Ultronomicon - User contributions [en]

User talk:Svdb

2025-06-10T21:20:16Z

Svdb: /* Spambots again */ Reply

Old stuff moved to [[User talk:Svdb/Old]].

== Spambots back ==

It looks like they started in earnest right after the massive creation of spam pages by a single user. Any chance that the small internal change to the ConfirmEdit extension that you did last year to thwart the automated spambot scripts somehow got undone when the "mass delete" option got added? --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 03:58, 3 October 2014 (CEST)

:I'm afraid not. What I originally did was to replace the names of some form fields. I changed them again now. If that doesn't help, I'll have to figure out something else. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 23:53, 8 October 2014 (CEST)

Looks like spambots are back again making a bunch of new user accounts. No spam pages yet. It seems to coincide with the upgrading of the MediaWiki software? --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 14:09, 24 February 2016 (CET)
:It may actually be the case that since the upgrade before this one, creating new accounts was broken completely.
:I'll see what I can do. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 13:23, 27 February 2016 (CET)

== Spambots again ==
Hey Serge - I don't mind playing whack-a-spambot, but my real life commitments make it difficult to stay on top of the recent surge in spambots. I'm not sure if the CAPTCHA extensions need to be updated or if there's another extension that could be implemented. I'll keep looking through the MediaWiki help to see if there are any other possible things to try. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 03:14, 18 May 2025 (UTC)

: Hi Fyzixfighter. Thanks for still whacking bots after all this time. If I can make this easier by installing some new extension, I'll be happy to do so. I'll look into options when I get the chance. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 21:43, 20 May 2025 (UTC)

::It looks like QuestyCaptcha is the module in the ConfirmEdit extension that is currently being implemented here. Based on the table [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:ConfirmEdit here], Questy is supposed to be highly effective until it is cracked - which is what likely has happened. A short-term solution (without any new extension) may be to change the questions and answers. Looking at the mediawiki page for ConfirmEdit, the Turnstile module is the only other one listed as being highly effective against spambots. That could be long-term possibility, but looks to be more involved to implement. I've seen another wiki also use [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:AntiSpoof AntiSpoof], which might prevent some of the similar sounding usernames the bots have been using, and [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:HoneyPot HoneyPot] for spam control. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 00:17, 7 June 2025 (UTC)

::: Thanks for that research. I've slightly changed the QuestyCaptcha questions now (just asking for the digits in reverse). I hope to be able to look into your other suggestions this weekend. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 21:20, 10 June 2025 (UTC)

User talk:Svdb

2025-05-20T21:43:15Z

Svdb: Response

Influences and references

2025-03-29T10:54:06Z

Svdb: More possible Ringworld influences

{{incomplete}}

The [[Star Control|Star Control 1]] manual mentions "Inspired by the Works of Fiction of: [[wikipedia:Orson Scott Card|Orson Scott Card]], [[wikipedia:Larry Niven|Larry Niven]], [[wikipedia:Andre Norton|Andre Norton]], [[wikipedia:David Brin|David Brin]], [[wikipedia:Robert A. Heinlein|Robert A. Heinlein]], [[wikipedia:Arthur C. Clarke|Arthur C. Clarke]], [[wikipedia:Jack Vance|Jack Vance]], [[wikipedia:Alan Dean Foster|Alan Dean Foster]], [[wikipedia:Keith Laumer|Keith Laumer]], [[wikipedia:A. E. Van Vogt|A.E. Van Vogt]], [[wikipedia:E. E. Smith|E.E. "Doc" Smith]], [[wikipedia:Joe Haldeman|Joe Haldeman]], [[wikipedia:Dan Simmons|Dan Simmons]], [[wikipedia:Fred Saberhagen|Fred Saberhagen]] and 100 worthy others."

==Alien design==
The names of certain races introduced in [[Star Control II]] are taken from the so-called "[[Professor Zorg's Guide to Alien Etiquette]]" (the copy-protection of Star Control): [[Orz]], [[Pkunk]], [[Slylandro]], [[Supox]], [[Thraddash]] (as "Thrddash"), [[Utwig]], and [[Zoq-Fot-Pik]].

The name [[Androsynth]] is taken from the Greek "andros" ("man") and "synthetic" from Greek "syn" ("together") and "thesis" ("put"), or as the [[Star Control II]] manual says it "fake men".
Their appearance is inspired by the visual style of the band [[wikipedia:Devo|Devo]].{{ref|1}}

The pink triangle on the suits of the Androsynth in [[SuperMelee]] is a [[wikipedia:Pink triangle|gay symbol]].{{ref|2}}

The Star Control 2 manual describes the [[Chenjesu]] as being "a bit more equal" than the other [[Alliance]] races, which is a reference to a [[wikipedia:Seven Commandments|similar statement]] found in ''[[wikipedia:Animal Farm|Animal Farm]]'' by [[wikipedia:George Orwell|George Orwell]].

The [[Dnyarri]]'s toad-like appearance and [[Paranormal phenomena|psychic compulsion]] ability are reminiscent of mind-controlling "V-frogs" from the Isaac Asimov story [[wikipedia:Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus|''Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus'']].

The name [[Druuge]] is pronounced almost exactly like the ancient Persian word "druj" - a term of [[wikipedia:Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian religion]] that is very roughly translated as "daeva (demon) of lies". Since the Druuge are proven liars and resemble the [[wikipedia:Daeva|daevas]], which are described as "beings with combined human and animal characteristics," this may have been an influence.

The [[Ilwrath]] were named after a friend of the creators  named McIlwraith.

The name [[Melnorme]] is a reference to jazz singer [[wikipedia:Mel Tormé|Mel Tormé]].

The [[Mycon]] is taken from the Greek prefix "myc-" or "myco-", which means Fungus.

The [[Orz]] and the disappearance of the [[Androsynth]] were influenced by [[wikipedia:H. P. Lovecraft|H. P. Lovecraft]]'s writings, specifically Lovecraft's [[wikipedia:From Beyond (short story)|"From Beyond"]] which describes malignant entities in an alternate dimension that perceive those who peer into their dimension and that leave no bodies of those they attack.

Utricularia, as in ''[[Supox]] Utricularia'', is a genus of carnivorous plants more commonly known as [[Wikipedia:Bladderwort|Bladderwort]].

