Hi Jason,
I am a great fan of the scenario World War 2 Global by Rocoteh (and many others here around) for C3C. In this thread we had the discussion in how far it is allowed/tolerated to use/distribute the no raze patch for Civ III Conquest. This patch by Skyer 2 is working for Conquest (not Civ 3 Vanilla or Civ 3 Complete) only with a No CD Patch. However this No CD patch was made public by the German PC Games magazine a few years ago. They had published Conquest in one of their volumes. However due to severe problems with that Conquest version they had to publish a No CD Patch in the very next volume to be able to run it.
So my question is, if it is allowed or at least tolerated by Firaxis or Take 2 to use and distribute the patch within a scenario.
As it seems there won't be another patch for Civ III the community is on her own to deal with that and to solve the problems. It would be bad for the community if they are not allowed to deal with the problems since no other patch is available. I can understand economical decisions not to make another patch. However that would not make it right to deny selfmade patches for the public. That would not be very good news for the community.
If there are problems with a direct distribution within a scenario is a disclaimer proposing the patch for Civ 3 Complete acceptable but without making a direct hint how to get a patch for Civ III Conquest?
To be fair I have to warn you about the fact I was studying law in Hamburg (I completed that and I am writing my dissertation now). Although I can only speak about my own opinion, a legal action against such a distribution would be very problematical as Firaxis or Take 2 had to know about the patch PC Games published (I can not think they published that without support by either Take 2 or Firaxis). Also as they have an eye on the forums to watch the community they also had to know about Skyer's patch. As they did not act for a year in the latter case they at least seem to tolerate that. Thus any action against it would be a venire contra factum propium.
Anyway no one of us wants any legal action nor bad PR. I hope this is not seen as threat, what I do not want to do. In contrast. I very respectfully ask you, if you can get a reaction by any official in charge of this problem. So please ask him/her if we are allowed to distribute the patch with the NO CD patch or if it is at least tolerated to do so. If not is a disclaimer like I proposed acceptable? I know the best solution would be a new patch, but since this is unrealistic the community has to help herself to solve the problems. It would be unfair to deny them this.
I hope this PM did not become a threat or made any impression in that way, as legal discussions can be taken as such too fast, although they are not meant in such a way. I am only respectfully asking. If you think this PM is too agressive please use only the tenor and not this PM directly.
Please let me know you got this PM and please give me the answer of the officials as soon as possible. I know, that won't be too soon, as this is a big firm.
Your's faithfully
Adler