Topic: SFC3 - RIP

[Eris]

http://activision.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/activision.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_faqid=18622&p_created=1187385464

officially killed yesterday. 

only hope is we can pressure activision into supplying a way to directly connect to dynaverse's or someone can figure a way thru their own ingenuity. doesnt seem wildly hopeful either way.

[KBF-Crim]

Predictable....but it still sucks...

[NCC-1701-V]

A totally disabling loss... 
Time to play Legacy, then - no matter the critics and error messages.

[Fedman NCC-3758]

Activision rushed the game into production before the Taldren people could adequately test and work out the bugs. Then took their sweet time releasing patches to fix it.

Thank the Maker for Dave and others who have continued to work and improve the game for those who still look forward to launching those Quantum Torpedoes.

Like me.

Thanks fellas. 

[Eris]

watch this space tho.. there is still a glimmer of hope. just view this as a holiday for now

[Centurus]

watch this space tho.. there is still a glimmer of hope. just view this as a holiday for now

What do you know that we don't?  Hmmm????  *looks Eris in the eye and pulls out a video tape of the dreaded Bea Arthur affair and thinks about subject Eris to watching it in order to get the information out*   MUAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

Seriously though, what do you know that we don't?  Is SFC4 gonna become reality?

[FA Frey XC]

A totally disabling loss... 
Time to play Legacy, then - no matter the critics and error messages.

Are you kidding me?

Time to play SFC OP / EAW Directory services for those are still, and will remain, up.

We've got a lot of GREAT campaigns that continue to be hosted, as well as the new OCI.

While it pains us, it's really expected behavior for Activision in regards to SFC3... they didn't even release an official patch for the game (well, because they couldn't technically, but that was their fault too).

Dust off those copies of SFC OP / EAW and come play a real Starship Captain's game.

Regards,

Frey

[Chris Jones]

I agree with Frey that you should try the SFC: OP Dynaverse campaigns that happen here.
Lots of fun.

Don't be too quick to bash Legacy though - the stock game was 'average' - Understatement of the Year..

Try the Ultimate Universe Mod here: http://www.ultimateuniversemod.net

Then tell me Legacy is bad, lol.

We have scripting tools and things are happening. Multiplayer has been re-born, and will take advantage of those tools..

It is sad to see the SFC3 Dynaverse servers go down.. I will always support all things SFC.

[GFL Offkey]

I am currently working on the issue with activision and have formally requested the server pack. I will not stop till I get it or a bypass. We didn't spend 3 years fixing this game and the dynaverse for this to happen and am not happy. Frankly what they are doing is borderline of illegal as they should continue support beings they do for older games so to select just one and can it is discrimination so no matter what i will script away around it or get the pack

[Occidio]

i agree with offkey, we did purchase the game so WE payed for the servers and we want them back

[Centurus]

I had suggested long long ago that the community should have banded together and filed a class action lawsuit against Activision for knowingly and willingly selling defective product and never living up to its obligation of supporting the game properly and releasing game patches.  Don't know if any such action is viable now.  Doubt it.

[F9thRyker]

<S>

Goodbye, old friend.


"But that the dread of something after death, the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns, puzzles the will, and makes us rather bear those ills we have than fly to others we know not of?

Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, and thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied over with a pale cast of thought, and enterprises of great pitch and moment with this regard their currents tury awry and lose the name of action."
Hamlet, Act III Scene 1

Seems appropriate.

[GFL Offkey]

Actually they have now difinately breached the license agreement and now is the time to go to court. And I am going to do just that. I and my group did not spend 3 years to fix this game just to have it unusable. We even have a server that runs indefinately without issues or complete resets. So the game is playable and steady if worked right.

[Centurus]

Actually they have now difinately breached the license agreement and now is the time to go to court. And I am going to do just that. I and my group did not spend 3 years to fix this game just to have it unusable. We even have a server that runs indefinately without issues or complete resets. So the game is playable and steady if worked right.

If you end up filing a class action lawsuit, I have a feeling a number of us would be willing to join in.  I know I sure would.  Drain Activision for every dime they've got, and then when we get that, take them for everything they don't have.  :-D

[marstone]

Actually they have now difinately breached the license agreement and now is the time to go to court. And I am going to do just that. I and my group did not spend 3 years to fix this game just to have it unusable. We even have a server that runs indefinately without issues or complete resets. So the game is playable and steady if worked right.