The [[Shofixti]] are inspired by the historical [[wikipedia:History of Japan|Japanese culture]].
"[[Kyabetsu]]", the name of the former Shofixti homeworld, is the transliteration of "cabbage" into Japanese writing. The tiny main gun of their [[Scout]] ships is called the Mendokusai Energy Dart; "Mendoukusai" in Japanese means "irritating; bothersome."

[[Spathi]] is "Sword" in Greek. It is possible that the name is meant to be very ironical, because the Spathi are so cowardly. Also, the rumours of the Black Spathi Squadron might be a reference to the [[Wikipedia:VMA-214|Black Sheep Squadron]] from World War 2.

The [[Syreen]] are based on the [[wikipedia:Siren|Siren]]s from classical mythology. They were sea nymphs who would use enchanting song to lure ships onto the cliffs. The name for their original homeworld, [[Syra]] may also be a reference to [[wikipedia:Cleopatra I Syra|Cleopatra I Syra]], an Egyptian queen.

The [[Ur-Quan Kohr-Ah]]'s [[Eternal Doctrine]] might be inspired by the objective of the [[Wikipedia:Githyanki|githyanki]] (from ''[[wikipedia:Dungeons & Dragons|Dungeons & Dragons]]'') to exterminate every other race who could possibly enslave them again. Also similar to the bifurcation the [[Ur-Quan]] race, a faction (the [[Wikipedia:Githzerai|githzerai]]) opposed such a course of action and split with the githyanki.

The [[Yehat]] are inspired in part by the [[wikipedia:Scottish clan|Scottish clan]]s; the uplift of the Shofixti is inspired by [[Wikipedia:David Brin|David Brin]]'s [[Wikipedia:Uplift Universe|Uplift]] series.

The split between the Pkunk and the Yehat may be based in the split between the [[Wikipedia:Vulcan (Star Trek)|Vulcanians]] and the [[Wikipedia:Romulan|Romulans]] in [[Wikipedia:Star Trek|Star Trek]], with the Pkunk fleeing like the Romulans did (however, for opposite reasons).

===Larry Niven influences===
A number of aliens draw some of their inspiration from Niven's [[wikipedia:Known Space|Known Space]] novels. Fred and Paul have openly admitted in a [[IRC chats with Toys For Bob|1998 IRC chat]] to being influenced by these novels.{{ref|2}}
*The [[Dnyarri]] are very similar in description, powers, and history to the [[wikipedia:Thrint|Thrint]]un race, "a long-extinct species which ruled the galaxy through telepathic mind control." Like the [[wikipedia:Grogs|Grogs]], the Talking Pets are devolved forms of a once-great race.
*The [[Precursors]] are also slightly similar to the Thrintun who likewise left behind relics to be used by the modern-day characters in Niven's novels and who were given a vague moniker, "Slavers", by later races since their real name was unknown.
*Though not physiologically, the [[Spathi]] resemble less advanced versions of the cowardly [[wikipedia:Pierson's Puppeteer|Pierson's Puppeteer]]s.
*The [[Arilou]], in their speculated capacity as genetic manipulators of humanity, are also similar to the Puppeteers.
*The [[Melnorme]], like the [[wikipedia:Outsiders (Known Space)|Outsiders]], are traveling merchants who trade in information and will answer any question for the right price.
**The [[Keel-Verezy]] may be similar to the [[wikipedia:Starseed|Starseeds]], sharing a similar relation with the [[Melnorme]] as the starseeds with the Outsiders.
*The [[Shofixti]] are similar in appearance and warlike tendencies to the [[wikipedia:kzin|kzin]]. Also the [[Thraddash]], having repeatedly attacked humanity despite each war resulting in their population being decimated each time.

The [[Rainbow World|Rainbow Worlds]], described as [[Precursor]] waste disposal sites, also have their counterpart in Niven's work: The highly advanced builders of the [[wikipedia:Ringworld|ringworld]], now gone, left their ten origin worlds when they settled their new habitat. When they did, they left behind their garbage, including radioactive materials. Bacteria evolved to eat their technology over time.{{ref|4}}

===Starflight influences===
The creators of [[Star Control]] and [[Star Control II]] worked in the making of the [[wikipedia:Starflight|Starflight]] games as well, and numerous SC elements are inspired from the SF universe:
*Gameplay elements
**Exploration in the Starflight games also had three parts: planet (with a landing vehicle that could stun lifeforms and collect minerals), interplanetary and hyperspace (with portals leading to planetary systems).
**A starbase fulfilled a similar role to the [[Earth Starbase]] in Star Control II — elements appearing in both SC2 and SF are hiring crew, installing modules, receiving notices and analyzing artifacts.
**In the Starflight games there were also a number of artifacts (though some of them were bought instead of found), including an "Uhl weapon" performing a function similar to the [[Utwig Bomb]] — the neutralization of the final boss in the game; even more resembling the Utwig Bomb, in the first Starflight there existed artifacts of the Phlegmak, a long-disappeared species, named "Black Egg Bombs", capable of destroying entire planets.
**The useless [[Wimbli's Trident]] and [[Glowing Rod]] resemble some similar, useless "alien curiosities" from the Starflight games.
*Several lines in Star Control II are clear puns on lines from Starflight and Starflight II. Notably, the quirky speech patterns of the [[Orz]] seem based on those of Starflight's Veloxi ([[Greg Johnson]], one of the Starflight developers, was the one who fleshed out the Orz dialogue).
*Starflight's Crystal Planet, built by the Ancients to cleanse the galaxy of Endurium-using life-forms by flaring their suns, seems an influence for both the [[Sa-Matra]] and the [[Eternal Doctrine]] (or the [[Path of Now and Forever]]).
*The name [[Arilou Lalee'lay]] may originate from the Starflight II race name Aeoruiiaeo.
*In terms of external morphology, the [[Umgah]] resemble the Spemin (both SF games).
**The cowardly Spemin might have also been an influence for the design of the [[Spathi]].
*Psychologically and in terms of general appearance, the [[Utwig]] resemble the Dweenle (SF2).
*The [[VUX]] appear to be influenced by the Lieu Vadish.
*The ceremonious religion of the Tandelou (SF2), the belief that their rituals are of essential importance for the Universe, and their worship of the Most Valuable Thing, might have been an influence for the design of the [[Utwig]]. Also, it is necessary to return the Most Valuable Thing to the Tandelou to convince them to cooperate, similar to returning the Ultron to the Utwig.
**Some elements of the Tandelou religion (cosmic alignments, portents and omens) are similar to parts of [[Pkunk]] culture.
* The Tandelou's appearance is somewhat similar to the Ur-Quan too, three big eyes (although the Tandelou lack the three additional small eyes), four tentacles and a worm-like body. The Ur-Quan also somewhat resemble the Ng-Kher-Arla in appearance.
*In terms of external morphology and psychology (empathy), the [[Supox]] greatly resemble the Elowan (SF1).
*Hayes' theory about the [[Mmrnmhrm]] being colonizing robots resembles the fact that the Mechan of SF1 were robots built with the purpose of colonizing planets in advance for the Noah project.
*Physically, the [[Mycon]] resemble the Nathracch (SF2). In terms of behavior, they resemble the Gazurtoid (both SF games), which also could be said perhaps for the Kohr-Ah (whereas the Gazurtoids wish to exterminate every race except fellow waterbreathers, the Kohr-Ah wish to exterminate any race but fellow Ur-Quan)
*Psychologically and culturally the [[Thraddash]] resemble the G'Nunk (SF2); in addition, in order to make friends with both species it is necessary to kill many of them.
**Another similarity between the G'Nunk and the Thraddash is the worship of an artifact, the Most Valuable Thing and the [[Aqua Helix]] respectively, which is kept in a temple on one of the race's worlds and can be stolen by the player over the course of the game.
**Some Thraddash given names are also reminiscent of "G'Nunk", such as Znonk and [[Gnusko]].
*The Zoq-Fot-Pik also were likely influenced by the G'Nunk, as the G'Nunk are also a collective of three species.
*The [[Melnorme]] are possibly also inspired from the Humna Humna, the merchant race in Starflight II.
*"Interstar" in "[[Interstar Credits]]" is probably inspired from the name of the space organization of the people of Arth, Interstel.
*The G'Nunk's deity G'Naen Sh'Gar (She/It who hunts) has some similarities to the Ilwraths Dogar and Kazon.
* The Orz and the Uhl also have some similarities, as the Uhl is also an extradimensional lifeform. Uhl also has some similarities with the Dnyarri as it is capable of mental compulsion.

