Laura Bow 3 (was Laura Bow and the Mechanical Codex)

[notbobsmith]

The recent layoffs at Microsoft are bad news for Ninezyme:

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox- ... ced-today/

They've even pulled funding for games already under development:

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hitma ... -setbacks/

[Collector]

Layoff from their obsession with AI.

[Rath Darkblade]

It seems like there are layoffs all across the industry, including big-name studios like Blizzard and Bethesda/Zenimax. Sheesh.

As for AI ... can I ask a question? Just wondering:

As far as I'm concerned, Microsoft's AI isn't even all that good. I have to use Copilot at work, whether I like it or not (blame it on standardization - everywhere I've worked, everyone's using MS Office rather than free and arguably superior alternatives, like LibreOffice ... but that's another story).

Anyway, Copilot allows me to ask it 10 questions, and then it locks down for the day. *shrug* It's nowhere near as useful as, say, ChatGPT or Claude.

The irony is that I don't even need Copilot at work. I've heard so many things about why it's so wonderful and will write my code (Excel VBA for anyone curious) for me etc., but ... I've already written that code, and it works fine. So I don't see why I should bother messing with Copilot. :-\ Half the fun of programming in any language is figuring out how it works and adapting it to what I need. If I start messing with AI and it writes my code for me, what's the point? *shrug*

What's your experience been like? Just wondering.

[Tawmis]

As far as I'm concerned, Microsoft's AI isn't even all that good. I have to use Copilot at work, whether I like it or not (blame it on standardization - everywhere I've worked, everyone's using MS Office rather than free and arguably superior alternatives, like LibreOffice ... but that's another story).

That is probably because of EULA (End User License Agreement) about using things like LibreOffice in the corporate environment. Because it's free for personal use, does not mean it's free or even allowed to be used in a corporate environment.

Anyway, Copilot allows me to ask it 10 questions, and then it locks down for the day. *shrug* It's nowhere near as useful as, say, ChatGPT or Claude.

I dislike AI (for obvious reasons) other than having it produce art, I use for like D&D games. I'd never use AI for any form of business (like having it draw an AI cover for me). That said, I don't know how you're using CoPilot, but it could be your company is doing something to choke CoPilot. I am surrounded by co-workers who use CoPilot non stop (because other things like ChatGPT/Claude) are blocked (since information put into them, are stored on their servers and fed, while CoPilot, we have an agreement it remains inhouse - anything we feed CoPilot doesn't leave our environment).

I use ChatGPT to draw said D&D pictures and such. I like it better than CoPilot, as well, but CoPilot should not be locking down after 10 questions unless your work is doing something.

The irony is that I don't even need Copilot at work. I've heard so many things about why it's so wonderful and will write my code (Excel VBA for anyone curious) for me etc., but ... I've already written that code, and it works fine. So I don't see why I should bother messing with Copilot. :-\ Half the fun of programming in any language is figuring out how it works and adapting it to what I need. If I start messing with AI and it writes my code for me, what's the point? *shrug*

One of my coworkers does a ton of POWERBI stuff - and uses CoPilot to look at his code to help fix and hone his code and identify errors. While it may be fun to poke at the code and find out what's wrong - for company time, that's money being wasted. And in the end, especially with this AI crap, the bottom dollar of what can be saved is what matters.

Eventually this will all, I think, fall back on everyone's faces. People won't know how to take notes. People won't have to read (they'll just AI to summarize everything, people will forget to code - except to code AI bots)...

Eggs in one basket and all.

[Rath Darkblade]

Anyway, Copilot allows me to ask it 10 questions, and then it locks down for the day. *shrug* It's nowhere near as useful as, say, ChatGPT or Claude.

I dislike AI (for obvious reasons) other than having it produce art, I use for like D&D games. I'd never use AI for any form of business (like having it draw an AI cover for me). That said, I don't know how you're using CoPilot, but it could be your company is doing something to choke CoPilot. I am surrounded by co-workers who use CoPilot non stop (because other things like ChatGPT/Claude) are blocked (since information put into them, are stored on their servers and fed, while CoPilot, we have an agreement it remains inhouse - anything we feed CoPilot doesn't leave our environment).

