What are your thoughts on abandonware?

[J T]

My own thoughts on this are that if the game is still being sold new (not used), as might be seen on GOG or something, then I will abstain from pirating it. However, if it does really feel abandoned, then it's off to Abandonia or somewhere to find a copy.

I'm presently on a 90s cyberpunk binge, so I downloaded the following:

Rise of the Dragon
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/376/R ... ragon.html

Blade Runner
http://www.xtcabandonware.com/game/2384/blade-runner

Neuromancer
http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/1041/Neuromancer.html

[Exhuminator]

If the software's developers or at least its original publisher are no longer making money off of it, I don't think anything's wrong with downloading a copy of it.

I'm presently on a 90s cyberpunk binge, so I downloaded the following

Cyberpunk is best punk. I would like to suggest these as well:

http://www.giantbomb.com/perihelion/3030-6508/
http://www.giantbomb.com/cybermage-dark ... 030-15632/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BloodNet
http://www.giantbomb.com/dreamweb/3030-13950/
http://www.giantbomb.com/strife/3030-10565/
http://www.giantbomb.com/hell-a-cyberpu ... 030-20231/

Here's a proper tune to ride while you punch deck:

[nightrnr]

So far, it looks like the compromise of " as long as it's not available to be bought in some form from the developer/rights holders/etc.".

So basically, it just has to really be "abandoned"ware, by definition. If so, I can live with that.

Problem is, a lot of abandonware sights have a slew of other games that ARE available to buy legit. The temptation not to pirate is kind of high there, especially if it's a small download size.
I'm glad GOG (usually) offers so many extras with their games to give an advantage over free.

[BoneSnapDeez]

No problem with abandonware. I love it.

Though I typically will only download it as a last resort. As a "collector" I will go after a physical game first. First I'll see if I can find a new copy online. If that fails I'll check for a used copy on eBay/Amazon. If that fails I'll look for a "legit" download copy on GOG or whatever. And if that fails I then turn to abandonware.

To give examples, I had been playing abandonware versions of Knights of Xentar and Zeliard for the longest time as I couldn't find any alternatives. I did eventually snag some physical copies on eBay.

I feel the same way about console games. If a legitimate version is still obtainable (ie: the original game itself, or a compilation that contains it, or a XBLA/PSN/VC copy) I will go for that, but if it's too obscure I'll just play it on an emulator.

Problem is, a lot of abandonware sights have a slew of other games that ARE available to buy legit. The temptation not to pirate is kind of high there, especially if it's a small download size.
I'm glad GOG (usually) offers so many extras with their games to give an advantage over free.

I have noticed this as well. Betrayal at Krondor comes to mind.

GOG is always the way to go as you get goodies like PDF instructions, maps, wallpapers, and whatnot.

[nightrnr]

GOG is always the way to go as you get goodies like PDF instructions, maps, wallpapers, and whatnot.

I totally approve of the GOG business model. Offer DRM-free games, at great prices, with bonuses to add extra value. That triple threat often seals the deal for me.

Occasionally there are things they miss though. I noticed that they lack the pdf for the ginormous Master of Magic strategy guide. I think it's a Prima guide, so maybe they couldn't get the rights to it, but it just seems too awesome to leave out.

I requested a link for that guide at the realmsbeyond forums once and they were reluctant to make it available again, that is, until I pointed out that it was NOT an extra offered by GOG. Afterward that, they had no problem linking it.
I think this is a good example of when it's okay with sharing "abandownloads".

[Exhuminator]

I have spent tremendous amounts of money on GOG games. Yet I've spent about zero on Steam games. No DRM is the big reason, but those bonuses GOG goes the extra mile to provide certainly help.

[dsheinem]

bunch of fucking socialist commies in this thread

[marurun]

bunch of fucking socialist commies in this thread

Well, thank goodness they are fucking socialist commies and NOT fucking socialist commie pinkos. That would be way too much.

[nightrnr]

bunch of fucking socialist commies in this thread

I never know when to take you seriously.
Taken as a joke presently. I fully expect you to perpetuate it though .

[Exhuminator]

I never know when to take you seriously.

I hope he is serious, because I find it hilarious if he's actually perpetually pissed off and disgusted with this forum every time he logs on, yet keeps coming back due to masochistic impulse.