If you end up filing a class action lawsuit, I have a feeling a number of us would be willing to join in.  I know I sure would.  Drain Activision for every dime they've got, and then when we get that, take them for everything they don't have.  :-D

If it does go through, post a note, you can add my name (I don't play SFCIII but I did buy it so can be listed).

[Occidio]

im in boss

[Strayy]

Same here... count me in!!

[OlBuzzard]

It's kind of sad to see that the end of this era has come.  SFC-3 never really got the support that OP received.  The remaining games that were available dissapeared from the shelf at the request of the developer.  So much potential .. yet never achieving what it should have been.

In the end this move is not suprising.  I don't know that threatening the developers is the wisest move either!  Let's face it ..   most of us would love to see another Trek game.  Heck I have two or three models that I would love to contribute to the game for that matter.

In the end displaying such continued argumentative and vindictive behavior will only further discourage both these and other potential developers.

Am I saying that I LIKE what they have done?  NO!

Would I like to see another Trek Game?  YES !   More of a combination of all 3 games SFC-OP SFC-3 and Bridge Commander.  (Sorry ...   I realize for some of you this is about the same as blasphemy ..  but I'm also trying to be realistic in looking to future possibilities).

Should you give up?  That depends!  From a stand point of litigation:  NO!  From a stand point of negotiating some sort of agreement:  NEVER give up.

I know that my sons MOD was one of the best that was done for SFC-3 ...  and it was fun!

I'm not sure what else can be done!  But one thing is for certain:  if any degree of hope is to be found; if you want the future to reflect a glimmer of respect for this community....   please try to find a common ground for both parties to feel respect and appreciation for each other.  Other wise  (like it or not) .. the end result will be less than favorable.

Thanks ..

[zephar123]

well ill say this much they should give the server. I would try to appraoch them peacefully. I will tell you this much if they dont give the server I will never buy another activision game. Its absolutely rediculios if they dont. MAny many games jsut about everyone I can think of when the company did not want to support it anymore they gave the software to be used as a server to someone to allow its continued support. Its a common practice to keep there name looking clean. Heck alot of companies now on there real old games have been known to even give up the source code. well I will be keeping in touch here.

[OlBuzzard]

Has any one actually hired an attorney?  Seems like that is the only thing Activision will (or might) listen to.  I don't mean hired in the context of :  "securing the services of  ..  in preparation for filing litigation;  BUT rather securing the services for the expressed purposes of opening a dialogue?

Just a thought!

[FA Frey XC]

Listen up...

I've been trying to email Activision now for the past year and a couple months regarding the SFC3 directory servers, and have gotten no reply.

In regards to the lawsuit, please... if you don't understand the legality of the issue then don't go off spouting lawsuit everytime something happens you don't like. Did you actually READ the EULA that you accepted when you installed the game?

Activision has the right to pull the plug on supporting the game whenever they wanted, that's in the EULA. If you really want to show the developers and game production companies what you will with a frivolous "class-action" lawsuit, then be my guest.

Activision actually could have dumped the SFC3 directory services over a year ago after their "settlement" with Paramount over the ST francise issue and their SFC3 contract. That they had them up this long is a wonderful thing, but it's done and no class-action lawsuit will bring them back.

Have any of you beta-tested with Activision? Do you guys have any experience in the legal arena ? Have you hosted the Official Site of the SFC series of games for over 4 years? If this comes off a little heavy handed, please don't take it  as such, I just get really upset when people who have no understand of the actual reality of the situation start tooting the "let's sue" horn.

And believe me, if I thought anyone had a chance in hell of "winning", I'd be the first person to file the lawsuit. Point is, they chose to close 'em down, and screaming and yelling and  pouring thousands of dollars into attorney fees will do nothing to resolve it. You do realize that, don't you? THOUSANDS of dollars, no attorney's going to be willing to even think about a case like this without a upfront retainer, and if you've even consulted with one, you wouldn't be posting this.

If someone actually does get a response from Activision in regards to this, let me know. I'm sure D.Net's reputation as well as our track record would be the best fit for the SFC3 directory servers... as I've felt from the beginning.

Unfortunately, I just think Activision doesn't care... and if they don't care, well, 'nuff said.

Regards,

Frey

[FA Frey XC]

I had suggested long long ago that the community should have banded together and filed a class action lawsuit against Activision for knowingly and willingly selling defective product and never living up to its obligation of supporting the game properly and releasing game patches.  Don't know if any such action is viable now.  Doubt it.

