If there is a FULL version on the net, someone from Papyrus is working
together with a warez-site/group !!
Sometimes companies say their network was hacked and the game was stolen
(like ID-software witht the Quake code), but imho the company is just
ashamed of what happend !?
What does the 'rest' of Ras think about this issue ??
Bart
PS I state again that I don't have the warez verion!!
>If there is a FULL version on the net, someone from Papyrus is working
>together with a warez-site/group !!
>Sometimes companies say their network was hacked and the game was stolen
>(like ID-software witht the Quake code), but imho the company is just
>ashamed of what happend !?
>What does the 'rest' of Ras think about this issue ??
Paul.
>>Although I haven't got it I was wondering:
>>If there is a FULL version on the net, someone from Papyrus is working
>>together with a warez-site/group !!
>>Sometimes companies say their network was hacked and the game was stolen
>>(like ID-software witht the Quake code), but imho the company is just
>>ashamed of what happend !?
>>What does the 'rest' of Ras think about this issue ??
>It isnt a full version, its close but its still a beta.
>It also doesnt need to have come from Papyrus. A beta tester could
>have given it to a warez group, or in other games when the game is
>sent to shops to be put ready for sale, someone at the shop or distro
>place may have uploaded the whole game to a warez group again, so just
>because a full game is availible on the net, doesnt mean the people
>who made it 'leaked' it, its most likely a copy just went astray in
>transit so to speak.
>Paul.
Z.
Cheers!
John
Sorry to everybody, BUT, there is already a full GPL version on the Internet
since around 3days. No you will say it's 0.2, but it's really the full
version.
The main problem is that the mass testers that Sierra Sports took for really
basic testing (technical support training and so...) aren't really at the
same level as the "core-testers". Many of them are just casual gamers, 1 of
them has maybe burned his CD to his friend...
And the circle started.
I can proove it that GPL-full is available, I was sent the *.nfo file.
Note that I have a GPL version legally, and didn't downloaded it from any
Warez websites.
- Fran?ois Mnard <ymenard> Good race at the Brickyard!
- Official Mentally retarded guy of r.a.s.
- Excuse me for my English (I'm French speaking)
- Sponsored by http://www.awpss.com/ on the NROS
- "People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realise
how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."--
The Beta team received the 8/22 build (which happened to still have the
revision # gpl.0.2.0.0). From what I've been told the 8/13 release (the
WAREZ copy) was never sent to the team. I imagine this version was too
buggy, and the 8/22 build featured some major improvement. (let's hope so!).
So it would have been IMPOSSIBLE for a beta-tester (one of the core-group,
anyhow) to leak the game. This arises the question of it being someone else
who works for Papyrus directly, or like was mentioned, if Papyrus sent out
media copies, they MAY have been the WAREZ revision (who knows?).
My honest opinion is that the WAREZ release has done more good for Grand
Prix Legends than it will do harm for SierraSports/Papyrus. The number of
people around the world that are now aware of the game (sim!) has easily
quadrupled. Everyone that has played the WAREZ version is raving about the
product, and can't wait to get their hands on the full version. There ARE
bugs in the WAREZ copy, and some things that need to be fixed up (such as
framerates!- supposedly this revision has not been optimized yet), so
everyone I've talked to has said that they will most definitely buy the
retail version as well.
Sierra (N. America, anyhow) hasn't done much promotion for themselves - they
do NOT have the Monza track available on their site, they do NOT update
their GPL pages (heck it STILL says "Spring, 1998" on that one page), they
have run ONE ad in computer game magazines, they missed a golden opportunity
(IMHO) during Speedvision's showing of the movie "Grand Prix" last week...
the list goes on.
So, the best thing that has happened for GPL was the leak.. sad as it may
be.
Comments or opinions are welcomed,
doktorB
http://webhome.idirect.com/~drbryan/gpl
For the GPL track files, FAQs (I've got them!), installation help, release
date updates, poll-of-the week, PC GAMER preview pics, and more!