==Dialogue==
The default name of [[The Captain]], Zelnick, may come from Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of [[Crystal Dynamics]] at the time when 3DO version of Star Control II was being made. The producer of the 3DO version of Star Control II was Crystal Dynamics.

====Arilou====
The [[Arilou]]'s final line "Be seeing you..." may be a reference to the TV series [[wikipedia:The Prisoner|The Prisoner]].

====Druuge====
The 'Dribble-Down' effect through which the [[Crimson Corporation]] seeks to improve the [[Druuge]] quality of life is a play on [[wikipedia:Trickle-down economics|Trickle-down economics]].

====Ilwrath====
One of the gods that the [[Ilwrath]] used to worship was called "Awk of Seds", a reference to the text processing programs [[wikipedia:AWK programming language|awk]] and [[wikipedia:sed|sed]].

[[wikipedia:Captain Satellite|Captain Satellite]], which the [[Ilwrath]] confess to have watched on [[Channel 44]] prior to [[Dogar and Kazon]]'s transmissions, was a show on KTVU-2 in Oakland, California.

Dogar is at one point refered to as "The Dark Beast With A Thousand Young". This is a play on Lovecraft's ancient deity [[wikipedia:Shub-Niggurath|Shub-Niggurath]], who is known as "The Black Goat of the Woods with a Thousand Young".
====Melnorme====
The Melnorme line "This very morning, I was just saying to subordinate Ochre `Fe-Fi-Fo-Fum! I smell the feet of a Hu-Hu-Man!'" refers to the fairy tale [[Wikipedia:Jack and the Beanstalk|Jack and the Beanstalk]], where an ogre (a flesh-eating giant) speaks the line "Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman.". The similarity between the subordinate's name "Ochre" and "ogre" is probably not a coincidence either.

The phrase "itchy pods" from the Melnorme line "I had itchy pods this morning, Captain, and here you are!" may come from the wives' tale of "itchy palms" that predict wealth. It may have also been influenced, consciously or unconsciously, by [[wikipedia:Dr. Seuss|Dr. Seuss]]' book "On Beyond Zebra", which introduces the letter "ITCH" with the line "And 'way, 'way past Z is a letter called ITCH. And the ITCH is for Itch-a-pods, animals which [...]".

====Mycon====
The Mycon phrase "The Juffo-Wup is strong in this place." (without the definite article in the DOS version) is a variation on the [[Wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]] phrase "The Force is strong in this place."

The Mycon's dialogue "You humans improve a tool and double your capabilities. We Mycon improve ourselves and increase a thousand-fold" may be a reference to one of Khan's speeches in ''Star Trek: The Original Series'' Season 1 Episode 22, "Space Seed": "Improve a mechanical device, and you may double productivity. But improve man, and you gain a thousand-fold".

====Pkunk====
[[The Captain]]'s remark to the [[Pkunk]] "Hey! Bird-brains! Got any fruit loops? Har-har-har!" refers to a brand of breakfast cereal called [[wikipedia:Froot Loops|Froot Loops]], which features a toucan resembling the Pkunk as its mascot.

Another Captain's remark, "We are on a five year mission, to seek out new life and new civilizations to boldly go where no... (...)" refers to the mission of the [[wikipedia:Starship_Enterprise|Enterprise]] in [[wikipedia:Star_Trek_The_Original_Series|Star Trek]].

The Pkunk say that they insult their foes to keep from "wrapping around" to evil; this is a programmer's joke about the nature of integers under the C programming language (and many others.) If you increase a number past its maximum (for example, 127 in an 8-bit integer) it suddenly becomes negative (-128, in this example).

The Pkunk mention channeling a ancient warrior called [[Rumdumdaddy]], which is likely a reference to [[wikipedia:Ramtha|Ramtha]], an ancient Lemurian warrior that [[wikipedia:JZ Knight|JZ Knight]] claims to channel.

Many Pkunk dialog is a play on Far East/New Age philosophies. The Pkunk's observation that everyone in their past lives were famous, rich or interesting, and that hence other people don't reincarnate makes fun of the readings of so-called psychic mediums, who generally try to inspire faith by telling people what they want to hear. Along these same lines, The Captain mentions a [[wikipedia:Ouija|Ouija Board]], another common element of some New Age philosophies, when dissuading the Pkunk from returning to the Yehat.

