Neverwinter Nights Community Expansion Pack coming.

[Duncan Haldane]

I know that in the PW I help develop (or try to ;-), we will be including CEP stuff asap. The world is still original only (of course those with SoU and HotU can play and use the new feats, prestege class, etc), but since CEP is free it will be fair for us to assume that all players have it.

I think it's a great idea, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Duncan

 

[KenM]

One thing that might help the 56ker's is they might put it on the demo CD that comes with computer game magazines. The usally have patches and mods on them, so I think it would be cool if Bioware could let them put in on a pack in CD.

 

[LightPhoenix]

One thing that might help the 56ker's is they might put it on the demo CD that comes with computer game magazines. The usally have patches and mods on them, so I think it would be cool if Bioware could let them put in on a pack in CD.

The problem with that is that it's not Bioware's legal right to let them do anything. In fact, Bioware has specifically done nothing to help them with distribution, because they can get in legal trouble for it.

The reason is because it's not their content - it's a group of lots of people, all of whom need to give consent. Chances are, at least for a while, it will only be available through download, which is unfortunate for the 56k people, but unavoidable without a lot of hassle.

 

[KenM]

The problem with that is that it's not Bioware's legal right to let them do anything. In fact, Bioware has specifically done nothing to help them with distribution, because they can get in legal trouble for it.

The reason is because it's not their content - it's a group of lots of people, all of whom need to give consent. Chances are, at least for a while, it will only be available through download, which is unfortunate for the 56k people, but unavoidable without a lot of hassle.

I belive the ELUA or whatever its called makes anything made with the tools Bioware put our for NWN, (the toolset, the 3d viewer to allow people to change things) properity of Bioware.

 

[LightPhoenix]

I belive the ELUA or whatever its called makes anything made with the tools Bioware put our for NWN, (the toolset, the 3d viewer to allow people to change things) properity of Bioware.

Just scanned through it to make sure, and nope. In fact, they specifically waive that right so long as you adhere to the rules - no obscene stuff, no selling your stuff, and no altering the executable.

However, they do specifically state they have the right to distribute anything that you make with or for use with the toolset in any way they see fit, royalty-free.

Which means I'm not particularly sure why exactly they can't distribute it themselves. I've definitely read statements from Bioware folk that there's some legal issues with doing this, but the EULA (End-User License Agreement) explicitly says they can. So now I'm just confused.

If I had to hazard a guess, I would think that it's possible they're taking a hands-off approach out of respect for the community. That is to say, they want to make sure the community, the people that put work into the CEP, get their due recognition. But that still doesn't mean they couldn't distribute it...

 

[Lazybones]

The actual reason is close but not exactly what you've described. The real problem is the possible inclusion/use by the community of copyrighted content that can get Bioware into trouble. They have to be careful; if, say, a user takes content from, say, a Star Wars game and puts it into a hak, which ends up in the CEP, then Bioware might be liable to LucasArts if they are directly associated with the distribution of the content.

The CEP guys are attentive to this but you can never be sure (they even trimmed out some painting placeables that had copyrighted images in them, for example). So Bioware takes a "hands-off" approach to custom content, just in case. Even if they win the lawsuit, it's money they don't want to spend.

 

[LightPhoenix]

The actual reason is close but not exactly what you've described. The real problem is the possible inclusion/use by the community of copyrighted content that can get Bioware into trouble. They have to be careful; if, say, a user takes content from, say, a Star Wars game and puts it into a hak, which ends up in the CEP, then Bioware might be liable to LucasArts if they are directly associated with the distribution of the content.

The CEP guys are attentive to this but you can never be sure (they even trimmed out some painting placeables that had copyrighted images in them, for example). So Bioware takes a "hands-off" approach to custom content, just in case. Even if they win the lawsuit, it's money they don't want to spend.

Ahh, many thanks Lazybones. I knew there was some reason! I thought I was going a tad bonkers.

 

[Ranger REG]

So, they're going through each of community-submitted content like a fine-toothed comb to see if there won't be anything illegal, right? Does that include modifying the content by removing questionable ones and replacing it, or will they just disallow that submitted content outright?

 

[LightPhoenix]

So, they're going through each of community-submitted content like a fine-toothed comb to see if there won't be anything illegal, right? Does that include modifying the content by removing questionable ones and replacing it, or will they just disallow that submitted content outright?

I imagine just striking it completely. Too much hassle to remake something.

The Vault is fairly good about catching copied stuff, especially because the fans won't hesitate to point out if something is from another game. I don't really think it's a problem, but I guess there's always the chance something would slip through. Sucks for the 56k people though. Maybe someone else would be willing to distribute it.

I know I wouldn't mind burning a CD or two and sending it to people here if they asked. I just don't have the funds to really mass mail CDs all over the US (let alone overseas). I don't even really know how much it costs to mail a CD? Anyone know?

 

[Duncan Haldane]

CEP Delayed

I was expecting the CEP to be released today (well, it's the 25th where I am ;-)

But, according to a message in the forum discussing it, it has been delayed, and they don't know when it will be released (but it's not dead).

Oh well.

Duncan