Lozmaster Wrote:...So you agree they USE the art and music in a way not solicited by nexon? then it breaks the copyright. It doesn't need to be hosted anywhere. >_>
Argh, I was going to stay out of this, but you're making me rage.
They simply link to files/folders that are already stored on your computer that you legally obtained. The only things that were recreated were server software, which nexon can't copyright, because they likely don't look anything alike. There is no law against server software. No law against downloading the client. If before all private servers began I chose to make a background from a map my desktop, could nexon stop me? No. Because they GAVE me all those fucking files to begin with.
If I renamed a different picture and recompiled it back into the .wz files where NLC's background is, I could make NLC look like Las Vegas.
Lozmaster Wrote:...So you agree they USE the art and music in a way not solicited by nexon? then it breaks the copyright. It doesn't need to be hosted anywhere. >_>
If the player uses it else where, then isn't he breaking the copyright? Not the host? :f6:
Lozmaster Wrote:...So you agree they USE the art and music in a way not solicited by nexon? then it breaks the copyright. It doesn't need to be hosted anywhere. >_>
The server uses nothing, only the client ( the player) does. So, yes, all -players- on a private server, break the T.O.S. of Nexon, not the host itself, unless the host would play gMS itself...
However, the only thing Nexon can do about -players- breaking the T.O.S. of Nexon, is banning them from gMS (like hackers,etc). There is one problem, Nexon can never tell who is who on a private server, and will never have any proof of a someone being -that- someone somewhere...
Also, mass banning people players on a private server in gMS, will -never- get them back to gMS, while the goal of Nexon is to GAIN players, not mass block everyone, and loose potential NX buyers...
But anyway, private servers are only fun for a week or two, because they will -always- lack 1 huge pro of gMS: The mass population...
So everyone will return to gMS in the end... I don't see why Nexon / Asiasoft make such fuss about it...
Devil Wrote:All art and music are hosted on the client who logs in at the private server, nothing needs to be hosted the server itself. That's why you have to download maplestory to play it, and that's why maplestory is so relative "easy" to hack for hackers, almost EVERYTHING is client sided. The only thing a maplestory server does, is save all player data (all items that are possesed) in a database and connect the different clients that login to it to they can communicate with each other...
AFAIK, all pservers work like this...
Private servers utilize WZ files (on their server) to operate. That's stealing. It's probably even illegal just for the mere fact that the game is still called MAPLESTORY.
If you made a game, would you want people stealing your players/customers because some sh!thead decided to copy your game? And don't even say that Nexon loses their players because of bad customer service. People go to private servers for the easily obtained levels and godly items, without having to put any effort into it.
I see private servers like cheating on video games. It's entertaining to see what you can do at first but then it gets really boring. There's no difficulty, competition or sense of accomplishment, and after a short while you'll run out of things to do.
Avenge Wrote:Private servers utilize WZ files (on their server) to operate. That's stealing. It's probably even illegal just for the mere fact that the game is still called MAPLESTORY.
[...]
The one I know, did not need any .wz files for itself... Maybe we're talking about different pservers then? Also it would be very strange -if- some servers were actually -using- .wz files realtime to operate, since all that's in the .wz files is stuff to operate the maplestory client, not the server... :o
Private Servers use their own code. This is true. However, the code is using Nexon's copyrighted material to create the exact same service that Nexon already provides.
I'm fairly sure I know which PServer you people are referring to, and let me say that they still have to decrypt the WZ files in order for their PServer to function. The fact that the results are put in the MySQL database does not make the process of putting the extracted data in the MySQL database legal to begin with. It is always illegal to decrypt copyrighted material, especially when the material is being used to create the exact same work as the owner.
In essence, here's my argument:
1. The WZ files are copyrighted by Nexon and require decryption to obtain any information from them
2. Decrypting copyrighted content is illegal
3. Private servers are required to decrypt the WZ files to use on the server
THEREFORE, Private servers are illegal
It's slam dunk litigation. Pretty hard to fight your way around it, especially if you know where the server gets its information from.
Also, Devil, the OdinMS source code used the WZ files on the server.
Tykian Wrote:They simply link to files/folders that are already stored on your computer that you legally obtained. The only things that were recreated were server software, which nexon can't copyright, because they likely don't look anything alike. There is no law against server software. No law against downloading the client. If before all private servers began I chose to make a background from a map my desktop, could nexon stop me? No. Because they GAVE me all those pineappleing files to begin with.