A Pkunk greeting, "Auspicious portents and serendipitous omens have foretold your arrival", resembles a Tandelou greeting from [[wikipedia:Starflight 2|Starflight 2]], "Mysterious signs and ambiguous portents have foretold your arrival".

====Shofixti====
[[Tanaka]]'s opening comments, "you killed my father, my mother, my many brothers, all six of my sisters - in fact, my entire species! Prepare to die," may pay homage to the movie [[wikipedia:The Princess Bride|The Princess Bride]], in which the character [[wikipedia:Inigo Montoya|Inigo Montoya]] has prepared a similar comment for when he confronts his father's murderer, [[wikipedia:Count Rugen|Count Rugen]].

====Slylandro====
When you choose the aggressive lines to speak towards the [[Slylandro]] [[Probe]]s, the third time you get the response "ENACTING THIRD LAW." before combat is initiated. This refers to Isaac Asimov's [[wikipedia:Three Laws of Robotics|Three Laws of Robotics]]. The third law says "A robot must protect its own existence, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.".

The [[Slylandro]] explain that the Probes were programmed "to seek out new life and new civilizations... to boldly go where no
catalog item 2418-B... Remote Self-Replicating Robot Explorer Probe had gone before", a reference to Star Trek.

====Spathi====
When the [[Spathi]] [[The Safe Ones|Safe Ones]] ask the player for the [[Secret Spathi Cypher]], one of the incorrect options is "Wagh-nagl Fthagn", which spelled a little bit differently ("Wgah'nagl Fhtagn") comes from "''Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!''", a liturgical phrase in H. P. Lovecraft's [[wikipedia:Cthulhu mythos|Cthulhu mythos]].

One of the other options for the Spathi Cypher, "Gort, merenga!" comes from the movie "[[wikipedia:The Day the Earth Stood Still|The Day the Earth Stood Still]]".

====Starbase====
When [[The Captain]] gets to choose the name for the [[New Alliance of Free Stars|new alliance]], one of his options is "The United Federation of Worlds", a reference to the [[Wikipedia:United Federation of Planets|United Federation of Planets]] from Star Trek. [[Starbase]] Commander [[Hayes]] will reply to this choice by saying "we will make it so", another reference to Star Trek, where captain [[Wikipedia:Jean-Luc Picard|Jean-Luc Picard]] would frequently order to "make it so".

Commander Hayes mentions early on that the [[Ur-Quan Kzer-Za|Ur-Quan]] annihilated Buenos Aires. This is most likely a reference to [[wikipedia:Robert A. Heinlein|Robert Heinlein]]'s novel [[wikipedia:Starship Troopers|Starship Troopers]], where the alien race humanity is fighting against similarly destroy Argentina's capital.

Commander Hayes also mentions that when the Ur-Quan destroyed much of mankind's history, they also destroyed several places without any known value. These places likely correspond to locations in popular fiction and mythology. They are:
*"kilometer of land in central Iraq" - possibly the biblical [[Wikipedia:Babel|Babel]], [[Wikipedia:The Nameless City|The Nameless City]] from the works of H. P. Lovecraft, or [[Wikipedia:Iram of the Pillars|Iram of the Pillars]]
*"several targets in the Amazon rain forest" - possibly [[Wikipedia:El Dorado|El Dorado]] or simply just other undiscovered city centers in the Amazon jungle
*"something deep under the surface [of the Antarctic icecap]" - possibly a reference to the alien city discovered in H. P. Lovecraft's ''[[Wikipedia:At the Mountains of Madness|At the Mountains of Madness]]''
*"broad swath of the ocean floor in the south-eastern Atlantic" - possibly [[Wikipedia:Atlantis|Atlantis]], or possibly the south Pacific, underwater city of [[Wikipedia:R'lyeh|R'lyeh]] where [[Wikipedia:Cthulhu|Cthulhu]] rests.

The idea of a "[[psychon]]" present in Commander Hayes' statement that when an electric current is fed into the [[Taalo Shield]] "all evidence of psychon interaction is flatlined" possibly originates from [[wikipedia:Sir John Eccles|Sir John Eccles]]' theory, presented in his book "[[wikipedia:How the Self Controls Its Brain|How the Self Controls Its Brain]]". Psychons were also a currency in one of [[Paul Reiche III]]'s earlier games, ''Mail Order Monsters''.

The [[wikipedia:Roadside Picnic|Roadside Picnic]] might be the inspiration for the 'Empties'. In the novel they are one of the common alien artifacts found in the Zones. In the game they are a [[Precursor]] [[list of Precursor relics|artifact]] that Commander Hayes mentions in relation to the [[Ultron]].

The 'Singing Hoops', another Precursor artifact that Hayes mentions in relation to the Ultron, may have been inspired by the "talking rings" from the 1960 film, [[wikipedia:The Time Machine (1960 film)|The Time Machine]], that when spun retold the "last recorded voice of civilized man".

====Utwig====
When the [[Utwig]] are trying to tell you what to do with the [[Precursor Bomb]], at one point they say that the "Bomb must be...Hugged?" This is likely a reference to the movie [[Wikipedia:Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb|Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb]].

One of the ways that the Utwig determined that the [[Ultron]] could have been saved was by cushioning the fall with a fuzzy wumpus. A Wumpus is a mysterious monster from the famous, early computer game [[Wikipedia:Hunt the Wumpus|Hunt the Wumpus]].

When describing the [[Ur-Quan Kohr-Ah|Kohr-Ah]], the Utwig say that their stated purpose is "to seek out new life and new civilizations...and then annihilate them," a clear play on the mission statement of the [[Wikipedia:Starship Enterprise|Starship Enterprise]] of [[Wikipedia:Star Trek|Star Trek]] fame.

The Utwig parting phrase "May the Ultron be with you!" is a variation on the [[Wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]] phrase "May the Force be with you."

The [[Chief Groo]]'s name may originate from [[wikipedia:Groo the Wanderer|Groo the Wanderer]]'s name.

The phrase "even the High Proctor gambols" in the Utwig outtakes may be a reference to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procter_%26_Gamble Procter & Gamble], an American consumer goods corporation.

