Just what *is* permissible to modify?

[Albrecht Von Hesse]

Quite often I read, in reply to a 'wish', that doing so is impossible because 'it's hardcoded in the game'.

Since the game is, itself, a program, and programs are capable of being edited, modified, etc., this leads me to believe that there are some files that Ubisoft does not permit being edited and modified. Yes or no?

[bigboywooly]

Not that I am aware of
Without the SDK some things will never be fixed as the tools arent available
Hopefully one day Ubi will release said kit so the bugs can be ironed out completely

[Pants]

The golden rule is YOU NEVER EVER touch the EXE, we can mod the game but we CANNOT touch the EXE, Because basicly if we "Modders" mess with the EXE that is a clear breach of copywrite.
So in other words Play with the EXE = Law Suit, a BIG fine and possibly jail time.
Things in the EXE is where the term "HardCoded" comes from.

[FIREWALL]

The golden rule is YOU NEVER EVER touch the EXE, we can mod the game but we CANNOT touch the EXE, Because basicly if we "Modders" mess with the EXE that is a clear breach of copywrite.
So in other words Play with the EXE = Law Suit, a BIG fine and possibly jail time.
Things in the EXE is where the term "HardCoded" comes from.


Hi Pants & BBW :) If I might ask? Is the SDK in the game? And if it is.
Why hasn't it been cracked more times than walnut's at Xmas?:rotfl:

[THE_MASK]

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/2965/mmmmmvf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[oRGy]

Ignorance!

Firstly, it's technically illegal in some jurisdications (but IANAL) to reverse-engineer code from any program (this would include libraries and hex files etc), but it's not illegal to create a patcher that would for example modify the .exe.

I would cite the example of Morrowind, where there is a program and patcher that replaces the main Morrowind.exe with a version that fixes some crash bugs (doesn't affect copy protection).

Lots of good work has actually been done on MW that works either on the exe directly or with the exe once it's loaded (external program running the background). Here's a link:

http://www.angelfire.com/games6/timeslip/morrow.html

The "hard coded stuff" is in the .exe and .dll's in SH3, but it doesn't mean they'll can't be touched, more that most people don't have the advanced programming skills and time to analyse and understand them properly.

[irish1958]

HI oRGy,
Good to see you!:sunny::sunny:

[_Seth_]

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/2965/mmmmmvf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:I want one of those!!!

[1mPHUNit0]

reverse-engineer is knowledge
knowledge it's power
power it's illegal for who have it

[Albrecht Von Hesse]

So far, if I'm understanding all the replies, the definitive answer seems to be:

Yes . . . no . . . maybe . . . not sure.

:doh: :huh:

[JScones]

So far, if I'm understanding all the replies, the definitive answer seems to be:

Yes . . . no . . . maybe . . . not sure.

:doh: :huh:
To explain by way of examples:

- modifying SH3.exe direct (and by SH3.exe I also mean any of the associated dll files), by hex editing or re-engineering (pls note that re-engineering is the correct term for modifying source files) and releasing the "updated" file(s) WITHOUT express permission from Ubisoft would get you into hot water if you were caught. Think No-CD hack. Notwithstanding jurisdiction, the level of "punishment" would be roughly commensurate to the level of hacking (hack to fix a bug but leave all copy protection intact may simply result in a smack on the wrist, but remove the copy protection and essentially release a "crack" may get you prosecuted due to arguable loss of earnings to Ubisoft). In either event though, unless Ubisoft was cool with what you've done you will not find any reputable forum (like Subsim) to peddle your wares.

- writing and distributing a programme which modifies SH3.exe is legal. Think MultiSH3 which "patches" FileManager.dll to allow you to have multiple save game locations. Using it though is the issue. But, who is gonna know if you run MultiSH3 in the privacy of your own home? This is like creating a backup copy of the SH3 DVD - it may be expressly forbidden to do so, but provided it's for own use and no-one knows about it, how will you get caught? However, if you then release these changed files, then point #1 applies.

Or to phrase it another way, owning a hammer is not illegal. But hammering all your neighbour's windows will see you in court so fast...

[Albrecht Von Hesse]

So far, if I'm understanding all the replies, the definitive answer seems to be:

Yes . . . no . . . maybe . . . not sure.

:doh: :huh:
To explain by way of examples:

- modifying SH3.exe direct (and by SH3.exe I also mean any of the associated dll files), by hex editing or re-engineering (pls note that re-engineering is the correct term for modifying source files) and releasing the "updated" file(s) WITHOUT express permission from Ubisoft would get you into hot water if you were caught. Think No-CD hack. Notwithstanding jurisdiction, the level of "punishment" would be roughly commensurate to the level of hacking (hack to fix a bug but leave all copy protection intact may simply result in a smack on the wrist, but remove the copy protection and essentially release a "crack" may get you prosecuted due to arguable loss of earnings to Ubisoft). In either event though, unless Ubisoft was cool with what you've done you will not find any reputable forum (like Subsim) to peddle your wares.

- writing and distributing a programme which modifies SH3.exe is legal. Think MultiSH3 which "patches" FileManager.dll to allow you to have multiple save game locations. Using it though is the issue. But, who is gonna know if you run MultiSH3 in the privacy of your own home? This is like creating a backup copy of the SH3 DVD - it may be expressly forbidden to do so, but provided it's for own use and no-one knows about it, how will you get caught? However, if you then release these changed files, then point #1 applies.

Or to phrase it another way, owning a hammer is not illegal. But hammering all your neighbour's windows will see you in court so fast...

Well JScones, you helped clear things up for me more than anyone else so far. :D

Let me see if I have this correct: 1) If I directly modify the .exe and/or .dll files without Ubisoft's permission, and post that mod for others to download and use, that's bad; 2) If I write a mod program that, in the course of installing and/or running, modifies the .exe and/or .dll files, that's . . . well, *wink*wink* OK.

Yes?