I use ChatGPT to draw said D&D pictures and such. I like it better than CoPilot, as well, but CoPilot should not be locking down after 10 questions unless your work is doing something.

Just wondering: is ChatGPT any good at drawing pictures? I tried using other forms of AI to try and do a picture for me, but it kept giving me people with three or even four hands, or hands with six fingers etc.

The irony is that I don't even need Copilot at work. I've heard so many things about why it's so wonderful and will write my code (Excel VBA for anyone curious) for me etc., but ... I've already written that code, and it works fine. So I don't see why I should bother messing with Copilot. :-\ Half the fun of programming in any language is figuring out how it works and adapting it to what I need. If I start messing with AI and it writes my code for me, what's the point? *shrug*

One of my coworkers does a ton of POWERBI stuff - and uses CoPilot to look at his code to help fix and hone his code and identify errors. While it may be fun to poke at the code and find out what's wrong - for company time, that's money being wasted. And in the end, especially with this AI crap, the bottom dollar of what can be saved is what matters.

Eventually this will all, I think, fall back on everyone's faces. People won't know how to take notes. People won't have to read (they'll just AI to summarize everything, people will forget to code - except to code AI bots)...

Eggs in one basket and all.

Heh. And then the AI companies will take everyone's details, shut down their sites, and go "Nyah nyah" at everyone? (OK, not as childish as that, but...)

[Tawmis]

Just wondering: is ChatGPT any good at drawing pictures? I tried using other forms of AI to try and do a picture for me, but it kept giving me people with three or even four hands, or hands with six fingers etc.

Yes, it's gotten really good, actually. I'd post images, but can't get to a site hosting image from work. But I'd share some from a recent super hero RPG game I am in where I had it draw my character.

[Tawmis]

To News Or Not To News
Hey ho, everybody!

We are back for another summer edition. So buckle in and let's get rolling! And hey, we're even on time this month! That feels like a minor miracle on its own... so maybe you're in for a real treat with this one.

A Tale Of Two (Or Maybe More) Games
The original idea for this monthly newsletter was aimed to keep Laura Bow fans abreast of the progress on our very ambitious Laura Bow 3 game. It was never intended as a marketing tool or for official press information; just a behind-the-scenes look into what we do and how it's progressing.

Over the years, it has evolved to include the skinny on other projects as well, including Tile Tales: Pirate, Neureka, and The Dryad Stone. We've also thrown in the occasional critique about game development in general or the state-of-the-industry.

We realize that not all of the content will appeal to all audiences at all times. That's why we aim to keep these concise and to the point, without all the marketing spiel. Although, we do always hope that there might be some overlapping interests for you - much like our own varied interests.

And we also realize that there may be times when it feels like there is a lot of back and forth on what we claim from month to month. But let's be real here... things go well some months, and not so well other months - and that's all part of the process. You're getting the raw information, good or bad, and riding that wave along with us. It's a complicated journey and one that not many would bother to even attempt.

Regardless, we always try to discuss things as openly as possible, and avoid hiding behind NDAs or company politics. Of course, there will always be some topics that we just can't or shouldn't talk about, given the sensitivities business relationships or individual people. So, just know that if there is some answer that you feel you aren't getting from us, it's likely only because talking about it would not be in the best interest of the project(s) or people involved. Otherwise, we'd very happily jabber on about it and tell you how we -really- feel about it, ha. We are far from being shy.

Anywho! We hope you can appreciate that - but if it's not for you, no worries. You won't hurt our feelings if you'd prefer to just wait for something press worthy.

And now that we have that out of the way... let's do some progress updates!

A Gold Worthy Update
In case you missed it, we've been working on a significant update to Tile Tales: Pirate! And we are happy to report that it's nearly ready to go. We should be wrapped up within the next couple of weeks, and then we'll officially submit it to Nintendo for approval on Switch 1/2. We've been looking forward to this release for a long time now!