====VUX====
The description of the constellation that is described as "the snake-like creature who has swallowed the elephantine beast" in the DOS version ("the long, thin creature who has swallowed the huge beast." in the 3DO version and UQM) is a reference to the children's book [[wikipedia:Le Petit Prince|Le Petit Prince]] by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which [http://www.korczak.com/Exupery/englisch/i.html describes and shows] an image of a boa constrictor digesting an elephant.

The VUX say that [[Captain Rand]]'s [[Insult]] fixed their attitude setting at "ABHOR", which may be a reference to [[Professor Zorg's Guide to Alien Etiquette]] from Star Control 1, where the player was to select the correct attitude for a given situation; one of the answers was "ABHOR", again in all caps.

====Yehat====
"[[Cheep-Guava]]", the name of the head of the [[Yehat]] revolution, is a pun on "[[Wikipedia:Che Guevara|Che Guevara]]", the Cuban revolutionary leader.

====Zoq-Fot-Pik====
When first meeting the [[Zoq-Fot-Pik]] at their homeworld, they warn you not to try stealing their atmosphere, a reference to [[Wikipedia:Spaceballs|Spaceballs]].

The coordinates "...ziggerfau-gerrrnuf, Ah-ah, Pahoy-hoy" of the Zoq-Fot-Pik homeworld given in their initial encounter refers to Hawaiian words for two types of [[Wikipedia:lava|lava]] flows, "Aa" and "Pahoehoe".

At one point, the Zoq claims its species has psychic powers. The Pik scoffs at this claim, mentioning several apparently failed attempts at psychic demonstrations such as fixing broken chronometers and bending dorfs, eventually calling the Zoq a faker. This conversation is likely a reference to [[wikipedia:Uri Geller|Uri Geller]], who also claimed to use mental powers to make stopped watches start and to bend spoons.

====Other====
The Mosquito Mange is mentioned in the [[Androsynth]] computer records immediately prior to their disappearance. It is a reference to the term found in Roadside Picnic referring to graviconcentrates - areas of heightened and directed gravity.

Deep radar or deep-radar, mentioned by Commander Hayes and the Star Control II manual, p. 39 (PC), is likely a reference to the homologous device from Larry Niven's Known Space universe. In addition, the deep-radar from Star Control can apparently penetrate massive bodies (just like Niven's one), as it is used to detect mineral deposits.

==Ship Captains==
Numerous [[list of ship captain names|ship captain names]] are actually references.

====Androsynth====
*'''1040-EZ''' is a common [[wikipedia:Form 1040EZ|tax return form]] in the United States.
*'''976-KILL''' is probably meant as an American phone number. It may also refer to the movie [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094597/ 976-EVIL]. The "976" prefix is reserved for pay services.
*'''[[wikipedia:AK-47|AK-47]]''' is the famous Avtomat Kalashnikova assault rifle
*'''BHS-79''' ''(just a wild guess here- is this the initials of one of the high schools they attended, and their graduation date?)''
*'''BIM-XT''' is an anagram for the [[wikipedia:IBM XT|IBM XT]] personal computer from the early 1980s
*'''BOOJI-1''' is a possible reference to the character [[wikipedia:Booji Boy|Booji Boy]] from the band [[wikipedia:Devo|Devo]].
*'''CRC-16''' is a 16 bits "[[wikipedia:Cyclic redundancy check|Cyclic redundancy check]] (an error-detecting checksum).
*'''DORN-3''' may be a reference to artist John Alfred Dorn III, who did several illustrations for the novels of [[wikipedia:Stanisław Lem|Stanisław Lem]]. It could also be a reference to actor [[wikipedia:Michael Dorn|Michael Dorn]], who played Lt. Worf on ''[[Wikipedia:Star Trek: The Next Generation|Star Trek: The Next Generation]]''.
*'''DOS-1.0''' is a reference to one or all of the various early disk operating systems ([[wikipedia:PC-DIS|PC-DOS]], [[wikipedia:MS-DOS|MS-DOS]], [[wikipedia:Apple DOS|Apple DOS]], etc).
*'''HAL-2001''' is a reference to the [[wikipedia:HAL 9000|HAL 9000]] computer from [[wikipedia:Arthur C. Clarke|Arthur C. Clarke]]'s and [[wikipedia:Stanley Kubrick|Stanley Kubrick]]'s [[wikipedia:2001: A Space Odyssey|2001: A Space Odyssey]]
*'''JOR-15''' might be a reference to [[wikipedia:Jor-El|Jor-El]], superman's biological father in the DC comics universe.
*'''KORB-7B''' might refer to [[wikipedia:Lawrence Korb|Lawrence Korb]], a former US Secretary of Defense heavily involved in military security. May also refer to Roger Corby, an android from the original Star Trek episode [[wikipedia:What Are Little Girls Made Of?|What Are Little Girls Made Of?]]
*'''ME-262''' is a reference to the Messerschmitt [[wikipedia:Me-262|Me-262]], the first operational jet powered aircraft.
*'''NECRO-99''' may be a reference to the robot NECRON-99 from the movie [[wikipedia:Wizards (movie)|Wizards]].
*'''SR-71''' is a reference to the Lockheed [[wikipedia:SR-71|SR-71 Blackbird]], an advanced reconnaissance aircraft.
*'''[[wikipedia:Merkur XR4Ti|XR4-TI]]''' was a car model manufactured by the short-lived [[wikipedia:Merkur|Merkur]] brand.

====Druuge====
*'''Moola''' is a play on "moolah", an English slang word for money.
*'''Duulard''' could be a play on "dullard," which is slang for a boring person.
*All Druuge names have doubled vowels.

