On TV

[Te Rangi]

Sierra is really stubborn.

I run a Net Cafe and I contacted them about Site Licensing for Sierra games. They wanted ludicrous amounts for Half-Life and mod's which if I recall correctly was released five years ago.

I don't know how they would feel about SCI, but I wouldn't let on that we are using it, rather that we would like to. Then they should not bother investigating.

You'd think they would be thrilled seeing as no one is using it except us, as far as I know. But you never know with a company like Sierra. They don't even have old games like KQ1 for download on their website. They should, I wouldn't buy it unless it was 5$ for the entire series.

They would be charing a large amount because Counter-Strike (an HL mod) is the most popular online FPS.

[Kon-Tiki]

Maybe we should ask Roberta Williams and Scott Murphy 'bout it first (don't know 'bout Ken Williams, maybe we should ask him as well...)
When they all agree, I guess it's fairly safe to say you can go ahead with it.

-Kon-Tiki-

[Brian Provinciano]

SCI Studio itself is mine, not Sierra's. Asking Sierra would be like asking Intel and Microsoft if I can show my programs since they use Microsoft Windows on PCs. Also, as I repeatedly state, I make it for creating new games, not for editing Sierra's. Besides, SCI Studio can't really break copy protection, since it doesn't edit scripts. You would need to use external tools to accomplish that. Another thing is that I'd make a good $$$ bet that Sierra wouldn't even respond to the query, or if they did, it would be a vague prewritten response.

I don't worry about Sierra anymore. They are too busy with Half Life and such than to deal with the old stuff. They aren't the same people who developed the adventures, and couldn't really care less. The only thing about they pay attention to is when they can rerelease them again for another extra buck.

Also, I really respect The Williams, Scott Murphy, Al Lowe, and all the greats, but they no longer own/work for Sierra, and would have no official say in the matter. In my opinion though, their opinions on their projects are the only ones that really count. If Roberta Williams loves Tierra's remakes, then awesome! If the faceless people now at Sierra have a problem with them, I couldn't care less. They may _own_ King's Quest, but it will always be the Williams' game. They can technically buy it, but can never really buy it from them, know what I mean?

I say go for it, as soon as I release 2.15 with all the bugs fixed (soon). Heck, I'll even go on the show as a guest if I can. It's only a two hour flight from here. I'd love to be on the Screen Savers and meet Leo, Patrick, Martin, Yoshi, and maybe even Woz! There's no question it would SERIOUSLY SERIOUSLY boost the traffic. Think of how many people will be like "hey, I rememebr those games, I always wanted to make one of my own...".

[Leo]

Great! I think aaronix could do a better job of getting us on though. He has been on Call For Help before, and knows Chris/ I just know some people, who might not even work for TechTV anymore... I can still try, though.

[Lord Hart]

Well, if this all does happen, would somebody be able to send me a tape? I don't live in the UK, as I'm in Australia and we don't get these shows.  

- Ultimo

[RJD]

I can try. I'm in South Florida.

[aaronix]

Ok... Leo - so long as Im not stepping on your toes, as this was your original posting after all!!!!  
I'd be happy to talk to Chris about this.
I think it would be a terrific story! And I know they are always trying to fill air time with quality unique stories..
and this is a story that hasn't been done (at least I think anyways...)

AaronW.

[aaronix]

Ok, I've sent the message on it's way to Chris, who's the host of Call for Help on TechTV.

I'm pasting below for you all to read.

I'll also post his response when it comes in.

================================

Chris,

I know you

[aaronix]

#########################
Chris Wrote:

Very cool! But how do I play 'em?

C


#########################
My Reply:

Terrific Question!

Visit the following website:

http://www.classicgaming.com/agisci/fangames.shtml

You'll find a TON of fan made games to choose from.
The value of the gaming experience depends on several factors
including the creators ability to:
1) Commit time to the project
2) Spend time with the AGI Tool Tutorials
3) Create nice looking scenes & sprites
4) Come up with a terrific story!

If you want a couple of really good examples of pure talent,
I suggest:

1) Space Quest - The Lost Chapter
For this one, visit the official website at
http://frostbytei.com/space/

2) Time Quest
3) V: The Graphic Adventure

Some of the other games offered from this site don't include the Sierra Adventura Game Interpreter (they lack the executable to start the game).
Generally you can copy over the executable to fix, but it's generally easier to stick to the games that are already bunded with interpreter.

