2 replies to this topic

[setgang6]

Subject: Seeking Clarification on Modernizing Older Original Visual Pinball Tables

Hey everyone,

I wanted to get some clarification regarding the communitys rules on updating older original Visual Pinball tables to modern VPX standards.

There are several older tables that havent been updated in well over a decade. Unfortunately, many of these are no longer fully functional or playable in modern VPX, which means some great original creations are slowly becoming lost to time.

Ive been working on restoring and modernizing some of these tables with updated physics, improved lighting, enhanced visuals, and compatibility with current VPX versions. My goal isnt to take credit for anyone elses work, but rather to preserve these creations and make them enjoyable for todays Visual Pinball community.

The complication is that some of these tables have their modification permissions set to No. Ive attempted to contact the original creators directly to request approval, but havent received responses.

I completely respect the time, creativity, and effort that went into developing these tables, as well as the rights of their original authors. However, Im curious how the community approaches situations where a table has been inactive for 10 years or more, is no longer compatible with modern software, and its creator is unreachable.

My questions are:

1. Does the communitys 30-day nonresponse policy apply to older original tables with modifications disabled?
2. Is there an accepted process for obtaining permission to restore these tables when their creators are no longer active?
3. Would distributing modernization patches rather than complete modified tables be an acceptable alternative?

To be clear, I have no intention of removing original credits, claiming ownership, or disrespecting anyones work. All original authors would receive full recognition, and the purpose of these updates would be preservation, compatibility, and improving the playing experience.

I believe these older original creations are an important part of Visual Pinballs history, and it would be unfortunate to see them become permanently unplayable simply because the software has evolved.

Id really appreciate some guidance from the moderators and longtime community members on how to approach this respectfully and within the communitys rules.

Im not looking to circumvent anyones permissions. Im looking for a responsible way to preserve these tables for future generations of Visual Pinball enthusiasts.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

Edited by setgang6, Yesterday, 08:54 PM.

[bigus1]

I did this with Wallace & Gromit. I saw that the author had been inactive for many years and was uncontactable so I clearly identified the table as a MOD and gave proper credit to the author, as usual, and I would remove it if requested. The author reappeared out-of-the-blue one day and was delighted to see his work was still available and popular (page 4 of the table reviews), so that turned-out well in my case. In my experience, authors are usually very friendly and happy to allow mods of their work when I've been able to make contact, and Credit is usually all they ever expect. Cheers

[Itchigo]

Yeah I would say as long as credit is given for the original it should be fine. As long as you're not passing it off as 100% your own creation, I say go for it.

 

Anything PBecker1946 and I did at Roguepinball is free to upgrade or modernize.