====Human====
*'''Adama''' is the captain of the [[wikipedia:Battlestar Galactica|Battlestar Galactica]] in the television series by the same name.
*'''Belt''' is a reference to Henry Belt, captain of a solar sail vessel in Jack Vance's short story ''Sail 25''.
*'''Buck''' refers to [[wikipedia:Buck Rogers|Buck Rogers]], a character who appeared in popular sci-fi comic strips and serials in the late 30's, as well as a later television series.
*'''Decker''' is likely a reference to [[wikipedia:Willard Decker|Willard Decker]], captain of the [[wikipedia:Starship Enterprise|Starship Enterprise]] NCC-1701 in the movie [[wikipedia:Star Trek: The Motion Picture|Star Trek: The Motion Picture]].
*'''Ender''' is a reference to the main character of the Orson Scott Card novel [[wikipedia:Ender's Game|Ender's Game]].
*'''Graeme''' is a reference to Donal Graeme, a protagonist in the [[wikipedia: Childe Cycle|Childe Cycle]] novels by [[wikipedia:Gordon R. Dickson|Gordon R. Dickson]]. ''(This may also be a reference to other characters in this series with this same lastname.)''
*'''Halleck''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Gurney Halleck|Gurney Halleck]] of the [[wikipedia:Dune universe|Dune series]].
*'''Kirk''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:James T. Kirk|James T. Kirk]], captain of the [[wikipedia:Starship Enterprise|Starship Enterprise]] NCC-1701 in the original series of [[wikipedia:Star Trek|Star Trek]].
*'''Pike''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Christopher Pike|Christopher Pike]], captain of the [[wikipedia:Starship Enterprise|Starship Enterprise]] NCC-1701 in the pilot episode of [[wikipedia:Star Trek|Star Trek]].
*'''[[wikipedia:Pirx|Pirx]]''' is a reference to a fictional test pilot in a series of stories by Stanisław Lem.
*'''Solo''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Han Solo|Han Solo]], captain of the [[wikipedia:Millennium Falcon|Millennium Falcon]] in [[wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]] episode 4 through 6.
*'''Spiff''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Spaceman Spiff|Spaceman Spiff]], a fantasy identity of Calvin from [[wikipedia:Calvin and Hobbes|Calvin and Hobbes]]
*'''Trent''' is a reference to Jeff Trent, civilian airline pilot from [[wikipedia:Plan 9 from Outer Space|Plan 9 from Outer Space]]
*'''Tuf''' is a reference to Haviland Tuf, the protagonist in [[wikipedia:Tuf Voyaging|Tuf Voyaging]] by [[wikipedia:George R.R. Martin|George R.R. Martin]].
*'''VanRijn''' is a reference to the merchant prince Nicholas Van Rijn in [[wikipedia:Poul Anderson|Poul Anderson]]'s stories.
*'''Wu''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Louis Wu|Louis Wu]], the protagonist of Larry Niven's [[wikipedia:Ringworld|Ringworld series]].

====Ilwrath====
*'''[[wikipedia:Gorgon|Gorgon]]''' is a famous Greek mythological creature, of which [[wikipedia:Medusa|Medusa]] was one.
*'''Kalgon''' might refer to [[wikipedia:Calgon|Calgon]], a cleansing product. It may also refer to the villain of the notoriously bad 1988 film [[wikipedia:Space_Mutiny|Space Mutiny]].
*'''Taragon''' likely refers to the spice [[wikipedia:tarragon|tarragon]]
*'''[[wikipedia:Baylor University|Baylor]]''' is a university in Waco, Texas. It may instead refer to [[wikipedia:Balor|Balor]], a giant king with an evil eye from Irish mythology.

====Kohr-Ah====
*All of the captain names are '''Death''' followed by a [[wikipedia:Prime_number|prime number]].

====Mycon====
*'''Znuff''' could be a reference to the 1984 rock group [[wikipedia:Enuff Z'nuff|Enuff Z'nuff]].
*'''[[wikipedia:Spork|Spork]]''' is an eating utensil, a hybrid of a spoon and a fork.

====Pkunk====
*'''Crow''' may refer to [[wikipedia:Crow T. Robot|Crow T. Robot]] from [[wikipedia:Mystery Science Theater 3000|Mystery Science Theater 3000]] as well as the obvious type of bird.
*'''Ernie''' is likely a reference to the British cartoon [[wikipedia:Ernie (comic strip)|Ernie]].
*'''Tweety''' is likely a reference to [[wikipedia:Tweety|Tweety Bird]].
*'''WudStok''' is Snoopy's friend [[wikipedia:Woodstock (Peanuts)|Woodstock]] in the comic strip [[wikipedia:Peanuts|Peanuts]].
*'''Jay''' and '''Raven''' refer to the [[wikipedia:Corvidae|corvids]] of the same name.
*'''Buzzard''' refers to the [[wikipedia:buzzard|birds of prey]] of the same name.

====Shofixti====
*'''Bonsai!''' is actually [[wikipedia:Bonsai|the Japanese art of pruning trees]], but is most likely a reference to the cry [[wikipedia:Ten thousand years|Banzai]].
*'''Busu''' is a Japanese word for ugly
*'''Chimchim''' most likely refers to the pet chimpanzee in [[wikipedia:Speed Racer|Speed Racer]].
*'''[[wikipedia:Daikon|Daikon]]''' is a giant, white radish popular in Japanese cooking.
*'''[[wikipedia:Gaijin|Gaijin]]''' is a disparaging Japanese term for foreigner.
*'''Genjiro''' is possibly a reference to the character Genjiro Tani, a mentor to [[wikipedia:Skyrider (Kamen Rider)|Skyrider]] and [[wikipedia:Kamen Rider Super-1|Kamen Rider Super-1]] in the Japanese [[wikipedia:Kamen Rider series|Kamen Rider series]].
*'''Ginzu''' is probably the [[wikipedia:Ginsu|Ginsu knife]].
*'''Hiyata''' is a reference to the title character of the Japanese show [[wikipedia:Ultraman|Ultraman]], where it can also be spelled "Hayata".
*'''Ichiban''' is the Japanese word for the number 1, or first
*'''Kimba''' refers to the main character in the Japanese animation [[wikipedia:Kimba the White Lion|Kimba, the White Lion]].
*'''[[wikipedia:Katana|Katana]]''' is a Japanese sword.
*'''[[wikipedia:Kudzu|Kudzu]]''' is an Asian plant that can be found in southern Japan.
*'''Naninani''' is Japanese for "such and such"
*'''[[wikipedia:Sushi|Sushi]]''' is Japanese for seasoned rice, usually associated with raw fish.
*'''Tanaka''' is a fairly common [[wikipedia:Japanese name|Japanese surname]] and may also be a reference to the creator of the [[wikipedia:Godzilla|Godzilla]] series, [[wikipedia:Tomoyuki Tanaka|Tomoyuki Tanaka]].
*'''[[wikipedia:Tofu|Tofu]]''' is bean curd, popular in Japanese cooking.
*'''Tora-3''' refers to the radio call announcing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. [[wikipedia:Tora Tora Tora|Tora! Tora! Tora!]]
*'''Wasabe''' is a Japanese condiment, usually spelled [[wikipedia:Wasabi|wasabi]].