This entire issue was due to Activision filing suit against Paramount, effectively Activision released it's ST francise rights and as such could not legally release a patch, nor do anything else for the game.

Bottom line is, if you want to have a real understanding of the issues, research it and find out. Talking on speculation and conjecture just starts up rumors that do nothing but create more negativity.

If anyone needs any specific information, feel free to PM me.

Regards,

Frey

[FA Frey XC]

well ill say this much they should give the server. I would try to appraoch them peacefully. I will tell you this much if they dont give the server I will never buy another activision game. Its absolutely rediculios if they dont. MAny many games jsut about everyone I can think of when the company did not want to support it anymore they gave the software to be used as a server to someone to allow its continued support. Its a common practice to keep there name looking clean. Heck alot of companies now on there real old games have been known to even give up the source code. well I will be keeping in touch here.

Name those games, I'd really like to know some examples of other software development companies that released online capable games, then when they shut down their support for them released the code / services modules to allow someone else to continue to run it.

Regards,

Frey

[OlBuzzard]

Listen up...

I've been trying to email Activision now for the past year and a couple months regarding the SFC3 directory servers, and have gotten no reply.

In regards to the lawsuit, please... if you don't understand the legality of the issue then don't go off spouting lawsuit everytime something happens you don't like. Did you actually READ the EULA that you accepted when you installed the game?

Activision has the right to pull the plug on supporting the game whenever they wanted, that's in the EULA. If you really want to show the developers and game production companies what you will with a frivolous "class-action" lawsuit, then be my guest.

Activision actually could have dumped the SFC3 directory services over a year ago after their "settlement" with Paramount over the ST francise issue and their SFC3 contract. That they had them up this long is a wonderful thing, but it's done and no class-action lawsuit will bring them back.

Have any of you beta-tested with Activision? Do you guys have any experience in the legal arena ? Have you hosted the Official Site of the SFC series of games for over 4 years? If this comes off a little heavy handed, please don't take it  as such, I just get really upset when people who have no understand of the actual reality of the situation start tooting the "let's sue" horn.

And believe me, if I thought anyone had a chance in hell of "winning", I'd be the first person to file the lawsuit. Point is, they chose to close 'em down, and screaming and yelling and  pouring thousands of dollars into attorney fees will do nothing to resolve it. You do realize that, don't you? THOUSANDS of dollars, no attorney's going to be willing to even think about a case like this without a upfront retainer, and if you've even consulted with one, you wouldn't be posting this.

If someone actually does get a response from Activision in regards to this, let me know. I'm sure D.Net's reputation as well as our track record would be the best fit for the SFC3 directory servers... as I've felt from the beginning.

Unfortunately, I just think Activision doesn't care... and if they don't care, well, 'nuff said.

Regards,

Frey

YUP!

You are right on the money bud !  (no pun intended)  That was why I made the statements that I did.  Add to that ...  when you are talking about someone the size of Activision  they have some VERY deep pockets .. and the legal resources that you and I could only dream of.  After all ...   they just about have to have it in order to survive in todays business world.

Also:  please note this is not a rant of any sort.  Simply a mere review of the facts.  Some times those facts (though unpleasant as they may be ...  ) are cold and hard.

[FA Frey XC]

One other thing:

Think about if a bunch of individuals go emailing Activision support regarding lawsuits - what's really going to happen?

I'll tell you :

1.) Activision support will begin to forward all the issues regarding SFC3 to the Activision Legal Department.

2.) Any chance that anyone with a established record for running such, or without such a record, would go into the crapper as Activision would not even THINK about releasing the dir. services for SFC3 to a third party with any "pending" legal issues.

Reacting to a situation like this does nothing but ruin those individuals chances of trying to get things done.

That said, be aware that we are ACTIVELY working on seeing if we can't release a patch for the serverkit and client side config files, and adapt the EAW / OP directory services to be used for SFC3.

D.Net is the Official Site for the ENTIRE series of SFC - including SFC3. We'll do everything we can to support the SFC3 community.

Regards,

Frey

[zephar123]

well ill say this much they should give the server. I would try to appraoch them peacefully. I will tell you this much if they dont give the server I will never buy another activision game. Its absolutely rediculios if they dont. MAny many games jsut about everyone I can think of when the company did not want to support it anymore they gave the software to be used as a server to someone to allow its continued support. Its a common practice to keep there name looking clean. Heck alot of companies now on there real old games have been known to even give up the source code. well I will be keeping in touch here.

