The Return Of Shareware Games

An anonymous reader writes "CNN has a new column up looking at the re-emerging trend of shareware as a means to distribute games. With development prices soaring and space on retail shelves getting scarce, smaller companies like PopCap Games and GarageGames are returning to gaming's roots - and making money in the process."

Comments

Making money?

[Anonymous Coward]

Wow, people aren't just cracking them like we used to do?

Re:Making money?

[inaeldi]

Or download it from the BBS nearest you.

Like heroin?

[Anonymous Coward]

Do you mean addictive, or slimming?

Re:Shareware's Back?

[NanoGator]

"Wow, i wonder if Duke Nukem Forever will be shareware?"

There's no ware to share.

They WERE making money before Slashdoting!

[Nova Express]

Now all of their money will be going into paying for extra bandwidth...

"Please be patient and try again in a few moments.

GarageGames.com is currently experiencing an extremely high volume of traffic. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

--GarageGames"

Re:Yeah baby

[LordLucless]

I tried to play TIM on my Athlon 2600 system not long ago. The game wasn't designed for fast machihnes, unfortunately. You click "Go", the screen blurs, and your machine is lying in pieces at your feet. Not a chance in hell to see what actually went on.

It's a pity, cause I agree that game was great.

Re:Is this good news for developers ?

[Montreal Geek]

Of course, ridiculous programmers try something even more stupid: give enough to get a taste and require you to buy the rest/sequel/full version.

That is a ridiculous scheme, doomed to failiure. I quake thinking some might want to do as "unsucessful" as Commander Keen!

-- MG

Where o where is the ware to share?

[FearUncertaintyDoubt]

Where o where is my ware to share?
Care to share where is the fair ware, if you dare?
This affair makes me beware of ware that is mostly air,
but I sit and stare, in my chair in my lair, at my monitor's glare,
and still I prepare a fare to pay for this wair,
but I am starting to wear of the blare
(the blare that this ware may really be brought to bear),
and now I swear that were this ware that is their care to share be in my very lair (though that would be rare),
even then, I would despair to declare that the ware is there,
for I really know that the ware will ne'er be, whether by share, or even prayer,
and that is most unfair to me, if I may dare to declare.

Re:This is totally incorrect

[Schnapple]

GG does not work on any game projects

Technically correct, but they also are members of "Monster Studios" which made the

Re:This is totally incorrect

[Schnapple]

...games Chain Reaction and Marble Blast

And that, by the way, is the first time my cat has ever stepped on my keyboard and successfully posted to Slashdot.

Re:Low budget != automatic quality.

[miu]

I don't think you are going to learn a whole ton from Unreal 2K (I could be wrong).

Playing UT taught me that I hate teenagers. I'm amazed that more parents don't eat their young.

Re:Low budget != automatic quality.

[Hanno]

between work, beach and going out

You're lying.