Re: [GNU-linux-libre] Adding some scummvm game(s) to the "List of software that does not respect the Free System Distribution Guidelines"

[bill-auger]

On Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:41:49 -0400 John wrote:
> Have you played any of the ScummVM games before? They are much more
> complex than than "two-dimensional, simple mechanics, limited colors".

sure, in the 90s, when they were the "state-of-the-art" - i still have a
several on original commercial CDs

that description was only to define the term: "retro", for the benefit of
those who are not familiar with gamer lingo

if there is any segment of computing with a penchant for bleeding-edge
technology, it is gamers - people who write new retro games are going for the
retro _style_, game-play mechanics, beeps and honks, etc; but most are not
enthusiastic about building them with antique tools, nor supporting obsolete
platforms such as DOS or monochrome EGA graphics - just as a musician may want
to record a 1940s-style jazz tune, would almost surely not want to record it
using 1940s equipment (even if that would make it more authentic), and will not
be concerned about whether the output fits onto an 8-track cartridge - all that
nostalgia can be simulated with the more familiar and versatile modern
production tools and playback hardware

i dont intend to belittle the absolute value of scummvm (nor the 8-track
cartridge) - this was only to put it in the relevant context - the
proliferation of software freedom, coupled with the prevalent fetish for
novelty and upstream activity, ensures that any 30+ year old unmaintained
software, if it has a still desirable feature-set, will be superseded by an
actively maintained equivalent and/or superior replacement, and preferred for
equivalent tasks