Where's the GPL license/source download?

[threedotonefour]

You're using the VICE emulator which is licensed under the GPL so you are required to include the license with the game but I can't see it anywhere. You also seem to have done modifications to VICE which are also covered under the GPL and you should offer a way to obtain the code with your modifications added.

[[TOG] Whiskey]

There is a link to the source code and GPL, can you tell me what modifications have been made please.

[Fnord]

A link isn't sufficient: GPL2 FAQ[www.gnu.org]

[[TOG] Whiskey]

This is not the precedent set by other distributions of Vice, for example when you download the Vice binary itself, you do not get the source code with it, so is the official distribution in violation of the GPL?

If you look on Itch.io and check the C64 downloads, there are many products on there distributing Vice without the source code.

Is there a specific concern regarding me, my game or this platform that is different to the above binary only distributions?

Can you please email me at [e-mail], stating your name and position within the community and I can speak to you about your concerns.

[Fnord]

If you had actually read the FAQ I linked to, you would know that the original distribution by the authors is not in violation (see this[www.gnu.org] answer). The itch.io C64 downloads appear to be in violation though if your claims are true and will need to be shut down or rectified.

A similar problem occured about 10 years ago with Steam releases of the old DOS games by id software, which used an included copy of dosbox to run them on modern systems. It was resolved by including a copy of dosbox' source in the Steam application bundle.

[[TOG] Whiskey]

I have spoken to a member of the development team, not sure if you are a member or not, and have something to work towards, this will be implemented asap and I will submit to them for their approval. I have nothing but respect for the VICE team.

If you are looking for binary only distributions, here are a few more, some dating back over a decade and all appear to be breaking the GPL.

This version has been available for over 10 years, uploaded 03/12/2007, to a high traffic site.
https://vice.en.softonic.com/

Another respected site - 4,526 downloads (since 30/04/2007)
http://www.computerbild.de/download/Vice-428688.html

The raspberrypi forums, non stock build
https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=69420

OS/2 build, non stock build
http://www.astro.uni-wuerzburg.de/~tbretz/d4m/vice2/

[[TOG] Whiskey]

The GPL implementation has now been approved by a developer from the VICE team, thanks for working with me on this, always happy to support you guys.

[Jammet]

I hope this didn't upset you. It may often come off as rude, but it's never meant to be. It's the one reason many love this license. Of course many others dislike it for the same reason. However, it is not difficult to comply with what the license requires, and I'm thankful that you did so. The C64 Mini still hasn't if I am informed correctly. They had linked their interface statically to the emulator, which is a real problem. I can already hear some people point to the GPL and say it's a cancer, but in all honesty, it never is, some people just don't work with it, and are out for the benefits of the software. A lot of mistakes can easily be avoided if they just read the license, it's on the short and simple side of things.

[[TOG] Whiskey]

No problem at all, I always want to be in compliance and give credit anywhere I can, if you take a look at the Galencia manual for instance, I have photos of all the developers and a full page dedicated to all the tools, with credits for those too.

This was my first time working with the GPL, and with a little direct communication, everyone is happy. Sorry to hear about the C64 Mini, I know a lot of the bigger players do not respect the work of others and that isn't really fair. I am in communication with other C64 programmers and publishers, curious about how to present on this platform and I will pass along the VICE information regarding what is required and best practices.

Being a solo developer (with others creating assets) it can be a challenge managing everything!

[Jammet]

With Galencia coming to the Mini, I was hoping you might have some insight into who does what over there, and that with the good info you have, even they might get their affairs in order. Not that I want to put you in a difficult situation. Thanks again, anyway! :)

[[TOG] Whiskey]

If you email me at [e-mail], I will pass your contact information over to them at my next opportunity. I think this is the best way as I don't want to give out other peoples information, I hope you understand.

[Jammet]

As I'm not on the Vice Team myself, myself talking to the Mini guys about it, probably amounts to the same as me trying to persuade them via their Facebook group. Where I noticed that another handful of people tried to get (at least) a reaction from them. Not sure if these comments were ignored or overlooked.

During the first one or two months, they had a forum of their very own, too. The GPL question was brought up multiple times there as well, but no official response to that there, either.

At this point I'm more or less just trying to make you aware of this, not raise alarms, or trying to be adversarial (as many people tend to become over issues like this, on either side). If I were to go through you to them, that might perhaps upset them. The Vice Team has to do it, I guess. Not me. It's really difficult, because I want them to just thrive and have it easy. But this could get more complicated later down the line.

See this for where I even got this from:
http://c64minicommunity.freeforums.net/thread/7/vice-used-menu-access-ideas?page=1&scrollTo=568

http://vice-emu.pokefinder.org/index.php/Hall_of_Shame#THEC64