Legally obtained =/= using legally. I could legally obtain a trial version of a program and then use a keygen or something similar to crack it, doesn't make what I'm doing legal.
If you like it or not, private servers use maplestory content created by wizet and/or the respective branch responsible for distributing maplestory.
Quote:The one I know, did not need any .wz files for itself... Maybe we're talking about different pservers then? Also it would be very strange -if- some servers were actually -using- .wz files realtime to operate, since all that's in the .wz files is stuff to operate the maplestory client, not the server... :o
I'd be pretty suprised if they didn't use the .wz files , since you know, thats where most of the game is stored.
Greaper Wrote:Not only the game play experience will not be as realistic as the official servers, the game support will not be present to make a wonderful experience, said Mr Gerry Ung, Managing Director for Asiasoft Online Pte Ltd.
Oh, it won't be as realistic because it will be BETTER. No more money runs everything, no more major bugs that won't be fixed, and so on. Definitly not realistic.
As for the game support...wonderful experience? They remind me of 4 year old kids who leave their toys laying around after they're done playing with them. They leave so many glitches and need so many server checks to fix them...blech.
Quote:We hope the gaming community will recognise the high risks involved with no proper safeguard against the loss of valuable in-game items, hence engage with us and continue to play in the official servers. We will work closely with the game developers to bring richer and more quality content to enhance the game play experience.
Yay, more empty promises!
Quote:Currently, MapleStory is already a free-to-play game. We can download and play it free-of-charge so players really shouldnt see the need to resort to private game servers to enjoy the game.
Free to play? Yes. Free to enjoy? Meh.
Quote:Like 15 year-old Phyllis Wan (from Pei Hwa Secondary School) said in the report, Playing on a private server defeats the purpose of the game. There is no challenge if everything is easily obtainable.
5 Bucks they runs off NX that they buys weekly.
Quote:Lets be fair to the game developers and other players. Private servers do not benefit the game because they are not officially supported by developers to eliminate game glitches and errors.
They are supported by developers - the good ones, anyways. They fix all of the problems that Nexon can't.
Quote:There is no fun in private servers.
And George W. Bush is getting another 4 years. Whoops.
Quote:For example, in some pirated versions of Maple Story, killing a snail can give a player 50 experience points - almost 20 times the value in the original game.
Almost 17*
Meh. Private servers may not be right, but they're fun and enjoyable. If only Nexon was doing this - I'd be going on till the night turned to day.
Fiel Wrote:Private Servers use their own code. This is true. However, the code is using Nexon's copyrighted material to create the exact same service that Nexon already provides.
I'm fairly sure I know which PServer you people are referring to, and let me say that they still have to decrypt the WZ files in order for their PServer to function. The fact that the results are put in the MySQL database does not make the process of putting the extracted data in the MySQL database legal to begin with. It is always illegal to decrypt copyrighted material, especially when the material is being used to create the exact same work as the owner.
In essence, here's my argument:
1. The WZ files are copyrighted by Nexon and require decryption to obtain any information from them
2. Decrypting copyrighted content is illegal
3. Private servers are required to decrypt the WZ files to use on the server
THEREFORE, Private servers are illegal
It's slam dunk litigation. Pretty hard to fight your way around it, especially if you know where the server gets its information from.
Also, Devil, the OdinMS source code used the WZ files on the server.
Hmm well I never used OdinMS' source, so I don't know about that... All I know is that the server I used didnt need it...
Also I don't get why Odin would be needing the .wz files to run the server. Was it for directory or file indexing to sync with clients? If they would only need a dir structure, they could have used bogus dir/files structures for that too... I can't really think of a good reason other then that why they would need to use .wz files for to run a server.
On your second point of extracting copyrighted data to study it, reading it out and analyze it, being illegal... Well maybe in the USA with the DMCA terrorizing it's citizens (hehe ), but I'm sure it's legal in many counties (if not all) in Europe and the rest of the world.
Also, what's in the database was, afaik, nothing more then home made scripts created out of analyzing tcp packets, and not copied code from nexon files... :o
Lozmaster Wrote:[...]I'd be pretty suprised if they didn't use the .wz files , since you know, thats where most of the game is stored.
Server =/ Client, they are two completely two different things. You can't even compare the two. It's not like the server cpu starts playing maple story itself and talks to other clients (players) like some sort of superGM, it works totally different.
Greaper Wrote:the game support will not be present to make a wonderful experience,” said Mr Gerry Ung, Managing Director for Asiasoft Online Pte Ltd.
realli?
