Shipsets from UniversalShipYards....

ColdSteel · #1 February 1st, 2001, 01:48 AM

This is a good chance to ask some questions on this topic that have been bugging me.

I'm a programmer so the very first thing I wanted to mess with when I started to create my own race was the data files and the race AI. I was hoping that there would be some generic shipsets available out there for download that I could use for my new race. To my dismay I discovered that no one was making any shipsets for that purpose. They all come with some race AI files and a big disclaimer saying no one can use the shipsets without the specific permission of the author. So, not having much recourse, I've learned how to use Moray and am busy now building my own shipset, which is a heckova lot of work, by the way.

So, one question is why isn't anyone building any generic shipsets without the race AI for those in the community who can't build their own shipsets but can modify data files like a pro?

Also, why isn't it enough to give credit to the author of a shipset in a text file that you package with your mod rather than seeking out specific permission. I tried that and I never even got a response back. In every other gaming community that I've ever been a part of this has been the accepted practice. Why is SE4 different?

Mephisto · #2 February 1st, 2001, 02:11 AM

What strikes me is, that the Earth Alliance is only silver as it only has "some basic AI files".
Mmm, ok, could be my hurt ego, but then again, maybe not.

Baron Munchausen · #3 February 1st, 2001, 02:15 AM

quote:
Originally posted by ColdSteel:
This is a good chance to ask some questions on this topic that have been bugging me.

I'm a programmer so the very first thing I wanted to mess with when I started to create my own race was the data files and the race AI. I was hoping that there would be some generic shipsets available out there for download that I could use for my new race. To my dismay I discovered that no one was making any shipsets for that purpose. They all come with some race AI files and a big disclaimer saying no one can use the shipsets without the specific permission of the author. So, not having much recourse, I've learned how to use Moray and am busy now building my own shipset, which is a heckova lot of work, by the way.

So, one question is why isn't anyone building any generic shipsets without the race AI for those in the community who can't build their own shipsets but can modify data files like a pro?

Also, why isn't it enough to give credit to the author of a shipset in a text file that you package with your mod rather than seeking out specific permission. I tried that and I never even got a response back. In every other gaming community that I've ever been a part of this has been the accepted practice. Why is SE4 different?

I think you're reading too much into the copyright notices. Would you seriously expect some graphics designer to sue you because he found out you were using his shipset in a multi-player game (i.e. you sent copies of HIS files to other people so they could see your ships!? Horrors!!

) This notice is to keep some profiteering &^#$*^$ from slapping all these ship sets on a CD and charging $19.95 for it. I would be really surprised if anyone would care that you wrote custom AI files for their ship set. Just distribute the files seperately and include a notice "I use these AI files with the XXX shiptset created by Joe Schmoe" and you'll be fine.

WhiteHojo · #4 February 1st, 2001, 03:02 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Baron Munchausen:
"XXX shipset"

What kind of Ships are you designing Baron????

------------------
Character is best defined as that which you do when you believe nobody is watching.

ColdSteel · #5 February 1st, 2001, 03:15 AM

I think the Baron said those XXX ships were designed by "Joe Schmoe". Can't pin nothin' on him.

Anyway, the Baron's point is well taken. Universal Shipyards *could* be a bit clearer on the issue, though. I think it might discourage some people from using the shipsets, which may not be exactly what was intended. It sure discouraged me.

ColdSteel · #6 February 1st, 2001, 03:17 AM

Mephisto, you was robbed.

pathfinder · #7 February 1st, 2001, 03:33 AM

Cold Steel: there some sets (bronze?) that are simply shipsets.

also the Kuat shipyards and Atrocitie's site has some Sw and ST sets...

also I too am designing a new race but have borrowed heavily in the AI from the EA, then modified the research, designname, anger & I think the politics files. *shrug* all I wanted to do was see if I could do it. hehe, I may over done things it by what I have seen in testing.

and I too have gotten Moray but so far it has proven beyond my abilities to figure it out

So the shipset is the XiChung's with a minor change.

*grumble, wish I could type/spell*

[This message has been edited by pathfinder (edited 01 February 2001).]

[This message has been edited by pathfinder (edited 01 February 2001).]