Quick Question about Data File Release

[BlenderFreak]

When we release the data files, does this only have to include the .ged or is it required that we release our artwork and soundfiles that are included in the data folder?

[DarkParadox]

If you are distrubuting the .GED file, you must include the data folder along with it, or else no one will be able to load your game.

[BlenderFreak]

yeah that's why I'd just distribute the .exe, but it's required that when you post a game that you also include a .zip file containing the .ged and the data folder. Only thing is that not *all* of the stuff in the game itself was made with Game Editor. So I was just wondering if it was required that all things like sprite sheets and music were also required or if I could make a separate data folder containing ONLY .ged files, scripts, etc and upload that instead when I upload games that I'd prefer to keep the artwork (at least the .wavs) to myself for. I've got a guy working with me on music and he'd prefer his sound and music remain personal and closed source. So I was curious as to whether or not releasing the .zip file to the public (as is required) means I *HAVE* to include the other data files. If people would load the game, they'd use the .exe. If they wanted to look at the scripting, they would download the .zip and take a look, but I'd prefer to have some things (like my videos and sound files) made by myself with other programs kept to myself and those cooperating with me (Not everything, just some things). If that's not allowed, then that's cool and I'll just upload the data folder as is when that time comes, but if it's permitted to pull out certain kinds of files not created in GE, it would be preferred.

[DarkParadox]

I guess one work-around is to manually remove all the music and sounds reserved by your designer, and to simply release the .GED with no script for playing music. Use place-holders or simply remove them.

[BlenderFreak]

Alright, thanks! I just wanted to make sure it was still allowed when releasing a GE file XD

[SuperSonic]

Hang on,
When you say

Files I've made in other programs

Do you mean (for example) a rendered picture you made in Blender, or the actuall blend file

[TSO]

I think all the original sources of the games graphics and sounds that are loaded to play the game are supposed to be available.
including music if it plays in the game it should be there...

of course that is if your selling it or something I think...
otherwise it would just be considered the current open source game and files given by you...
doubt the makers would care much then...
a smart person would probably rip the code rather then the graphics and sounds and slap in they're own... sell it as something else...

[BlenderFreak]

@SuperSonic: Well not that necessarily, though that would be a big pain to download and upload all of those files. I'd have to add the blender files into the data folder manually. I'm more worried about things like my sprite sheets and backgrounds, which are made in the Gimp. Some of them I don't mind releasing, but several I spent hours making just to get them to flow well and look good. So I would be pretty cautious about releasing them out to the community. And the guy that's working with me to make this game is really into his music and hopes to one day do something similar to that, and would prefer to keep his sound files to himself, though you would be able to hear them in an executable file.

@TSO: Yeah I'm not ready to sell JUST yet. Hoping to get to that stage eventually, but right now I'm just learning my way around. And I figured that's what would happen... but since the code has to be released there's not much I can do about that. I'm not too concerned just yet, though, since my game/coding skills aren't quite to the point where I can make a game that would be worth all the effort of ripping off.

[makslane]

yeah that's why I'd just distribute the .exe, but it's required that when you post a game that you also include a .zip file containing the .ged and the data folde

If you want to post in the Game Demos, you need to post all game files (ged + data folder). In other places, you can post only the executable file.

[BlenderFreak]

Ohhh alright - thanks, Makslane!