I mean even if it's an offline client that allows players to solo game content and use dev/mod controls to start TFs ETC. it might be wise to ask NCSoft before releasing it.
What needs to be said has already been said, so I'll just point out that there's an implicit "just" in there, like "even if it's
just an offline client that allows players to
solo game content and use dev/mode controls to
start TFs..."
Uh, it would be easier for Codewalker to hand you a fully functioning server than do that. That would require so much engine to exist I can't imagine somehow miracleing that much engine and somehow missing the rear view mirror and cup holders.
Whatever Codewalker has up his sleeve, it aint that. Think smaller. Think about what the client can do, think about what Icon can do, and what it can't do, and think about what Codewalker could add
to the client without
completely recreating the server engine from scratch in seven months. Think in particular content. The client has all the art assets of the game - maps, costumes, power animations and effects. It doesn't really have mission content. It knows what critters look like. It doesn't know what they do. Think about what a machinima editor can do with the game client, think about what someone like Samuraiko can do with the game client. Extrapolate
realistically outward from there. Whatever it is, and I honestly don't know what it is myself, it'll probably give us more power to play with the client in some way.
Heck, since I don't know what it is, I'm free to guess (sometimes, there are advantages to not knowing: sometimes the devs themselves would tell me things *knowing* I could no longer comment on them; evil). When I think about what's possible, and what Codewalker can reasonably do given the timeframe, I see two possibilities:
1. Animation engine. Basically a super demo system where a small engine connects to the I24 client and allows players to script up action they can then experience themselves. Kind of like a mission architect, but with only hand waving. Good for machinima editors if nothing else.
2. Super Sims. Basically, a MMO server that can talk to (a possibly modified) I24 client and allow people to see each other. Essentially, multiplayer Icon. Still mostly all you could do is emote at each other, but heck all MMOs actually start here anyway.
Guessing being what it is, who knows. No one should assume I'm trying to drop hints,
I don't know what it is for reals. But I think that's within the ability of a team of volunteers to crack of the skill level and knowledge level I know at least Codewalker is at. And both have the property that neither project
would have copyright content within it explicitly. Something to consider for people thinking about what's even remotely legal.