Curse

Ajaala · Oct 05, 2007, 01:32 AM // 01:32

GWLP was started in January 2007. GWLP is a server emulation project for the Guild Wars client. I'm an alpha tester for the project, apparently just turned "PR", and assuming the mods allow me too, I'm going to update the community on the progress of GWLP each week, with some media and information.

What GWLP aims to be

First, let's get this clear, GWLP doesn't aim to directly copy Guild Wars, it does not aim to allow people to play Guild Wars for free, it won't be emulating the quests, missions, cut scenes, story, instance spawn layouts or town layouts that make up the Guild Wars game. Instead GWLP aims first to be a sandbox style experience, aimed at existing Guild Wars players, providing a framework for creating unique user developed content whilst still using the established models, maps, names, items and skills.

Technical Details

The GWLP is coded in a blend of C/C++ and uses a MySQL database backend. It is primarily developed on Windows XP SP2 using Visual Studio .NET 2003. Some of the code has been made compilable on Linux but no serious effort has been made to run the servers on Linux. Scripting is handled using Gamemonkey Script. Note: The server code is entirely the GWLP's from scratch and has not borrowed code from any other emulation project nor from the official Guild Wars server.

Progress Thus far

GWLP is in a very early state at the moment, whilst movement, chat, various client and server features are implemented and character creation is fully functional, it's a bit early for a feature list.
That said, development is picking up fast, and I expect the next few progress updates to contain far more actual progress and feature documentation.
For now though, I'm just going to introduce the project, leave you with some media and answer any questions you may have.

Obligatory Media

A bone minions Birthday!

Kuunavang Visits Presearing..

How Shiro really came to power..

Questions and concerns?

If you have any questions regarding the project, either post in the thread or PM me and I'll do my best to answer any that I can.

Cheers

-Ajaala

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaile Gray

You asked about the permissability of this project, and I'd like to respond:

With any project of the nature of this server emulator, the primary concern of the game developer is piracy. Our view on this project is that it must assure that the emulator can only possibly be used by people who own a legitimate copy of Guild Wars and that those using the server emulator have access only to the content that they have purchased. For instance, users should not be able to access maps, professions, skills, or any other content from a campaign they do not own. If at any time we find that the emulator is being used for piracy or to access official Guild Wars content that was not purchased through NCsoft or ArenaNet, we will pursue its closure.

I am saying that we have, at other times, taken the stance that we will not take action (even though legally allowed) if there is only good for the community, and nothing whatsoever bad for the community or the company. That would be, by definition, different than straight-out "permission" and it's certainly not meant to imply ownership, approval, or endorsement of the project. It's simply saying that we're aware of the project and do not, at this time, choose to exercise the option to pursue its termination, because we believe it has either a positive or a benign impact on both the community and the company.

Lyonette · Oct 05, 2007, 01:37 AM // 01:37

wow... looks like great fun... but is this legal an does anet approve? :O

lacasner · Oct 05, 2007, 01:41 AM // 01:41

We have to admit, however it is somewhat of an interesting idea.

HawkofStorms · Oct 05, 2007, 01:48 AM // 01:48

Technically, you can run your own servers for these games (you pay a.net not for the client, but to play on their server). Its tricky. Basically, as long as a.net doesn't issue a cease and disist order, it can keep running.

I've heard about this server before. Its good to know that one day (years in the future I hope) when A.net shuts down the GW1 server, there will still be a place to go.

Bryant Again · Oct 05, 2007, 02:02 AM // 02:02

Sounds fun and all, but eh, as others have said, is it legal?

The blocked-out names make me a tad concerned...

Ajaala · Oct 05, 2007, 02:09 AM // 02:09

It's a bit of a grey area really.

RavenGT · Oct 05, 2007, 02:16 AM // 02:16

Does this project have a site?

Dragonious · Oct 05, 2007, 02:17 AM // 02:17

looks awesome

Bryant Again · Oct 05, 2007, 02:22 AM // 02:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ajaala

It's a bit of a grey area really.

Like using Texmod?

Sujoy · Oct 05, 2007, 02:25 AM // 02:25

you GWLP's ppl might be doing this for the right reasons, but many (I mean ALOT) people will go to any lengths to crack GW and make private servers (Lineage 2 anybody?)... I don't see any good coming out of this.

But congratulations to you, neat computer skills.

Neo Nugget · Oct 05, 2007, 02:40 AM // 02:40

That's pretty sweet. Im a sucker for pre searing

oxylus · Oct 05, 2007, 02:47 AM // 02:47

This would be very interesting. Do you have a project page somewhere? Can we see the server-side code and the DB schemas and all that or is it closed source?

Ajaala · Oct 05, 2007, 02:49 AM // 02:49

It's closed source I'm afraid, although the database layout could be published.
A project page will be up soon

LicensedLuny · Oct 05, 2007, 02:49 AM // 02:49

A thread from a couple days ago got me interested enough to search for this. I came across a thread on another site (don't know if it's ok to leave a link here.)

True, it's legality is at best a puzzle. And yeah, anyone can fake anything on the internet even good intentions. But after reading the 20 pages of that other thread, full of detailed posts from the project's original creator I left with the impression they really weren't trying to make a way for people to play Guild Wars without having bought a key. For a emu project, they were doing a lot to stop people without valid GW accounts from using this.

Yeah, seems like anything can eventually be cracked. These folks have managed to "crack" a lot of the official client/server communication. So with Sujoy's reasoning, we shouldn't see anything good coming out of official GW either.

No matter, it's still pretty impressive what they've managed to do.

I wish y'all the best of luck with your project. It sounds like fun. And I'll give you the benefit of the doubt about best intentions and anti-piracy measures.

Cheers,
Luny

Oh, and it's probably a darker shade of gray than Texmod.

holababe · Oct 05, 2007, 03:01 AM // 03:01

Having extensive experience with WoW servers, I look forwards to this project with bated breath! I volunteer to help as well :P

And in terms of legality it's probably similar to WoW - creating and running a server is technically legal as long as you don't use the copyrighted material. However, to connect to a WoW emulated server you need to edit a certain file (realmlist.wtf) which the EULA specifically forbids! So that's how Blizzard closed the 'loophole' for their game. I'm not sure about ANET though.

CyberNigma · Oct 05, 2007, 03:03 AM // 03:03

Of course it has less of an impact than the Lineage 2 private servers due to the end of the GW (1) development rounds of its lifecycle (still including updates), lack of monthly fees for GW (1), and whether people using these servers will charge a fee like some of the private lineage servers.

Remember, though, the ANet team (from the top) are artists/developers first, which means they have some pretty big egos when it comes to their 'art'. I'd pretty much expect them to do everything they could to take it down just on principle. Carmack was an exception to the rule I believe, so don't expect them to turn a blind eye.

They may surprise you though.. Who knows.

AlienFromBeyond · Oct 05, 2007, 03:07 AM // 03:07

I must say I'm impressed at what I see so far. If Anet doesn't shut you down, this could be quite cool.

jhu · Oct 05, 2007, 03:07 AM // 03:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryant Again

Like using Texmod?

texmod isn't even close. it's seems to be somewhat like bnetd - before blizzard shut down that project

Bryant Again · Oct 05, 2007, 03:10 AM // 03:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhu

texmod isn't even close. it's seems to be somewhat like bnetd - before blizzard shut down that project

Alright, so this situation is much more severe?

I mentioned Texmod because ANet neither condemns nor bans for it's usage. I was wondering if the same can be said of this or do we not know?

Keifru · Oct 05, 2007, 03:13 AM // 03:13

It looks pretty beautiful.

Does it happen to have a site and/or forum or something of the ilk? @_@