AsiaSoft dun even have gd game support and yet dared to say this
some ppl using Q-box dun even have any reply after 1 and a half week
Greaper Wrote:“We hope the gaming community will recognise the high risks involved with no proper safeguard against the loss of valuable in-game items,
wad abt the hacking saga experience by the SEA server
dun say other ppl whereby u urself is unable to do so
Greaper Wrote:hence engage with us and continue to play in the official servers. We will work closely with the game developers to bring richer and more quality content to enhance the game play experience.”
yes,more laggin experience is a gd example
----------------------------------------------------------------------- AsiaSoft response to the hacking saga
AsiaSoft Upgrades Security System and Promotes Cyber Security
12 September 2008
AsiaSoft Upgrades Security System and Promotes Cyber Security
12th September 2008, Singapore - In the recent hacking issues faced by the MapleSEA community, AsiaSoft conducted in-depth investigation and confirmed attacks from China. AsiaSoft had since blocked the IP address from China and the situation were continuously being monitored. Experts across various industries had been consulted with security system upgraded and reinforced with the latest technology in hardware and software. A dedicated segment to educate the importance of cyber security had been launched at PlayPark, a one-stop entertainment web portal for the gaming community.
"With e-business in the borderless internet space, attacks on applications and servers have always been on a continuous affair and the problem is world-wide. It is important for our gaming community to be aware of cyber security," commented Mr Ng Kok Khwang, Marketing Director of AsiaSoft Online. "We like to reassure the community that we worked closely with experts across various industries and our developer, Nexon Corporation Ltd to take preventive measures," continued Mr Ng. "In conclusion, security has been upgraded now; increasing number of firewalls for game servers with the latest technology and new measures put in place to eradicate future attacks."
The Cyber Security segment has tips to help safeguard the gaming community from any unpleasant gaming experience. Players are encouraged to change login password on a regular basis to prevent others from accessing own account. For more information, please visit http://www.playpark.net/cyber security.html.
AsiaSoft Gives Assurance for the New Security Systems and plans for Compensation
AsiaSoft Gives Assurance for the New Security Systems and plans for Compensation
- New security measures strengthen to eradicate future attacks -
16th September 2008, Singapore – Upon close consultation with experts across various industries, it is revealed that it is a SouthEast Asia’s online gaming industry problem, especially in Malaysia and Singapore. AsiaSoft Online’s (“AsiaSoft” recent issue is the first reported incident with its attacks originated from China. Experts expect similar incidents to affect other game publishers and their games due to the rapid advancement in technology. AsiaSoft has upgraded and reinforced its security systems with the latest technology, monitoring the situation vigilantly and removed any likely threats immediately. AsiaSoft is working on compensation package and encourages those affected to lodge a report. The compensation is expected to roll out as soon as possible when all reporting and investigations concluded.
“AsiaSoft will like to assure the community that security has been tightened and will definitely address to all concerns,” said Mr Pramoth Sudjitporn, Group Chief Executive Officer of Asiasoft Corporation. “With the installation of the latest technology, the engagement of experts across various industries and working closely with our game developer, Nexon Corporation, we hope the community recognises the extent of this rampant world-wide problem as investigation is ongoing. We will like to seek for the community’s patience, their continual support and understanding.”
More details and information will be provided by AsiaSoft upon completion of all investigations. Players are advised to visit PlayPark website at http://www.playpark.net/cyber_security.html on Cyber Security.
Source:http://www.asiasoftsea.net/news0012.html [SPOILER=Asiasoft set up new avenue to address recent gaming community’s concerns and reassures compensation plans to be rolled out]Asiasoft set up new avenue to address recent gaming community’s concerns and reassures compensation plans to be rolled out
2nd October 2008, Singapore - Asiasoft Online (“Asiasoft” announces the availability of new reporting avenue for the gaming community at http://www.maplesea.com/support/help.aspx and the availability of game functions in Asiasoft Passport. The company reassures the compensation package to roll out as soon as all reporting and investigations concluded; and encourage those affected to lodge a report.
The new avenue is to provide ease of reporting for the gamers and the availability of game functions in Asiasoft Passport further improve the security concerns and eradicate future attacks. Asiasoft expects those affected to make use of the new feature and will work on compensation plan that will satisfy as many as possible.
