Metal Fatigue Re-Release Copyright Issues

[NotChrysalis]

Hi, I'm Owen Fort, son of Jeff Fort(Zono programmer, not the gang leader). I MIGHT have access to Metal Fatigue source code(or at least I know someone who does), but I still don't know who really owns the copyright. I'm pretty sure Sony owns it everywhere(EU and GB i'm almost sure of), but Take-Two Interactive might own some part of it. One of the two likely owns the copyright at least. A quick search with TMview says that Sony holds active trademarks for Metal fatigue in Europe and the UK. Mumbojumbo owns some of Zono's IP but not Metal Fatigue AFAIK. Matrix Games got some of Talonsoft's IP when TTI bought it. Zono didn't own the MF IP as far as I know(or my dad knows), the publisher(s) did.

Again, HYPOTHETICALLY, a remastered version or at least a digital re-release could be possible if I can figure out the whole copyright/trademark situation. IF I can find the source code and the copyright/trademark situation is clarified, AND it is market viable to release the game again, I should be able to get all the original dev tools to rework the graphics engine, core limits, etc. and get it to run smooth on a modern PC. From there a release or remaster might be possible.

If anyone knows any more than I do about the copyright situation, any information would be of great help towards Metal Fatigue getting reworked and re-released.

Edit: I just looked and I'm in the credits lol

[She suck my Frozoner]

Tell me how that goes. Sounds like a shitshow of split copyrights. good luck, if there is anything you think I can do let me know lmao

[Willa Grey]

Ooh, I'd love it if this works out!

[Grandfeatherex]

I would absolutely jump on the chance to play this again in original or remake form, I never even owned the damn game, but I played a 1 map demo my bud had for hours at a time, I keep looking for this on GOG

[Hakensio]

@NotChrysalis we need to make this happen. The game has so much potential and there ar thousands of people out there waiting for it. A remastered version with improved graphics and les issues for the unit count (my current issue) would rock the market.

Maybe a Kickstarter campaign would help? Wouldn't Sony want to get rid of an old license which they are not really using?

[Kaishi]

Just read your post and keep us updated! :)

[Grandfeatherex]

you should mention this on GOG too, in the requested games section look up and post in the metal fatigue threds there are a few thousand people in them

[Sonicfanx1]

Thank you sir for helping make such a wonderful game.

[FloFlosBizarreAdventure]

That sounds AMAZING! Please keep us up to date!

[PINHATT]

A few months ago I tried to send an email to sony but he simply came back soon apoz I have sent, server could not find the address they leave in the "contacts" part

[PINHATT]

I would really appreciate a remake (or anything) from MF, I love this game and I played it all my childhood, until the CD's scratch .... but in the end I wish it right, if HYPOTHETICALLY this works out, please correct The way the troops move between the cosstructions is a little frustrating when your base is on attack and you have to reposition your troops and they get stuck in the solar panels or the banks of MetaJoule or basically everything.

[Sonicfanx1]

Hello good sir. Any news?

[Stances]

If this happens i am 100% more then willing to buy the fuck out of this game and probably send copys of it to friends because none of my friends ever knew about this game and I always think about it now and then and search it again. Was and still is probably one of the most unique mech combat systems out there. If this actually happens I can die happy

[Golem0]

If there was a re-release, what changes should it include (if any changes are possible at all)?

I am all for:

critical:

• 64 bit and multicore-support
  
• memory leak fix
  
• ability to save skirmishes
  
• pathfinding fixes
  
• AI improvements
  
• bug fixes
  
• plasma gun model fix for RimTech and Mil-Agro
  
• music fix
  
• multiplayer desync fix

optional:

• more detailed landscapes
  
• more maps for skirmish/multiplayer
  
• widescreen resolutions
  
• ability to disable certain items in skirmish/multiplayer (buildings, parts etc.)
  
• vehicle rehaul
  
• shared vision with allies
  
• other sounds for energy weapons (or at least tone down their volume a bit)
  
• point defenses protect from crashing aircraft
  
• buffing jetpack torso/jetpack boots
  
• perhaps make it possible for the jetpack torso to drop upon combot death (RimTech's only way of obtaining the jetpack torso is via neutron cannon)
  
• ingame encyclopedia containing information on all units, parts, buildings etc.

I would be happy to help, but sadly lack any skills apart from recording parts of music (unless someone teaches me scripting or coding or whatever is needed).

[Hakensio]

@Golem, I think you have covered some great points, not only in the critical but also in the optional. I think there are a couple more glitches here and there, like the lava resources sometimes don't shine when they are full. I would also increase the limit for the max # of units. At 8 players the limit is quite low.

So I was reading that the main problem is about the licenses. So the first goal would be to unify the licensing into the ownership of one group/company?

I can't wait to play this game again on a proper system!

[Naqser]

A Jason Hough said on MF's Wishlist comment list that he have tried to contact Sony about some rights, but has been unsuccesful.

A user called Mephisto had this to say on the same GoG MF comment page:


"To everyone wondering: The reason this isnt on GOG yet is twofold; First, the developer was long since eaten, and its parent company is a fairly successful developer of mobile games, and Secondly, the publisher rights were split between europe (psygnosis) and the US (take 2, oh god), which makes it a nightmare to figure out its current worth or more likely unfeasible for a profit share to rights holders. Shame too. It's still abandonware for anyone who goes looking for it though."

My own MF inspired project is also on hold for a number of reasons.