----
If Game-companies want to battle warez, they should think again about
beta testing! http://www.lionhead.co.uk is an example of 'inside
beta-testing'
Bart
> On Fri, 18 Sep 1998 09:28:43 +0200,
> >Although I haven't got it I was wondering:
> >If there is a FULL version on the net, someone from Papyrus is working
> >together with a warez-site/group !!
> Why do you say that? All it requires is that a beta-tester release his
> copy to the public, in violation of his non-disclosure agreement. It would
> have nothing to do with Papyrus.
> --
> * rrevved at some ISP which calls itself mindspring dot com
> * s.p.u.t.u.m. (unit.26) - http://www.sputum.com
If Game-companies want to battle warez, they should think again about
beta testing! http://www.lionhead.co.uk is an example of 'inside
beta-testing'
Bart
> On Fri, 18 Sep 1998 09:28:43 +0200,
> >Although I haven't got it I was wondering:
> >If there is a FULL version on the net, someone from Papyrus is working
> >together with a warez-site/group !!
> Why do you say that? All it requires is that a beta-tester release his
> copy to the public, in violation of his non-disclosure agreement. It would
> have nothing to do with Papyrus.
> --
> * rrevved at some ISP which calls itself mindspring dot com
> * s.p.u.t.u.m. (unit.26) - http://www.sputum.com
If Game-companies want to battle warez, they should think again about
beta testing! http://www.lionhead.co.uk is an example of 'inside
beta-testing'
Bart
> On Fri, 18 Sep 1998 09:28:43 +0200,
> >Although I haven't got it I was wondering:
> >If there is a FULL version on the net, someone from Papyrus is working
> >together with a warez-site/group !!
> Why do you say that? All it requires is that a beta-tester release his
> copy to the public, in violation of his non-disclosure agreement. It would
> have nothing to do with Papyrus.
> --
> * rrevved at some ISP which calls itself mindspring dot com
> * s.p.u.t.u.m. (unit.26) - http://www.sputum.com
Why has nobody on r.a.s. pointed out that companies themselves can
prevent games from being warez, and that they are willing to take
several risks (like beta testing).
Most compare it to stealing, while I like to compare it with something
like: "going to Sudan with a truck full of food, leave it unattended on
the road, with all doors wide open!" :-)
But I still haven't downloaded the warez version
Still no hard feelings :-)
Bart
> On Fri, 18 Sep 1998 19:26:35 +0200,
> Just for everyone's information...
I saw another example recently. On Thursday, I received a copy of
"interaction" magazine, which is apparently published quarterly by Sierra.
It's essentially a promotional magazine, with articles on all their current
games, and a few miscellaneous ads from companies like Diamond Monster.
Lo! And behold! There's a four-page article with screen shots of GPL! There
wasn't any "news" in the article that we don't already know about, but I was
happy to see Sierra at least promoting this to their other customers and
enthusiasts.
Here's what was odd. The magazine opens with a "Launch" section, in which
recently or soon-to-be released games are covered in detail. (There were
articles on Starseige, Starseige TRIBES and Ceasar III -- I'm not familiar
with any of these.)
GPL was back in the "Focus" section. I'm not sure what that means to the
editor or other readers, but I would have taken it to mean that the sim is
still in development. Whatever.
BUT THEY DIDN'T PUT GPL ON THE DEMO CD-ROM!!!!
There are 18 demos on the CD from different categories. But no GPL. The
Sierra Sports featured demos are Nascar 2 (boy, there's some latebreaking
stuff), Trophy Rivers and Golf. But no GPL. Not Monza, not the Glen. Nothing.
Sheesh, I hope they fill that open marketing position at Sierra soon.
Eagerly (and impatiently) awaiting,
Kurt
That was enough to tweak my interest! (but then I'm a racing nut! - I'm sure
the majority of people just glanced right over it). Have been following it
ever since..
