Re:Balsamiq hits $100,000 in revenue
by statictype on Saturday November 15, 2008 @03:42AM
(#365246)
" The source code is just the manifestation of those decisions. In other words, the product is valuable because of its design, not because of the source code that describes that design. "
In many cases, this is true. However, there are many types of software (and, games being on of them) where its not true.
You may be able to see how the graphics are rendered on screen. But without the source code, you have no idea what kind of clever hacks and tricks the author put into the engine to make it work. These kind of things are invaluable and in many cases (like Id software) are what separates their game from others.
Id Software, incidentally, does release the source code to their game engines, but only after enough time has passed that it doesn't make economic sense to license the engine out.
In many cases, this is true. However, there are many types of software (and, games being on of them) where its not true.
You may be able to see how the graphics are rendered on screen. But without the source code, you have no idea what kind of clever hacks and tricks the author put into the engine to make it work. These kind of things are invaluable and in many cases (like Id software) are what separates their game from others.
Id Software, incidentally, does release the source code to their game engines, but only after enough time has passed that it doesn't make economic sense to license the engine out.