In a move lauded by retro gaming enthusiasts and open-source advocates, Microsoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT License. The tech giant has released the source code for the iconic text-based adventure games, Zork I, Zork II, and Zork III, under the permissive MIT License. This decision allows developers and fans alike to freely use, modify, and distribute the code, ensuring the preservation and potential revitalization of these influential titles.
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Official guidance: W3C – official guidance for Microsoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT License
Key Developments
The open-sourcing of the Zork trilogy is the result of collaboration between the Xbox and Activision teams, along with Microsoft’s Open Source Programs Office (OSPO). Microsoft acquired the intellectual property rights to the Zork franchise through its acquisition of Activision, which had previously acquired Infocom, the original publisher of the games. The move to open source these classic titles reflects a growing trend within the tech industry to contribute to the open-source community and preserve historically significant software.
According to a joint announcement by Stacy Haffner, director of the OSPO at Microsoft, and Scott Hanselman, VP of Developer Community, Microsoft is directly contributing to the historical record. Pull requests have been submitted to the historical source repositories of Zork I, Zork II, and Zork III, adding a clear MIT LICENSE and formally documenting the open-source grant. Digital archivist Jason Scott of Internet Archive fame collaborated on the project. While the core code is now open source, ancillary materials such as commercial packaging, marketing assets, related trademarks, and brands remain proprietary.
The Journey to Open Source
The path to Microsoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT License has been a winding one. While the source code for the original Zork has been available unofficially in the past, notably uploaded to GitHub by Jason Scott in 2019, the licensing situation remained ambiguous. This meant that Activision or Microsoft could have issued a takedown request at any time. This release under the MIT license provides a clear and irrevocable grant, ensuring the code’s long-term accessibility and use.
Interestingly, there was an attempt to sell Zork publishing rights directly to Microsoft in the 1980s, as Bill Gates was a known fan of the game. Although that deal did not materialize at the time, the Zork IP eventually found its way into Microsoft’s portfolio through the Activision acquisition. Now, Microsoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT License, completing a historical loop in the game’s ownership and accessibility.
Impact and Future Potential
The decision by Microsoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT License has several potential implications. Firstly, it allows for the preservation of these historically significant games. As technology evolves, older software can become inaccessible due to compatibility issues or the loss of proprietary code. By making the source code available, Microsoft ensures that Zork I, II, and Zork III can be studied, modified, and ported to new platforms for future generations to enjoy. The move also opens the door for developers to create new content, sequels, or adaptations based on the original Zork universe. The MIT License ensures that any derivative works can be freely distributed, potentially leading to a resurgence in the popularity of text-based adventure games.
Moreover, this action reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to open source initiatives. By making these classic games available under a permissive license, Microsoft demonstrates its willingness to share its resources and contribute to the broader software development community. It serves as an example for other companies that hold valuable historical software assets, encouraging them to consider similar open-source releases. Microsoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT License, setting a positive precedent for the preservation and accessibility of classic games.
Community Reaction
The announcement that Microsoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT License has been met with widespread enthusiasm within the gaming and open-source communities. Fans of the Zork series have expressed their appreciation for Microsoft’s decision, recognizing the significance of preserving these influential titles. Developers have already begun exploring the source code, with plans to create new versions, modifications, and translations of the games. The MIT License allows for a wide range of creative possibilities, and the community is eager to see what emerges from this open-source release.
The move is also seen as a win for software preservationists, who have long advocated for the open-sourcing of historically significant software. By making Zork I, II, and III available under a clear and permissive license, Microsoft has addressed a key concern regarding the long-term accessibility of these games. The open-source release ensures that the code will remain available for future generations, regardless of changes in ownership or technological advancements. The positive reaction from the community highlights the importance of preserving and sharing our digital heritage.
In conclusion, Microsoft makes Zork I, II, and III open source under MIT License, marking a significant moment for both gaming history and the open-source movement. The move ensures the preservation of these classic titles, empowers developers to create new content, and reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to the open-source community. The legacy of Zork is now secure, ready to inspire and entertain future generations.
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