Hellgate: London source code lifted?
by Christopher Grant 
{ Jul 10th 2006 at 10:15PM }
Gamers With Jobs Press Pass passed along their scoop that the source code for Flagship Studios upcoming spiritual Diablo sequel, Hellgate: London, has been hacked right out of their network, like meat from the bone. Ex-Blizzard developer, and co-founder of Flagship Studios, Bill Roper stated "that while they have heard the same rumors they cannot confirm or deny that any code has been lifted from their servers." Can't he check? We'll wait ...
... anyways, according to Press Pass' sources -- sources we can only imagine exist in the shadowy, illicit corners of the internet that our library filters won't let us anywhere near -- "the virtual break-in was conducted by a Chinese individual who is currently attempting to sell the code from a personal website." See, shadowy contraband getting pushed on the black markets of the internet ... it reads like a hackneyed beach thriller, but nerdier and not mass-marketable.
Let's hope the team at Flagship doesn't follow the historical antecedent that Valve set when the source code for Half Life 2 was stolen in 2003: the already delayed title suffered another year of delays before being released in the fall of 2004. Then again, that delay ended with the release of a fantastic game, so we'll take that back. Half Life 2 is fine company to be in, delay or not.
[Thanks, Shawn]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Insomnia Bob @ Jul 10th 2006 10:31PM
Wow. I've got massivly mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I dislike the idea of seeing the hard work these guys have put into this game trashed like this, don't want it to be pushed back any longer, etc...but on the other hand, I REALLY would love to get my filthy, filthy hands on an early build of it.
And as CG points out, having an early build leak out on the net didn't hurt HL2. In fact, there were even rumors than Valve leaked it THEMSELVES, due to the fact that almost no coherent storyline could be lifted from it, the leak only served to 'whet the whistle' of the PC gaming audience, and give really enthusiastic modders a bit of a head start.
Maybe this will do the same for Hellgate? Time will tell.
...and now, I'm NOT going to go start searching torrent site. No sir. Cause that would be WRONG.
just Al @ Jul 10th 2006 11:17PM
Coming to a 360 near you soon-sorry gearheads!
Shagi @ Jul 10th 2006 11:40PM
I saw HG:L at E3 this year and it looked far from finished, I wouldn't be surprised if this is just a lie to justify moving its release date back...but thats just a thought.
Kevin @ Jul 10th 2006 11:48PM
3. Xbox 360 Premiem 400+2 60$games=520
PS3 Premiem 600+ 2 60$=720
You Save 200$
u could buy 3 more new games and a lunch at Taco Bell With Xbox 360
GSI @ Jul 11th 2006 12:07AM
Sorry but this is bad no matter how you look at it PLUS if all it really was was the source code then you're not going to be able to play an early build.
Why? It's just code. It doesn't include the art assets (textures, 3D models, etc.) The most that 'could' come out of it are hackers messing with the code and releasing any CONFIDENTIAL information or techniques.
Sol Invictus @ Jul 11th 2006 12:46AM
Well, first things first: the rumors are unsubstantiated, with some unverifiable "sources".
Beyond that, Flagship has absolutely no reason to start any rumors about leaking the game as the game is on its way to popularity without the help of some kind of horrid marketing stunt.
That said, the game's very much on schedule for its eventual release, and these guys know better than to slow things down or have it affect them just because of some rumor.
Lastly, the game's not coming out for the 360. Sure, there's a chance that some company might approach them and ask them for the opportunity to have it ported, but they have absolutely no intentions to develop the game on the 360.
Insomnia Bob @ Jul 11th 2006 1:41AM
How the heck did this become a 360 vs PS3 thread? For shame, fanboys. For shame.
INQUE @ Jul 11th 2006 7:55AM
It was Quake Wars now it's Hellgate, what's going on with the devs. At least ID / Splash Damage, was honest enough to say that they wanted to delay their game due to some more QA testing.
Well as long as the game is polished as release, I don't mind the wait. More time to save for an upgrade either way 8)
Mike @ Jul 11th 2006 10:00AM
This is what the Chinese are best at... stealing other peoples IP and using it/selling it as their own.
That country doesn't have an original thought in it's head. They steal billions from us every year (95%+ piracy rate, anyone?) and get away with it.
just Al @ Jul 11th 2006 10:19AM
I'm not so sure about that Chinese/originality aspect,Mike, after all they did invent GUNPOWDER! Think about it-we would all still be sitting around the Olduvai Gorge gnawing on animal bones. There would be no progress, no blowing shit up; NO FPS's-oh gawd!! The humanity!! lol.
C. Grant @ Jul 11th 2006 11:23AM
Mike: guessing there are some larger economic/political questions at the heart of their IP/piracy/copyright problems.
cloud @ Jul 11th 2006 11:31AM
http://211.115.217.78/adsl/hellgate.rar
GSI @ Jul 16th 2006 10:27PM
^^^
a-hole.
devian @ Aug 4th 2006 8:13AM
"How the heck did this become a 360 vs PS3 thread? For shame, fanboys. For shame."
There was a "P" and a "3" in the thread. Fanboys can only read that letter and number. Hence the complete lack of valid arguement in 99.9% of their posts.
-
But back on topic, honestly.. I don't see the problem here. If it gets leaked, it gets leaked. The problem lies in the question: Is the leaked game good? or does it suck so hard, I want to slam my balls in a car door? There are honestly too many overhyped games lately, with all show and no go. If a game leaks, I just see it as an oppurtunity to find out how much of the hype is true.