The cost of free games.

[Sslaxx]

As much as it'd be nice if everyone did everything in projects like this for free, it's probably not going to happen if you were to hope so.

So, my question is quite simple: Where did the money go? What'd you have spent more on, and on what less? And how far can you ride on nostalgia and sentimentality for old games in terms of getting things for less?

[atec123]

As much as it'd be nice if everyone did everything in projects like this for free, it's probably not going to happen if you were to hope so.

Opensource will rule the world.

well no it won't, but it should.

[Sslaxx]

As much as it'd be nice if everyone did everything in projects like this for free, it's probably not going to happen if you were to hope so.

Opensource will rule the world.

well no it won't, but it should.

I agree. I'm running an open source OS (Linux) with an open source browser (Firefox) right now. But it pays to be pragmatic about such things, too. Most of the kernel team are paid developers, nowadays, for one. And Mozilla has always been a commercial operation.

[atec123]

As much as it'd be nice if everyone did everything in projects like this for free, it's probably not going to happen if you were to hope so.

Opensource will rule the world.

well no it won't, but it should.

I agree. I'm running an open source OS (Linux) with an open source browser (Firefox) right now. But it pays to be pragmatic about such things, too. Most of the kernel team are paid developers, nowadays, for one. And Mozilla has always been a commercial operation.

this is not a good philosophy, but for me it's usually either opensource, free, or pirated.
Partly cause I don't like to pay, partly cause I don't use much non opensource stuff, and partly because pirating is fun.

That is a good point. Opensource discussion can continue somewhere else though, cause that isn't really the point of this thread.
Linux ftw.  are you running TSL in wine?

[dark-daventry]

The money spent during the development of TSL was mainly put towards server space for the website and other things of that nature. Since I'm not involved in that aspect, I can't give you a better answer, but I'm sure other team members might. I do know that all the money came from our own pockets, and it was only spent on essential development tools or website upkeeping utlities.

[Haids1987]

I believe that a thread like this was made before, and Katie said she didn't want to disclose this information.

[dark-daventry]

I believe that a thread like this was made before, and Katie said she didn't want to disclose this information.

Thank you haids. I didn't know such a thread was already in existence. I'll respect her wishes then. I didn't say much though, so no harm done.

[KatieHal]

Saying we spent money on servers, webspace, etc, is fine, I just don't want to go disclosing exact figures. And that is pretty much what our money was spent (well, prior to starting to produce free swag anyways ): server space, website hosting, some software licenses, etc.

[dark-daventry]

Saying we spent money on servers, webspace, etc, is fine, I just don't want to go disclosing exact figures. And that is pretty much what our money was spent (well, prior to starting to produce free swag anyways ): server space, website hosting, some software licenses, etc.

And considering I don't know the figures, there's no way I can disclose that information. But yeah, the only money we used was spent towards absolute necessary development and web hosting resources etc. And come on, the swag is pretty awesome...

[Arkillian]

That's something though- everyone is doing this out of love, but there must be money coming out of someone's pocket It's kinda sad to think about that, btu I guess it's the price to pay for something that is worthwhile making. I hope it wasn't an excessive cost, what ever it ended up being T.T

[Sslaxx]

That's something though- everyone is doing this out of love, but there must be money coming out of someone's pocket It's kinda sad to think about that, btu I guess it's the price to pay for something that is worthwhile making. I hope it wasn't an excessive cost, what ever it ended up being T.T

I'd say the end results are worth it. I'd also say having a rough idea of the kind of cost a major project like this would have would help other people to know just one of the things they'd have to keep in mind if they wanted to attempt something similar.

[snabbott]

The software licenses are non-trivial. Torque isn't TOO expensive, but Maya is. I'm guessing some of the team members already had a lot of the programs they're using. Whether or not it's worth it depends on the inividual members' perspectives, but I don't think any of the team regret being involved in the project. Of course, TSL is great advertising for Phoenix Online and its future commercial projects. I don't think that's a primary reason for anybody, though.

[kindofdoon]

Maya is free for students. As long as you have a valid and usable .edu email address, you can get lots of Autodesk software for free.

[Enchantermon]

Maya is free for students. As long as you have a valid and usable .edu email address, you can get lots of Autodesk software for free.

Are you serious? It figures I would find out about this after I graduate.

[kindofdoon]

I'm surprised you didn't hear about that while in college.

I guess Autodesk figures that if you use their product in college, you are more likely to purchase it as a professional later. It makes sense.

[Enchantermon]

I am too, considering I was in a technical school full of, among other people, game and simulation programmers-in-training.

[snabbott]

Maya is free for students. As long as you have a valid and usable .edu email address, you can get lots of Autodesk software for free.

Wow! I downloaded the personal learning edition, but it doesn't have all of the capabilities of the full version (although it has more functionality than I would ever know what to do with).

[crayauchtin]

I know Katie didn't want to show any figures, but I really don't see the harm....

[duke]

 

[Haids1987]

Aw, you even have an Ewok!