59 replies to this topic

[John Woods]

So, technically, don't think it is abandonware because of definition it seems to be "discontinued software" as I understand. The 2005 USPTO filing by Sierra On-line confirms that?
To sustain entitlement to rights, the rights holder must exercise rights. If not, that's abandonware. But Sierra went further and gave them up with that notice? That's how I read it.

Still, what is the goal here? Get GOG to post full version.

Think if they did, that would open the way to enhanced freeware full version GPL 2016, by sometime in 20xx?
That would be a pretty big file is my guess.

Edited by John Woods, Nov 05 2015 - 03:08 PM.

[Pete Gaimari]

A better solution is to offer it as a free download with all updates, but that would be a big download now that I think about it. Lots of bandwidth for that.

A cheap CD would be better.

[Paddy the Irishman]

Thanks Saiph,  I will investigate.  At present I have log in details on a Flash Drive so that they are not available to Hackers (I hope!)

[Michkov]

Pete Gaimari, on Nov 05 2015 - 10:42 AM, said:

What does it mean exactly when a title is abandon? I would think it means they don't care who sells the CD anymore?

Once you start selling something, even if its just to cover costs, they'll take notice. A free download is the a feasable alternative but still in a grey area, as all abandonware is.

Iestyn16, on Nov 05 2015 - 02:42 PM, said:

If it's abandonware, then what would be the point in making CDs and paying for shipping? It would be easier just to put it together like GPL 2004 demo, and download/install 'GPL 2016' .

A GPL16 demo wouldn't hurt IMO. It would contain:

• GPL v1.3
  
• 67 carset, updated with the latest graphic updates
  
• Watkins Glen or Monza also fully update*
  
• V2 rasterizers
  
• 60fps patch
  
• GEM

All packed into a single installer so new players can come in and not have to hunt down all the updates. Its basically the 04 demo with all the updates from the last 11 years. Pack that together with a readme that points people to here and where to download mod/tracks/misc. updates and you have a functional GPL installer. All that separates the demo from the full game is 10 tracks, maybe we should consider making the remaining tracks available on the ATDB and assume the program is abandoned.

*From my understanding there were two demo versions one containing Monza the other Watkins Glen so those two are fair game to share from the original 11. An addon track could be included as well to show what the program is capable of but IMO a fully updated Monza/WatGlen does the job.

[John Woods]

We are going way off topic.

But...also, there's Lee's patches, Historical carsets, VROC and IGOR links with sorted out core.ini...lots of things that could be included rather than have to find out about them and then find them and get them working with whatever hodgepodge a new user may create.
Even a GPL 2016 Update to GOG Download would probably need its own site.

However, comments are very easy to make and bear no responsibility for fulfillment and sustained diligence maintaining a blue sky rosy future great idea.

In comparison, encouraging GOG to post a full version requires no more responsibility or perseverance than helping to get that done, then its there whether anything else happens or not, and either way, better to have a full version there than not.

Thanks Saiph for giving this idea a big bump. Know we and several others have just voted and made a comment on GOG, both things Natalia recommended. We should take her at her word that it's a good idea if we want to help them justify their effort.

Hopefully many others will agree and take the time to make their vote count as well.

Edited by John Woods, Nov 07 2015 - 08:54 AM.

[Michkov]

I found an interesting article how GOG goes about acquiring the rights to sell classic games. And the lengths they go to get them running on modern systems
https://www.rockpaper...sic-videogames/

Edited by Michkov, Nov 05 2015 - 10:53 PM.

[John Woods]

Thanks for the link Michkov, interesting site for sure and good read about GOG.

Grand Prix Legends ranks 14th on their List of 25 Best of the Best Sim Games ever, btw.
In the review its noted "only the demo is needed nowadays."

Then there's a link to gpllinks.org...yeah!
Thanks RockPaper guys.

[M Needforspeed]

On the three Amazon links posted by Pete, we can regreat  that all the pages ignore the compatibility with  recent Microsoft OS . Not the best way to promote the sales !  



Window 95, Window Me,Window 98 ...or XP at best ! Some will think twice before buying the great game if they haven 't put the effort to find that GPL Is compatible with all Redmond platforms so far

Edited by M Needforspeed, Nov 06 2015 - 02:41 PM.

[ed76]

Nice updated "demo" 2013 :
https://www.f1legends...nstallation.php

Many tracks with updates :
https://www.f1legends...date/update.php

Edited by ed76, Nov 07 2015 - 02:05 PM.

[Pete Gaimari]

M Needforspeed, on Nov 06 2015 - 02:30 PM, said:

On the three Amazon links posted by Pete, we can regreat  that all the pages ignore the compatibility with  recent Microsoft OS . Not the best way to promote the sales !  



Window 95, Window Me,Window 98 ...or XP at best ! Some will think twice before buying the great game if they haven 't put the effort to find that GPL Is compatible with all Redmond platforms so far

Yes, that's bad. I never noticed that.

[John Woods]

ed76, on Nov 06 2015 - 02:37 PM, said:

Nice updated "demo" :
https://www.f1legends...nstallation.php

Many tracks with updates :
https://www.f1legends...date/update.php

Just installed demo GPL 2013 F1Legends. Wuhoo! Had no idea. Great job.
Clic, clic, clic, click, click and drive. Well done!
Been there for almost 3 years? Duh.
Thanks for posting.

With GOG posting full version we'd have all tracks available.

(check for new link to download page on gpllinks.org)

Edited by John Woods, Nov 07 2015 - 08:56 AM.

[Pete Gaimari]

Can't be as up to date as 1.07 installer?

[John Woods]

No parle vous Francais.
Muy sort of read it, so no idea.
Installer worked fine, menu graphics look great.

For anyone interested in installing a demo, this is an excellent alternative to the 2004, includes new menu graphics, 1.3 patch, Prib, GPLShift, Urbanya and Watkins Glen 67, sounds, updated cars...

If someone puts a demo on a disc then uses the 1.07 Installer does that work?

Edited by John Woods, Nov 07 2015 - 09:12 AM.

[Stefan Roess]

Thx for this good idea, Saiph.
Would be great.


A Demo 2016 would also be great, but will take much time to get the permissons of the creators of the updates. And many of the authors are not active with GPL anymore.
I can offer webspace for hosting. ☺

[ginetto]

Well,  creators of the updates wanted them released to the public.
A demo with their updates will not feel them anything but proud to be chosen for it.

I really cannot see why a released update can be refused to go in a public release together with others updates this being the only difference.