“Asiasoft pledges to address to all concerns and will like to assure the community that security has been tightened,” said Mr Pramoth Sudjitporn, Group Chief Executive Officer of Asiasoft Corporation. “We will like to seek for community’s patience, their continual support and understanding before we roll out the compensation plan to satisfy as many as possible.”
Upon close consultation with experts across various industries, it is revealed that the recent issue is a rampant world-wide problem, especially in SouthEast Asia’s online gaming industry problem, Malaysia and Singapore. Experts expect similar incidents to affect other game publishers and other games due to the rapid advancement in technology. Asiasoft will continue strengthening its security systems with the latest technology, monitoring the situation vigilantly and removed any likely threats immediately.
More details and information will be provided by Asiasoft upon completion of all investigations at a later date. To drive cyber awareness to the players, they are advised to visit PlayPark website at http://www.playpark.net to find out more.
Quote:For example, in some pirated versions of Maple Story, killing a snail can give a player 50 experience points - almost 20 times the value in the original game.
LOL
What portion of servers have rates below 20? Heck, it's hard to find one below 100. If they really want to amaze people, give more common ratios. 1,000x Exp is not uncommon. :[
Last i checked, maple contains art, music/sound effects, nexon has the license to choose who can distribute it, and the rights to choose who can make copies of it for distribution.
MeowMixer Wrote:Pservers never redistributed the .wz files.
...
...
...
No, i'm not sure how many times I can respond to people who seem unable to read entire posts.
contains art, music/sound effects,
Private servers use the art and music of maplestory in order to run a version of, you know, maplestory, which is infriging on the rights to the i.p at the very least.
Quote:choose who can distribute it, and the rights to choose who can make copies of it for distribution.
Now, like I said earlier.
Quote:Distribution doesn't refer JUST to the client, it refers to the right to run a version of maplestory in a specific region, Which are given to Nexon, Asiasoft , Shanda Corp. , Gamania and Level up games! for various regions.
Only the companies with the permission (probably from wizet) to run a server for any given region are allowed by law to do so.
Quote:Not only the game play experience will not be as realistic as the official servers, the game support will not be present to make a wonderful experience
i seriously dont see much game support in bost msea and gms version. including this would be pointless and a point against both version because since i played private server, i got more support than i've ever got on gms -.-"
ToS Wrote:2.2 Code of Conduct. While using the Service and Software, you agree to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to take any actions we deem necessary and appropriate to preserve the integrity of the Service and Software. We further reserve the right to determine what conduct is outside the "spirit" of the Service and games provided therein. While using the Service, you agree not to:
...
# Modify the Software, Cash Items or the Service to change "game play," including, without limitation, creating cheats and/or hacks or using third-party software to access files in the Software or Service;
# Reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble all or any portion of the Service, Cash Items or Software;
...
Halo thar PServer MapleStory.exe!
Okay fine PServers are not allowed done with that discussion thanks? I'm getting somewhat fed up about the discussion around this, as, by reading through the TOS and other stuff, you'll find that PServers break a lot of agreements.
“It is important for the gaming community to know about the risks and infringement of IP copyrights issues. Not only the game play experience will not be as realistic as the official servers, the game support will not be present to make a wonderful experience,”
LOL wut?? I just hope that Asiasoft Gm presence and activity are much greater and than Nexon America one. Imean if Nexon had said that who would bellieve that pomegranate.
Btw it seems that Pservers on SEA wont spread much.. theres less development and it seems that Asiasoft its more concerrned about this than Nexon America.
I'll use the point of view of an artist....
If someone used my sprites without my permission I would be pissed, it's stealing.
o___o if people want to make their own MMORPG why not just hire some artist, programers, musicians and what not, collab and make a game BETTER that maplestory if they have so many problems with the original.
So if Nexon, Asiasoft or whoever else wants to take action against Pservers they are in every right to do so.
In order to make a private server you reverse engineer both the client and the server. You steal off packets, you decrypt WZ in order to make guidance for your server (maps XML? WZ python decrypter on some servers? And even if the information is HARDCODED, someone had to decrypt it in order to give you that information.)
AND, something you guys might of forgotten, in order to join a private server you needed an edited MapleStory.exe. Isn't that a direct cracking of software? Makes the whole bunch illegal even if your server had nothing to do with the WZ nor Nexon's packets.
), but I'm sure it's legal in many counties (if not all) in Europe and the rest of the world.
![[Image: blank.gif]](http://www.asiasoftsea.net/images/blank.gif)
AsiaSoft Upgrades Security System and Promotes Cyber Security 