Console submissions do generally take some time - so we're probably looking to release around October at the earliest. And if we miss October for whatever reason, we'll likely wait until January/February to avoid the holiday rush. But as soon as we lock down a timeline, we'll let you know.

To go along with the Switch release, we also plan to do a simultaneous update of the versions on iOS, Android, Steam, and Mac App Store. They'll all get a freshening up! And once they are all available, we plan to finally do a proper marketing push for the game, and see if we can finally turn it into a more successful venture. So that's exciting!

Content image
One of the main features that we're excited about is the ability to skip ahead to any puzzle you want. You no longer will have to complete all previous puzzles, if you want to jump forward to a particular area of the map. However, 'boss' puzzles are still locked down until you've played enough of its associated chapter - and the cutscenes are locked until you complete or surrender the boss puzzle.

We also removed all ads, and now have a new purchase flow in the iOS, Android, and Mac App Store versions. I don't think we'll do the ad thing again - it turned out to be more annoying than it was worth, to be honest.

There are many other tweaks and improvements as well, including an entirely new speaking character in Chapter 1, an updated cutscene for the end of Chapter 6, a skip feature for in-puzzle story elements, a custom achievements display, various game configuration settings, better onboarding, and more! We're looking forward to seeing what you think of it all.

The Demo You're Looking For
Once our Nintendo submission appears to be on the right track for Tile Tales: Pirate, we'll be switching our focus back to getting the Laura Bow 3 demo out on Steam and Xbox.

The plan is to just push ahead and see what happens. There isn't a ton of work remaining to get that build ready... but with so much instability in every aspect of life and business these days, we of course can't promise a timeline on it. Hopefully this year, finally. But it could honestly still all come crashing down with the state of Microsoft/Xbox. There doesn't seem to be any solid footing in the game industry these days - unless you're GTA6.

Speaking of the state-of-the-industry... we promised to have a chat about it this month. But we've already rambled on longer than intended. And, as previously stated, we'd like to keep these newsletters bite sized - so we'll place that on a shelf for next month! See ya then!

[Rath Darkblade]

Sigh. I probably need to make an appointment with my optometrist - I had to zoom in to about 125% to read that. 8) I must be getting old. I hope I won't be sitting on my verandah and shaking a stick at passers-by when Laura Bow comes out.

I've already asked Steam to let me know when the Laura Bow demo comes out. I've been waiting very patiently and very nicely for two years or so, but of course, the Microsoft/Xbox kerfuffle happened.

Just wondering: how can nineZyme release this demo without Microsoft's approval? Or are they releasing it themselves?

[Tawmis]

Just wondering: how can nineZyme release this demo without Microsoft's approval? Or are they releasing it themselves?

Sounds like they're going to gamble on whether or not they get a cease and desist order.

[Rath Darkblade]

Oh, dear. I hope they don't.

By the way, is Laura Bow 3 part of Micro$oft's IP now? Or is it still "owned" (very much in double-quotes, since it's obviously Sierra's property, but anyway...) by NineZyme?

Just wondering and all that.

[notbobsmith]

Just wondering: how can nineZyme release this demo without Microsoft's approval? Or are they releasing it themselves?

Sounds like they're going to gamble on whether or not they get a cease and desist order.

I'm still not clear how the Cole's were able to get away with Hero-U since it makes numerous references to Quest for Glory locations and characters.

Oh, dear. I hope they don't.

By the way, is Laura Bow 3 part of Micro$oft's IP now? Or is it still "owned" (very much in double-quotes, since it's obviously Sierra's property, but anyway...) by NineZyme?

Just wondering and all that.

Microsoft now owns Sierra's library which includes the Laura Bow games. NineZyme is hoping to license the name for their new game. The game still belongs to them, it's just a question as to how they can release it.