Simply download the .zip for the game (by clicking on the 3.5 disk icon from the page).
You'll need to log into your GameSpy account (or create new FREE account) as you'll need to download file from GameSpy's FilePlanet, using Free Public Servers, not HighSpeed Servers Paid Service.
One major convenience is that these games are usually only a couple hundred kilobytes, so it's a fast download for average 56k user.
Extract the files from the .zip to a new folder.
jump into your new folder, and run the executable file


Here's a couple more URLs for downloading different fan made games.

http://www.hot.ee/alpond/al.html (for the cool Al Pond series)
http://www.hot.ee/alpond/fan.html (for more free games)

This should get you started.

AaronW.


###########################
Pending Response from Chris

[aaronix]

Response from Chris: (from earlier thread)

Too coool.

C

########################
My Reply:

Let's put a segment together for your show, Chris!!!

########################
Pending Response from Chris...

[aaronix]

Response from Chris (from previous thread):

Workin on it.

C

##########################
My Reply:

Too Cool!!! I'll be standing by... :-)

##########################
Pending Response from Chris...

[Brian Provinciano]

My hard drive died and I lost everything! I hadn't backed up in two weeks, and it will be at least a month before I have it back. Damn IBM brand stuff sucks! That's my second bad hard drive in a row, the third in our family in the past year, two of which were IBM!

I will be buying a new HD tomorrow and reinstall everything, then whip up a quick compiler fixed SCI Studio 2.14. Then, shortly after, release a rewritten 2.15 as it was lost.

Oh well, my HD died Thursday, so I'm over it, but just do me a favor--don't buy IBM brand hard drives, you'll be doing yourself a favor! They only have one servicing location in all of North America, and it takes them 14 days just to get to the device after they receive it!

Sorry about this, but when 2.15 is done, all of Tech TV's viewers will have a great, solid tool to work with.

[Timmy]

Awww Brian! Doncha just hate it when that happens? I certainly do, I hate rewriting code - 99% of the time I forget an addition that I've made.

Ahh well bad things happen to the best of us at times.

Good luck getting back on track Brian!

Oh, a word of advice: buy a Seagate HD. They're the best in the business.

[aaronix]

 
IT'S A GO!!!!!!!!!
 

Here's the latest email from TechTV Booking Manager:

Hi Aaron-
     I was forwarded your email by Chris. I then sent it through our
confirmation process with a big thumbs up from me and it came back APPROVED.
Please drop me a line and we can talk about possible dates. I hope you are well
and thanks for the pitch. This should be a kickass segment.


 
My Reply:

Good to talk with you again.

I agree. This is going to be a VERY COOL segment! I know it hasn't been done before either!
Just the idea that you can still play these adventure games is cool, not counting the fact that easy-to-learn tools exist to create your own adventure game!!!

I'm excited about coming up to San Fransisco for this segment. What are your thoughts on timing?

I'd really like to have Brian Provinciano join us on this segment if at all possible. He's expressed interest in doing this segment. More importantly, he's the creator of the tools that enable you to remake your own adventures games, and a powerhouse of AGI/SCI gaming tools knowledge!

Is this do-able?

AaronW.


 
Waiting on Reply from Booking Manager:

===================
In the Meantime:

Brian - If they give a thumbs up to have you on the segment (which I'm REALLY HOPING is going to be the case), I'm going to need you to email me a phone number to contact you at....
Also - you're going to need to bust out the revision to your SCI tools QUICKLY (depending on production scheduling).....
Brian - if you have any questions - call me at work (805) 418 2144....

AaronW.

[aaronix]

 
Reply from Booking Manager:

We can defintely do two guests, especially since
it is value added. I am looking at early March at this point. Please take a look
at your calendar and let me know if that looks good to you.

 
My Reply:

early March sounds like a winner!  Any chance of getting a Thursday or Friday slot?

My Son's birthday is March 10th, so if there's ANY WAY to do this in the first week of March, I'd be most appreciative!  

=================

Ok Brian - Please call me at your earliest possible convenience, as I'm going to need you to get in touch with TechTV contacts to confirm your attendance, directions, shooting date, etc.....

For Everyone else's Information - Call for Help is filmed and aired LIVE. They will repeat the show rerun three times, if I am not mistaken on the day of the shoot. So Brian and I will need to get a firm date in March hashed out for all of you to tune in to, and setup VCRs for video taped copies, etc.....