Re: [Q]: source code

[fortran@earthlink.net (Edward Franks)]

My glass typewriter shows Pete typing...
[Snip]
> does anyone know how i can get source code for this game?

	If you can find an unprotected copy of the original you could look 
at the source code.  You would be on better legal ground if you reverse 
engineered the game without looking at the source code, though.

>  i think sierra
> online put it out.

	California Pacific Computers published the original Apple ][ 
Ultima (Applesoft Basic), though Sierra did publish a version for the 
Atari 400/800.  Origin later reworked Ultima as Ultima I (6502 assembler) 
and sold it.

>   do games ever go into 'public domain'?

	Some of the early games have due to the way the copyright law was 
in the early 80s.  After the changes were made to the copyright laws in 
the 80s, no, no game has gone into the public domain, except when so 
declared by the copyright holder.

	The Ultimas are certainly still copyrighted.  If you distributed 
your creation without Origin's and EA's legal permission, then you'll 
probably get a notice from their lawyers.  Origin and EA are pretty good 
about enforcing their copyrights.  I'd suggest talking to the people that 
did the Apple IIGS port or the guy that did the Ultima III shareware 
version for the Mac.  Both obtained permission from Origin before they 
released their creations.

-- 

Fortran Dragon -==(UDIC)==-
Hidalgo Trading Company: <http://home.earthlink.net/~fortran/>
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