Make 8-BitMMO Free/Libre and Open-Source Software
I don't mean free as in free beer, I mean free as in freedom.
Becaue 8-Bit MMO is a gratis ($0) game, and relies on in-game-purchases, there is no downside to releasing the source-code to the users. Everything is handled by the server, so what would the harm be? There would be no harm. This would be a contribution to humanity itself...
--What is Free Software--
Free Software is software that respects the user and developer's four basic freedoms:
Freedom 0: To run or not run the program.
Freedom 1: To redistribute the program; to be a good neighobr
Freedom 2: To modify the program; to have your computing done how you want to- the freedom to improve
Freedom 3: To distribute your improved version so others can enjoy bugfixes, new features, etc.
Non-Free software restricts the user- it can function maliciously, but the user would never know, because the user cannot study what the program does. Non-Free Software- most of the time- contains malicious features, such as digital handcuffs, spyware, etc.
--Why should 8-BitMMO be Free Software?--
Well, every program should be Free Software. The users wouldn't be restricted, the client could improve very much, new developers could learn from 8-BitMMO code, bug-fixes would be more steady, it would support more platforms, etc, etc.
--What do you mean, more platforms?--
If 8-BitMMO was to become Free-Software, it could be uploaded to any Linux distribution's repositories (100s of new platforms right there...), GNOME Software Center, Ubuntu Software Center, and the door would be open to bring it to new devices, such as the Raspberry Pi. With 8BitMMO being available on so many platforms, there would be more players, and more chances for someone to buy Platinum via the in-game-purchases.
--Overall Perks--
-Rob and Co. would make more money from IAPs, as 8-BitMMO would be available on many more platforms
-Less weight on Rob and Co's shoulders, as some client-side bugs could be sorted out by contributers
-Users wouldn't be restricted, which makes users happy, which makes them more likely to give a copy to a friend and play again, meaning more players, meaning more possible profit
-Rob and Co. would be making a great contribution to the world of computing in general
This is a proper ethical, monetary, and qualitative choice- the only question is, why NOT make 8BitMMO Free Software?
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boxtropica commented
You see all of those tickets that ask for small changes to the client? This would allow people to make the changes they like, and improve upon the client.
Just making sure everyone understands- this is asking that the CLIENT become Free Software, NOT the server.