Is It Feasible to Modify Abandonware Videogames for Personal Use?

Many enthusiasts, particularly in the gaming community, dream of enhancing their favorite abandonware games with additional features or functionalities. A common query revolves around whether it is possible to add a new gear (like a seventh gear) to a racing game.

One example of an experienced modder, the author of the Caster of Magic mod for Master of Magic, managed to alter the game to include new functionalities. Currently, he works with a company that holds the license for the Master of Magic franchise. This achievement shows that with the right tools and expertise, modifications are indeed possible. Similarly, Baldur’s Gate modders have demonstrated that it can be done with sufficient skill and resources.

Is Modifying a Videogame Different from Modifying a Computer?

A question often raised is whether modifying a videogame is equivalent to modifying a computer, given that both involve processors and memory. While both systems use these elements, the complexity of modifying a videogame is significantly higher due to the proprietary and complex nature of game executables.

Unlike a computer program, a videogame’s executable is protected by various security measures. For instance, adding a new gear to a racing game isn’t as simple as changing a number from 6 to 7 in the code. You need to find the table of gear ratios and add a new entry accordingly. However, this might require the table to be resized to accommodate the additional gear, which can overwrite crucial data and cause the program to crash.

Why Reverse Engineering and Patching Could Be Costly and Reckless

If you're serious about adding a new gear to a racing game, the process is far more complicated than just making a simple code change. Specialized tools and reverse engineering skills are required. Reverse engineering a game might involve understanding its internal mechanics, such as the structure of the game’s executable, file formats, and how different parts of the game interact with each other.

Even if you manage to reverse engineer the game, creating a patch to modify its behavior could be a massive project. The code might be highly complex, and any changes could potentially introduce bugs or cause the game to crash. This process requires a significant investment of time and skill, making it an expensive and risky endeavor.

Contracting a Developer for Professional Modification

A more practical approach might be to contract a professional game developer. However, finding someone willing to do this work for a fair price can be challenging. The developer would need to reverse engineer the game, understand its architecture and mechanics thoroughly, and then build a patch to enable the new functionality. This process can be extremely time-consuming and expensive.

Moreover, the legal implications of reverse engineering a game should not be underestimated. Depending on the jurisdiction, reverse engineering might be illegal, and attempting to distribute the modified game could result in penalties.

Is This Action Legal and Ethical?

Motivated individuals often wonder if hiring a developer to modify their abandonware game is legal or ethical. While it is technically possible to make such modifications, the ethical considerations weigh heavily. Most abandonware games are protected by copyright, and unauthorized modifications could infringe on these rights. Additionally, the developer might face legal issues for reverse engineering the game.

The decision to modify a game should be thoughtful and considerate. Consulting with a legal expert to ensure all actions are within legal bounds is highly recommended. Furthermore, ethical considerations should be weighed against the potential benefits to ensure the effort is both justified and respectful of the original creator’s rights.

Conclusion

While it is possible to modify videogame executables for personal use, the process is highly complex, legally risky, and potentially very expensive. For those interested in enhancing their abandonware games, contracting a professional developer may be a viable option, but the associated costs and legal risks should be carefully considered. Engaging in modifications should be a well-informed decision, both from a technical and ethical standpoint.