The Future of Space Empires IV

Atrocities · #1 May 28th, 2008, 09:53 PM

The amount of people playing SE IV has dropped off dramatically over the last two years to the point that the game is for all intents and purposes, dead. It has been milked for every last cent that it can produce and unless Aaron is willing to revisit the game and fix some of the glaring remaining bugs, so thing that he is not likely going to do, then its a safe bet to say that SE IV is past its prime and now on its last days if not already dead.

So why not get Aaron to release the source code for SE IV and let the modding community have at it? I mean the games earning potential is all but extinct at this point so why not toss the fans a much needed meaty bone and give up the source code so that they can "fix" the remaining issues and perhaps even expand the game some?

The game is after all nearly eight years old and 100% of games that old have either already released the source codes or have gone completely from the memories of players. The programing of SE IV cannot be that "secret" that after eight years its still of prized value and all.

The likelihood of an expansion pack for SE IV coming from SFI is about as likely as finding humanoid life in the core of the moon a week from last Tuesday. (In other words not gonna ever happen.)

SE IV is past its prime and its time to let the fans have it completely.

Suicide Junkie · #2 May 28th, 2008, 10:13 PM

What's all that now?

I've found things are picking up for CBmod.

Atrocities · #3 May 29th, 2008, 12:27 AM

Really? Well that is indeed very welcome news. I have been advertising the game all over the place trying to get people interested in them. But still, it would be nice if Aaron released the source code.

Kana · #4 May 29th, 2008, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Suicide Junkie said:
What's all that now?

I've found things are picking up for CBmod.

Yep quite enjoying PBC IV as well...

Fyron · #5 May 29th, 2008, 01:06 AM

The one overriding constant over the years has been AT's doom and gloom!

Atrocities · #6 May 29th, 2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Fyron said:
The one overriding constant over the years has been AT's doom and gloom!

I am sorry, but I don't see this as doom and gloom. And regardless, look at my chosen user name. That should explain everything.

Captain Kwok · #7 May 29th, 2008, 01:34 PM

You could argue that releasing the SE4 source code and the subsequent free user compiled versions would hurt sales of any future Space Empires title. So I could see some reluctance on MM's part if it might threaten his financial security.

It might make more sense for MM to open up parts of the SE6 engine to modding as the AI was opened up in SE5.

PvK · #8 June 10th, 2008, 03:55 PM

I think not, Gandalf.

Urendi Maleldil · #9 May 29th, 2008, 11:29 AM

I agree. But the best way for Aaron to release the source code is to promote SE6, whenever it might come out. Or at least to sustain the modding community for SE5.

That said, I'm still working hard on the massive Advanced SE4 mod. I just discovered a few ancient quadrant mods, so I'll have to retool the Advanced Quadrants mod when I get the chance.

Right now I'm working on the hugest components.txt file ever.

Fyron · #10 May 29th, 2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Urendi Maleldil said:
Right now I'm working on the hugest components.txt file ever.

Bigger than the 50 MB file SJ made for GritEcon one time?

Quote:

Captain Krock said:
It might make more sense for MM to open up parts of the SE6 engine to modding as the AI was opened up in SE5.

I'd love to see it go in the direction of Civ4, but I'm not sure MM is up to it..