are unable to find a copy of the game for sale, and decide to go the abandonware route, do not ever mention it here. The locals really love to flame people over this.

D'Arcy on 4/9/2007 at 14:52

We locals simply don't provide any support for problems experienced with a warez version of the game. Nor we allow people to divulge where did they get their warez copy from.

Oh, and look here: (http://cgi.ebay.com/System-Shock-2-PC-Games-Used-Great-Shape-No-scratches_W0QQitemZ220146492230QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220146492230) SS2 for $0.99. Exorbitant price, huh?

Nameless Voice on 4/9/2007 at 16:04

Okay, maybe I'm just stupid, but it seems to me that buying the game second-hand off eBay doesn't help to support the developers. Or even count as someone still selling the game, for that matter.
(Also, that's an auction which will probably shoot up in the next 6 days.)

C0rtexReaver on 4/9/2007 at 16:53

Quote Posted by D'Arcy

Oh, and look here: (http://cgi.ebay.com/System-Shock-2-PC-Games-Used-Great-Shape-No-scratches_W0QQitemZ220146492230QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220146492230) SS2 for $0.99. Exorbitant price, huh?

You really have no freak'n clue as to the concept of eBay, do you?

-CR