====Spathi====
*'''Jinkeze''' is a reference to the catchphrase of [[Wikipedia:Velma Dinkley|Velma Dinkley]], a main character in the [[Wikipedia:Scooby-Doo|Scooby-Doo]] cartoons, which she says when she is scared or surprised.

====Supox====
*'''Crinoid''' is a reference to the Krynoids, hostile sentient plants in the [[wikipedia:Doctor Who|Doctor Who]] episode ''The Seeds of Doom''. In real life [[wikipedia:Crinoid|crinoids]] are animals of the phylum Echinodermata whose name literally means "lily-like".
*'''Trifid''' is a reference to the carnivorous, mobile (and possibly intelligent) plants in [[wikipedia:The Day of the Triffids|The Day of the Triffids]].
*All of the other captain names are parts or types of plants.

====Syreen====
*'''Aelita''' refers to the early Soviet sci-fi novel ''Aelita'' by [[wikipedia:Alexei Tolstoy|Alexei Tolstoy]] or to a silent film [[wikipedia:Aelita|Aelita:Queen of Mars]] based on it.
*'''Alia''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Alia Atreides|St. Alia of the Knife]], the sister of [[wikipedia:Paul Atreides|Paul Atreides]] in the [[wikipedia:Dune universe|Dune series]].
*'''Alura''' is possibly a reference either to Princess Allura in the [[wikipedia:Voltron|Voltron]] cartoon series or to the mother of [[wikipedia:Supergirl|Supergirl]].
*'''Ardala''' is a reference to the Princess Ardala, nemesis of Buck Rogers.
*'''Be'lit''' is a possible reference to [[wikipedia:Belit|Belit]], a pirate queen in the [[wikipedia:Conan the Barbarian|Conan the Barbarian]] stories.
*'''Brawne''' refers to Brawne Lamia, a character in Dan Simmons' [[wikipedia:Hyperion Cantos|Hyperion Cantos]] books.
*'''Dale''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Dale Arden|Dale Arden]], the girlfriend of [[wikipedia:Flash Gordon|Flash Gordon]].
*'''Danning''' is a reference to the actress [[wikipedia:Sybil Danning|Sybil Danning]].
*'''Dejah''' may be a reference to Dejah Thoris Burroughs (Deety) in Robert A. Heinlein's [[wikipedia:The Number of the Beast (novel)|The Number of the Beast]], or to Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium, in the [[wikipedia:Barsoom series|Barsoom series]] by [[wikipedia:Edgar Rice Burroughs|Edgar Rice Burroughs]].
*'''Maya''' refers to the attractive female [[wikipedia:Space 1999|Space: 1999]] character gifted with shapeshifing abilities, or possibly to [[wikipedia:Captain_Harlock|Captain Harlock]]'s ward (in [[wikipedia:Space_Pirate_Captain_Harlock|Space Pirate Captain Harlock]]) or love interest (in [[wikipedia:Arcadia_of_My_Youth|Arcadia of My Youth]]).
*'''Munro''' possibly refers to another genre actress, [[wikipedia:Caroline Munro|Caroline Munro]].
*'''Penny''' possibly refers to the lead female character in the movie [[wikipedia:The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension|The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension]], or the character of Penny Robinson in the television show Lost in Space.
*'''Ripley''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Ellen Ripley|Lieutenant Ripley]], as portrayed by [[wikipedia:Sigourney Weaver|Sigourney Weaver]] in the movie [[wikipedia:Alien (movie)|Alien]].
*'''Sparta''' is a reference to the beautiful female protagonist with a mysterious past in the Venus Prime series by [[wikipedia:Arthur C. Clarke|Arthur C. Clarke]] and [[wikipedia:Paul Preuss|Paul Preuss]].
*'''Teela''' is a reference to [[wikipedia:Teela Brown|Teela Brown]], one of the heroines of the Larry Niven's [[wikipedia:Ringworld|Ringworld]] novels.
*'''Yarr''' may be a reference to [[wikipedia:Natasha Yar|Natasha Yar]] who appeared in [[wikipedia:Star Trek: The Next Generation|Star Trek: The Next Generation]].

====Umgah====
*'''Bob''' is possibly a reference to the creators themselves: [[Toys For Bob]].
*'''Brewz'k''' is likely the slang word "brewski".
*'''Ei'Ei'o''' is probably referring to the refrain of the children's song ''[[wikipedia:Old MacDonald Had a Farm|Old MacDonald Had a Farm]]''. The name was used before in [[Professor Zorg's Guide to Alien Etiquette]] in [[Star Control 1]].

====Ur-Quan====
*While all captain's names are '''Lord''' followed by a number, '''Lord 666''' is notable as a reference to the [[wikipedia:Number of the Beast|Number of the Beast]]. There is no known pattern to their numbers, unlike the Kohr-Ah.
*[[Paul Reiche III]] said the following about the race's name: "They're an old alien race, so let's use the word Ur, which means old in some ancient language, and Quan, just 'cause it sounds cool".[https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/starcon_2_transcript.txt] He was likely referring to the German prefix ''ur-'', which means "original, primordial".

====Utwig====
*'''Endo''' might refer to a slang word for [[Wikipedia:marijuana|marijuana]]. In Japanese, this is also type of pea.
*'''Manny''' might refer to the main character in [[wikipedia:Robert A. Heinlein|Robert A. Heinlein]]'s book [[wikipedia:the Moon Is a Harsh Mistress|The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress]].
*'''Nestor''' might refer to the [[Wikipedia:NS-2|NS-2]], a robot model in Asimov's "[[Wikipedia:Little Lost Robot|Little Lost Robot]]" that can, by inaction, allow a human to be harmed. It is also an actual human name of Greek origin.
*'''Jujuby''' might be an alternate spelling of '[[Wikipedia:Jujube|Jujube]]', which is the fruit of a certain tree, also known as the "Chinese Date".

====VUX====
*'''[[wikipedia:Program Information File|PIF]]''' is a file extension used in early versions of [[wikipedia:Microsoft Windows|Microsoft Windows]].
*'''VIP''' is an acronym meaning "very important person".
*'''YUK''' likely comes from the work "yuck" -- an appropriate name, given the VUX's appearance.
*'''[[wikipedia:zit|ZIT]]''' likely comes from the skin blemish of the same name.
*'''NRF''' may refer to the toy gun brand [[wikipedia:Nerf|Nerf]].

