Project New Zone
 

would it possible to build a new zone

i was thinking of Lower Blackburrow where the gnolls make black burrow stout and anyone interested in helping me on project?
all in the pure idealism of programing.

Possible to make a new zone?
Yes

Is it likely you are going to make a new zone?
No


Even if you did, distributing the file would have verant on your ass.

Anyone is free to distribute a new zone as long as you do not use any of SoE's proprietary/copy righted data in doing so. If you start from scratch and make your own zone file, then I *think* you would be free to distribute it. SoE can't do a thing about someone distributing files titled foo.s3d, if you didnt steal any of their copyrighted material in doing so.

You'd have to use your own models, artwork, etc.

Even then, if they really wanted to, they could probably nail you for using thier file format.

File formats can't be copyrighted or patented, period. If you reverse engineer it WITHOUT looking at their code or disassemling their program, it's 100% legal. You can even dissect files of the same type (i.e. other .s3d files).

Damn ironic, considering less specific crap has been recently copyrighted that should never have been allowed.

actually if you didnt know, SoE had to buy the rights to use mp3s in EverQuest :P

:p its not like they dont have enough money to buy everyone hookers, they are money hungry asses.

With regard to mp3, the file format isn't the issue. It's the Fraunhofer codec. The compression algorithm is patented, NOT the file format.

and how hard would it be to figure out how they created the zones? :rolleyes:

ok
 

yea i was wondering how hard it would be to build you own lvl is all a good point..not like im trying to dist it or anything i just want to learn about lvl building and programing ..been into computer repair too long not makeing and money at it like to learn something new.

they were made with 3d studios max i heard but theres something about them that makes them special.

i.e: something that you need so it will work with EQ.

Perhaps I am foolish in thinking this...but, If you can make a program to read in the zones then display them on the screen...what prevents someone from writing a new zone if they know how to read it already?

im guessing they need to know the info that makes them run. All the special info involved.

Pvp? Water? Etc.

They use a plug-in for 3d Studio Max called 'Real3d' or something for zone layout. Ive tried to get ahold of it a couple years back when I first learned of it but its hard to find. Somebody out there must know something about it. They might not even use it anymore.