[Tawmis]

I'm still not clear how the Cole's were able to get away with Hero-U since it makes numerous references to Quest for Glory locations and characters.

Probably because the names were never specifically unique, which means ye can't copyright them unless vastly defined.

Google Lawyer...

Fictional characters receive copyright protection only if they are original, fixed in a tangible medium, and highly distinctive. Broad archetypes, names alone, or stock characters (like a generic wizard or sidekick) cannot be copyrighted. Courts require characters to be "distinctly delineated" with consistent, unique physical and conceptual traits.

How Copyright Applies to Characters
Automatic Protection: Copyright attaches the moment a distinct character is written down, drawn, or recorded; no special "character registration" exists, though registering the underlying book or comic secures public a record.
The "Delineation" Test: Characters like Batman or James Bond are protected because their specific traits, visual look, catchphrases, and backstories remain consistent and recognizable across multiple stories.
Exclusions: Vague concepts, basic plots, and standard tropes fail to qualify because doing so would block others from basic storytelling.

Copyright vs. Trademark
Copyright: Protects the specific artistic expression, visual drawing, and written text of a story or comic. It eventually expires, letting characters enter the public domain (like early versions of Mickey Mouse).Trademark: Protects a character's name, logo, or catchphrases as a commercial brand identifier (e.g., using Mickey Mouse on merchandise). Trademarks can last forever as long as they stay active in commerce.

Considering that the Quest for Glory references (Speilburg, for example is a pretty common name) are pretty basic... it's probably easy to use those types of things. (Side note, I never got past like 10 minutes of Hero-U... one day I will play that... probably when I do it for my YT channel...)

[notbobsmith]

I'm still not clear how the Cole's were able to get away with Hero-U since it makes numerous references to Quest for Glory locations and characters.

Probably because the names were never specifically unique, which means ye can't copyright them unless vastly defined.

Google Lawyer...

Fictional characters receive copyright protection only if they are original, fixed in a tangible medium, and highly distinctive. Broad archetypes, names alone, or stock characters (like a generic wizard or sidekick) cannot be copyrighted. Courts require characters to be "distinctly delineated" with consistent, unique physical and conceptual traits.

How Copyright Applies to Characters
Automatic Protection: Copyright attaches the moment a distinct character is written down, drawn, or recorded; no special "character registration" exists, though registering the underlying book or comic secures public a record.
The "Delineation" Test: Characters like Batman or James Bond are protected because their specific traits, visual look, catchphrases, and backstories remain consistent and recognizable across multiple stories.
Exclusions: Vague concepts, basic plots, and standard tropes fail to qualify because doing so would block others from basic storytelling.

Copyright vs. Trademark
Copyright: Protects the specific artistic expression, visual drawing, and written text of a story or comic. It eventually expires, letting characters enter the public domain (like early versions of Mickey Mouse).Trademark: Protects a character's name, logo, or catchphrases as a commercial brand identifier (e.g., using Mickey Mouse on merchandise). Trademarks can last forever as long as they stay active in commerce.

Considering that the Quest for Glory references (Speilburg, for example is a pretty common name) are pretty basic... it's probably easy to use those types of things. (Side note, I never got past like 10 minutes of Hero-U... one day I will play that... probably when I do it for my YT channel...)

There's a room full of statues of heroes and one of them is of Rakeesh. A liontaur. That pretty specifically references QFG. Maybe you could get away with calling it an homage or Easter Egg, but with all the other character (Uhura is there, I believe) and location references, it seems like they are crossing a line. Imagine what would happen if a fantasy novel had a statue of Frodo Baggins. I think you could get away with if it was parody ("Frodo Baggins... What was he famous for again?"), but if you keep it serious and stack other LOTR references on top of it, you are going to get in trouble.

[Collector]

But you could use use it in eight years, since that is the time that The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings fall in to public domain then. For all of that, they are already in public domain in much of the world and all you would need to do would be to publish in one of those countries.

[Collector]

But as far as LB is concerned, I am not sure how copyright length is determined for video games.