Why not release the track data format specification for these games ?
Wait ! Don't delete this post just yet - I'm serious ! If Papyrus feel
they cannot release their in-house track design programs they could
give us the next best thing - the track data formats. I point to the
incredible success of Doom. ID Software made available the wad format
from virtually the first release of the game. Part of the attraction
of Doom, and a major contributor to its longevity is the fact that
once you finish the game you simply get some more wads and carry on
playing ! A whole industry of shareware and freeware wads and editors
has ensured that Doom *remains* one of the most popular games ever
created.
Rick Genter has commented in the past that even if Papyrus were to
release their in-house editors as unsupported freeware, they would be
inundated with technical support calls. If they released the track
data format and let racing sim enthusiasts write the editors they
would avoid this problem. I'm sure releasing the wad format hasn't
caused ID too much grief in the past three years !!! It has simply
increased their sales figures and boosted their popularity. You know
it makes sense !
Oh go on. Please ? Pretty Please ?