Name those games, I'd really like to know some examples of other software development companies that released online capable games, then when they shut down their support for them released the code / services modules to allow someone else to continue to run it.

Regards,

Frey

Well ill names a couple off toip of my head theres alot out there.

Cand c all of there games except the latest one. ( for obvios reasons)

Masters of Orion EA infact all EA games ive ever played they have continued support. there many many many more examples a good one would be star control which reminds of this. its open source for all to mod.


Bottom line is you dont want to goto them threating law suit you will get no where. Most game companies are reasonable about these request because they know it makes them look better for newer realeases.

[OlBuzzard]

One other thing:

Think about if a bunch of individuals go emailing Activision support regarding lawsuits - what's really going to happen?

I'll tell you :

1.) Activision support will begin to forward all the issues regarding SFC3 to the Activision Legal Department.

2.) Any chance that anyone with a established record for running such, or without such a record, would go into the crapper as Activision would not even THINK about releasing the dir. services for SFC3 to a third party with any "pending" legal issues.

Reacting to a situation like this does nothing but ruin those individuals chances of trying to get things done.

That said, be aware that we are ACTIVELY working on seeing if we can't release a patch for the serverkit and client side config files, and adapt the EAW / OP directory services to be used for SFC3.

D.Net is the Official Site for the ENTIRE series of SFC - including SFC3. We'll do everything we can to support the SFC3 community.

Regards,

Frey

Again ...  correct

It is always best to approach the issue with :  "what (if anything) can we do to HELP" .  Approaching from a stand point of appreciation of the game and an on-going desire to support and be a part of the solution as opposed to breathing threats of anger and impending litigation over such matters will (hopefully) come closer to resolving the issue.

BTW...   good luck with your efforts!

[GFL Offkey]

Regardless no matter what Activision will not nor will ever release server kit information so Dynaverse for sfc3 is dead indefinately. Personally I feel reverse engineering is at hand but that is just my opinion. I think its sad that activision treats the gaming community who supports them in this way. all they want is the quick profit and move on screw the puplic if they are stupid enough to buy our products then oh well thier loss we made our buck. Sorry just upset.

[Macgyver]

Battlezone 2 is another awesome game that Activision had pushed out the door before it was ready, then within 1 year dropped support. Fortunatly Pandemic went with Gamespy exclusevly, so BZ2 is not reliant on acti. So I am not surprised. They do this to all of the good games. We need to get this server pack or something! I hate that we spend money on something, and think we own it, then it can be taken away without warning. Its no different than stealing. Take that to the courts!

[[ISC]Phaser]

well ill say this much they should give the server. I would try to appraoch them peacefully. I will tell you this much if they dont give the server I will never buy another activision game. Its absolutely rediculios if they dont. MAny many games jsut about everyone I can think of when the company did not want to support it anymore they gave the software to be used as a server to someone to allow its continued support. Its a common practice to keep there name looking clean. Heck alot of companies now on there real old games have been known to even give up the source code. well I will be keeping in touch here.

Name those games, I'd really like to know some examples of other software development companies that released online capable games, then when they shut down their support for them released the code / services modules to allow someone else to continue to run it.

Regards,

Frey

Here's one scroll down a little and i believe support is discontiued (not 100% sure tho) http://www.idsoftware.com/business/techdownloads/ also have any of you thought of modding Unreal 2004 to be a starfleet command type game? I have and it is possible to do with the right team,you can battle in space fly to a shipyard get new ship types or fly "into" a starbase and get new ships create any weapon,sounds,UI's ect  and even beam down to the planet and do away missions such as seaching for things and such or just continue fighting on the ground,and in the end you can have a DEDICATED server ta boot.Did i mention that the tools to create this little gem come with the game! I would be willing to help code and create this if there were any interest.

[zephar123]

soudns like a fun idea let me know if need some help ill see what I can do.

[FA Frey XC]

D.Net has obtained the Directory Servers for SFC3.

We're working on getting a patch done for the client side, as well as the serverkit once we've confirmed everythings working on our server-end.

See this post: http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163376756.0.html



Regards,

Frey

P.S. Thanks to those who helped pull this off, you know who you are. 

[KBF-Crim]

 

[marstone]

The question is does Frey ever sleep?

[FA Frey XC]

Cyborgs don't need sleep.



Regards,

Frey