On a side note (kind of),
Sierra USA - still showing "early October" - the one page still shows
"Spring, 1998"..
Sierra UK - now has the Monza demo (full) available for download.. BUT HAS
REMOVED AN EXTENSIVE GPL SECTION THAT WAS THERE FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS -
why?? They had a complete in-depth section, with a history of the
development, the features, a magazine review, pictures (got a few of them on
my site), and more. When I first came across it, I was very impressed - this
was what Sierra SHOULD be doing - well done Sierra! - but where the heck is
it now??? --- bad move!!
Sierra Germany - they HAD a pretty good GPL section.. had some black and
white pictures (on my site, again), had an interview with Patrick
(somebody)... who was a German racing car driver.. he gave his impressions
on the realism of driving GPL compared to a real car. Had a couple of great
pages full of information... but guess what?? THE GERMAN WEBSITE
www.sierra.de IS NOW NOT UP AND NO NEW LINK IS GIVEN - that means that the
entire Sierra (de) website is gone, along with all that great GPL
information. (good thing I took most of the good stuff before they
disappeared).
Sierra France - DOESN'T HAVE ANY MENTION OF GPL - has "Half-life", which is
soon to be release.. has Pro-Pilot, which is a new Sierra game, but
absolutely no mention of GPL - its as though the game didn't even exist.
Pretty sad situation, that's for sure. Sierra.. I second the motion - if
you're looking for new marketers, I'd be more than happy to help you out.
Just give me a shout!
doktorB
http://webhome.idirect.com/~drbryan/gpl
For the GPL track files, FAQs (I've got them!), installation help, release
date updates, PC GAMER preview pics, and more!
This week's Poll-of-the-Week: Did you, or didn't you download the WAREZ GPL?
----
>>I completely agree with your comments regarding (a) Sierra Sports
>>complete antipathy with regard to their site for up-dated GPL
>>information.
>I saw another example recently. On Thursday, I received a copy of
>"interaction" magazine, which is apparently published quarterly by Sierra.
>It's essentially a promotional magazine, with articles on all their current
>games, and a few miscellaneous ads from companies like Diamond Monster.
>Lo! And behold! There's a four-page article with screen shots of GPL!
There
>wasn't any "news" in the article that we don't already know about, but I
was
>happy to see Sierra at least promoting this to their other customers and
>enthusiasts.
>Here's what was odd. The magazine opens with a "Launch" section, in which
>recently or soon-to-be released games are covered in detail. (There were
>articles on Starseige, Starseige TRIBES and Ceasar III -- I'm not familiar
>with any of these.)
>GPL was back in the "Focus" section. I'm not sure what that means to the
>editor or other readers, but I would have taken it to mean that the sim is
>still in development. Whatever.
>BUT THEY DIDN'T PUT GPL ON THE DEMO CD-ROM!!!!
>There are 18 demos on the CD from different categories. But no GPL. The
>Sierra Sports featured demos are Nascar 2 (boy, there's some latebreaking
>stuff), Trophy Rivers and Golf. But no GPL. Not Monza, not the Glen.
Nothing.
>Sheesh, I hope they fill that open marketing position at Sierra soon.
>Eagerly (and impatiently) awaiting,
>Kurt
People in software companies know that if they give their software away to
pirates before release they're looking at a return to the job queue without
much chance of being picked up by another software house with that on their
record.
M
>If there is a FULL version on the net, someone from Papyrus is working
>together with a warez-site/group !!
>Sometimes companies say their network was hacked and the game was stolen
>(like ID-software witht the Quake code), but imho the company is just
>ashamed of what happend !?
>What does the 'rest' of Ras think about this issue ??
>Bart
>PS I state again that I don't have the warez verion!!
Those claiming to have a full release version should compute and post
a cryptographic checksum of the executable.
Then, when the full retail version is released, anyone can compute the
same checksum on the released executable and verify that those who
claim to have the full retail version are full of shit.
Simple enough, right?
---Jim
