[April Fool] AGS to become shareware

Pumaman · Thu 01/04/2004 00:00:44

Well, I've been thinking about this for some time now, and I've finally come to a conclusion about where to go with AGS.

Originally, AGS started out as an exercise for myself to see if I could write an adventure game. Since then, it has grown out of all proportion compared to what I expected it to be, and I've spent many hundreds of hours improving and extending it. It has also served as a useful learning tool for me to learn C++ programming with.

However, things have moved on since AGS started. When I first started seriously working on AGS in 1999, I was at uni and had plenty of free time in amongst the boozing to work on it. However, nowadays I have a full time job and several real-life commitments that mean I find it very hard to spare time to work on AGS.

So, I thought either I could stop development of AGS completely (which I didn't really want to do), or I could incentivise myself to work on it by making it pay. So from the next version onwards, AGS will be shareware.

You can download a prototype of the shareware version here: http://www.agsforums.com/agsregbeta.zip
As with most shareware programs, you don't have to register, but if you don't then a popup box will remind you when you start up the AGS Editor.
If you want to distribute a commercial game with AGS, you must register.

The recommended registration fee is $100 (60 UKP), but anything from $80 (50 UKP) upwards will be accepted.

I'm sorry to do this to you guys - I know you're used to expecting AGS to be free - and up to the current official version (2.6 SP1) it will stay free (the license states so).
However, from 2.61 onwards a revised license will contain details of registration for continued use.

I'd just like to thank everybody for their support over the years, and hopefully making it shareware will give me the incentive to add lots of cool new features for you guys.

If you've already been convinced and want to register now, you can do so here:
http://www.agsforums.com/register.htm

Cheers,
CJ

AGA · Thu 01/04/2004 00:10:17

I think you more than deserve money from us, after all you've done for us, so I registered. Do I get some sort of prize for being the first registered?

MrColossal · Thu 01/04/2004 00:13:28

Well, it finally happened, can't say I blame you but it is a little disappointing

at least I have a job now and can afford to pay for this...

Does this mean we still have to send you a free copy of any commercial game we make?

I'll register tomorrow

rtf · Thu 01/04/2004 00:22:33

ugh, I could never convince my parents to gove me the money to register, but I'm not going to make any commercial games with AGS, so I'll stay this way until I eventually do.

So I can still make games with AGS, but as long as I don't sell them?

Also, I hope there isn't going to be like a seperate "Registered Users" web site or forum. I hope that the AGS community stays united under time of greed and change.
Sure, of course there would be a registered user's Forum Topic, but not an entire forum seperate? :

One more thing:
In case I do convince my parents to give me the money, it is a 1-time registraion, right? No hidden fees?

Thank you for your time.

MrColossal · Thu 01/04/2004 00:27:36

actually a seperate registered members only board would be a good idea, our technical questions and suggestions for the editor could be of a higher priority [since we paid].

i mean i'd still post in the free forum so we'd still be united

AGA · Thu 01/04/2004 00:29:39

Maybe CJ could devote his time to the paid-for tech forum, while leaving the non-paid one to the regular tech forum people like Gilbert and Scorporius and co...

Las Naranjas · Thu 01/04/2004 00:39:14

I think it's about time. Too many freeloaders have been coming in and bludging off the engine and the community that hardworking men and women have made.

This'll keep the community pure.

Pumaman · Thu 01/04/2004 00:42:49

Quote from: AGA on Thu 01/04/2004 00:10:17
I think you more than deserve money from us, after all you've done for us, so I registered. Do I get some sort of prize for being the first registered?

Thanks AGA

As the first registration, I'll send you my very own blue cup in recognition of your contribution

QuoteDoes this mean we still have to send you a free copy of any commercial game we make

No, the registration fee will supersede that, so you will no longer have to send me a free copy.

QuoteSo I can still make games with AGS, but as long as I don't sell them?

You can, yes. However, there is a 30-day trial limit on the editor, after which you must register to continue.

DGMacphee · Thu 01/04/2004 00:47:43

Sod off, CJ -- I'm skint!

I think I'll keep my $100 and just keep posting on the forums!

Esseb · Thu 01/04/2004 00:47:50

I just registered as well, I hope there is a price for the second as well.

You should consider letting only us registered users be able to post in the forums, that should keep most of the riff raff out. A quality forum is the least you can expect after shelling out your hard earned money for an AGS license. Although I must say it's worth every penny. Good move Chris, I support you all the way.

m0ds · Thu 01/04/2004 01:07:48

Shareware?

I quit.

Goldmund · Thu 01/04/2004 01:11:06

Wow! Congratulations, CJ!
From now on AGS will be found in Astalavista and Crack.ru search engines!
You may consider yourself a pro!

I will pay the fee gladly as soon as I have the money, and I'll have my job interview on monday, which means that in a month I should be rich enough to afford it. Unless they pay less than I hope.

Do you have any special financial program for AGSers of Eastern Europe?

BerserkerTails · Thu 01/04/2004 01:14:46

Well, it looks like I'll be sticking with the current version of AGS for a long time to come. Not only do I not have $100 dollars (US, I persume. I'm Canadian, so that price is outrageous, in my opinon), I would never be able to buy it since I'm only 16.

I personally think this is an incredibly stupid idea, though I do respect you, CJ, for keeping this version of AGS free, and continuing to support AGS. It's a shame alot of people will not be able to enjoy the newest versions of this great product $:-\$

Scummbuddy · Thu 01/04/2004 01:15:58

Yeah, I quit too. Its a good thing too, cause I haven't made a game here, but rest assured you can find AGS on Kazaa now.
I'm not quitting because of the money, but because how much I loathe filling out forms. I have a rule. One form per website, and I've already registered to be here on the forums. Two forms is just rediculous.

Domino · Thu 01/04/2004 01:20:42

I love AGS, i truly do. I've messed around with the editor but have never really made anything substantial.

I'd be willing to pay $100 in the near future, but for know, it's a little too much for me.

Is this going to affect this Forum at all?

CJ, i will eventually register, but for now i'll just tinker with the current version of AGS.

Barcik · Thu 01/04/2004 01:23:48

I think bringing money into the equation really ruins the wonderful atmoshpere of 'underground' surrrounding this community. I'm out.

MrColossal · Thu 01/04/2004 01:30:29

Quote from: Goldmund on Thu 01/04/2004 01:11:06

From now on AGS will be found in Astalavista and Crack.ru search engines!

Yea that is a question Glod... what kind of new copy protection could be added to stop people from pirating AGS?

Maybe at the start since not many people will be registering, CJ could make individual copies for people that only the 1 serial number works on, cause I certainly don't want people stealing something i payed so much money for [and something CJ worked so hard on], that's just ass

Goldmund · Thu 01/04/2004 01:34:25

I say, make a virus that destroys all the versions that the cheapskates have!
That will teach them not to have money.

LOL, just joking, k'?

People, I don't know about you, I'm registering, although it's very expensive for a Polish man.

Wondering about underground atmosphere, Barcik?
Dig yourself a tunnel!
Hahahahaha!
Because you resemble a hobbit!

Barcik · Thu 01/04/2004 01:42:15

W0R5T 1N5ULT 3V3R!!!

rtf · Thu 01/04/2004 01:52:38

I quit

I'm going back to AGAST, or heck, I'll write my own Adventure Game Editor. Actually, I'll start to do SLUDGE. It's cheaper.
I will take revenge on Chris Jones! Muah hahaha!

But seriously, maybe I will pay the money eventually, but certainly not right now.

There should be a "Parents Just Don't Get It" discount for students

[April Fool] AGS to become shareware

m0ds