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Why Port To PC? Shareware Still alive!

Posted by timothy on from the postcardware-is-the-nicest-form dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Here is an interesting interview with Tom Anthony, describing why Ambrosia Software are porting their Mac games to the PC market. Do you think their games can really sell after being ported? I thought shareware was dead, but all their games are still using shareware as well."

3 of 230 comments (clear)

  1. Shareware is FAR from dead! by linuxbaby · · Score: 5, Informative
    Shareware DEAD? WHAT?!? Some of us are using it more and more.

    I know after years of not having any money, and using shareware for free, I LOVE that I can afford to pay people who make shareware, and support independent software.

    Recent shareware fees paid:

    Plus PayPal tip-jars to the great Quanta, MusicBrainz, and even websites like Ryze.

    Whenever I need a program/tool, the first places I look are TinyApps (very small software for Windows), and Tucows.

    I sure HOPE it's not just me that's out there doing what I can to support the independent shareware programmers!

  2. Re:What? by Boo+Robin · · Score: 5, Informative

    They are basically giving you a 30 day period to test the game. The games will not be complete until you register the game. After 30 days, you are expected to register if you like the game or utility.

    Originally, the games were open and you could complete them without registering. But as of late, Ambrosia has restricted how far you can go. You get a good taste of the game and it usually makes you want to play more. It is a great method that has worked for them. And hopefully PC users will appreciate it when EV Nova Windows is released.

    Oh, and I have plenty of experience with Ambrosia. I moderate a forum of theirs. Great place to be for mac users. And soon PC users.

    www.ambrosiasw.com

    --
    'Give me one more medicated peaceful moment'
  3. Shareware Author's Perspective by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    As a shareware author, I can definitely say that shareware's not dead, although the term "shareware" is getting old. You can read about the history of shareware at the Association of Shareware Professionals website -
    History of Shareware

    Shareware is really just software that is marketed as 'try before you buy'. I don't refer to shareware on my website - I just refer to a free trial.

    There are many Independent Software Developers working on games, utility type programs, and small niche software.