====Yehat====
*'''Beep-eep''' could refer to the token sound made by the [[wikipedia:RWile E. Coyote and Road Runner|Road Runner]] in various [[wikipedia:Looney Tunes|Looney Tunes]] animations and products.
*All the rest of their captains' names simply change the first letter.

====Zoq-Fot-Pik====
*'''RinTin''' is likely named after the famous movie dog [[wikipedia:Rin Tin Tin|Rin Tin Tin]].
*'''TikTak''' is likely a reference to the [[wikipedia:Tic Tac (candy)|Tic Tac]] breath mints or to the children's game [[wikipedia:Tic-tac-toe|Tic-tac-toe]].
*'''TikTok''' may be a reference to the [[wikipedia:Tik-Tok|character of the same name]] from the Land of Oz series.

==Ship Designs==
*The '''[[Arilou]]'s [[Skiff]]''' vessel is reminiscent of the 'traditional' flying saucers or UFO's.
*The '''[[Earthling]] [[Cruiser]]''' seems to be inspired by the Federation Starships from [[wikipedia:Star Trek|Star Trek]].
*The '''[[Ilwrath]] [[Avenger]]''' shares the same approximate configuration as both the [[wikipedia:Klingon starships|Klingon Bird-of-Prey]] and the [[wikipedia:Romulan starships|Romulan Warbird]] from Star Trek.
*The '''[[Mmrnmhrm]] [[X-Form]]''' takes inspiration for both of its transformation forms from two popular [[wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]] Rebellion fighters -- the [[wikipedia:X-Wing|X-Wing]] and the [[wikipedia:Y-Wing|Y-Wing]], respectively.
*The '''[[Syreen]] [[Penetrator]]''' is shaped after the [[wikipedia:V-2 rocket|V-2 rocket]], and a dildo.
*The '''[[Ur-Quan Kzer-Za|Ur-Quan]] [[Dreadnought]]''' seems to be inspired by the [[wikipedia:Battlestar Galactica (ship)|Battlestar command ships]] from Battlestar Galactica.
*The '''[[VUX]] [[Intruder]]''' looks very similar to the D7 class Klingon starship.
*The '''[[Chmmr]] [[Avatar]]''' looks similar to [[wikipedia:Vic Viper|Vic Viper]] of the [[wikipedia:Gradius series|Gradius series]] (the ZapSats may replace the option pods). The ZapSats also strongly resemble the Uhl Weapon from Starflight II, though it did not have the two mouse-like ears.

==Star and constellation names==
According to the [[HyperSpace]] starmap, the names for the HyperSpace stars and constellations were taken from "traditional astronomical designations." These are the in-game star and constellation names that don't directly correspond to real life astronomical designations. Others such as Lalande and Wolf, while not the name of actual constellations, appear to be derived from astronomical designations.
*'''Almagest''' is a reference to the [[Wikipedia:Almagest|Almagest]], an astronomical treatise written by [[Wikipedia:Ptolemy|Claudius Ptolemaius]] and describing his geocentric theory.
*'''Arianni''' may be a reference to the "inner earth people" with the same name mentioned in a purported [http://www.reversespins.com/byrd.html missing diary] of [[wikipedia:Admiral Byrd|Admiral Byrd]]. Alternative origins may be Arianna Reiche ([[Paul Reiche III]]'s daughter), the [[Wikipedia:Ariane (rocket)|Ariane rockets]], which were the primary launch vehicle of the European Space Agency in the latter portion of the 20th century, the planet [http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/library/places/article/69410.html Ariannus] from the original [[Wikipedia:Star Trek|Star Trek]], the [[wikipedia:Arianism|Arianist]] religious doctrine, the [[wikipedia:Aryan|Arian/Aryan]] (Proto-Indo-European) people or the ancient Greek historian [[wikipedia:Arrian|Arrian]].
*'''Brahe''' is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Tycho Brahe|Tycho Brahe]], the famous Danish astronomer of the 16th century.
*'''Cerenkov''' is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Pavel Alekseyevich Cherenkov|Pavel Alekseyevich Cherenkov]], a Soviet physicist and Nobel laureate.
*'''Chandrasekhar''' is a reference to the Indian-American astrophysicist [[Wikipedia:Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar|Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar]], famous for his work on stellar evolution and black holes.
*'''Copernicus''' is a reference [[Wikipedia:Nicolaus Copernicus|Nicolaus Copernicus]], the polish astronomer who proposed the sun was the center of the solar system.
*'''Gorno''' is a possible reference to the [[Wikipedia:Gorn|Gorn]], a race in [[Wikipedia:Star Trek|Star Trek]].
*'''Hyginus''' is a reference to the attributed author of [[Wikipedia:Poeticon astronomicon|Poeticon astronomicon]].
*'''Hyperion''' is a reference to the main setting of Dan Simmons' [[wikipedia:Hyperion Cantos|Hyperion Cantos]]; in turn, the denomination is taken from the name of the mythological Titan [[wikipedia:Hyperion (mythology)|Hyperion]].
*'''Illuminati''' is a reference to a variety of conspiracy theories, especially those of the [[Wikipedia:Illuminati|Bavarian Illuminati]].
*'''Kepler''' is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Johannes Kepler|Johannes Kepler]] who discovered the three laws of planetary motion.
*'''Klystron''' is a reference to a kind of vacuum tube used in early radar systems.
*'''Lalande''' is a reference to the french astronomer [[wikipedia:Jérôme_Lalande|Jérôme Lalande]].
*'''Lentilis''' is probably a reference to the Lentili from David Brin's short story [[Wikipedia:Sshhh ...|Sshhh ...]].
*'''Lipi''' is possibly a misspelling of "[[wikipedia:Lupus (constellation)|Lupus]]", an existing constellation.
*'''Maksutov''' is likely a reference to the [[Wikipedia:Maksutov telescope|Maksutov telescope]] invented by the Russian optician [[Wikipedia:Dimtri Maksutov|Dimtri Maksutov]].
*'''Mersenne''' is a reference to [http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Mersenne.html Marin Mersenne] a Minim friar who lived in France from 1588-1648 and was a major founder of number theory.
*'''Metis''' is a [[wikipedia:Metis (moon)|moon of Jupiter]], and correspondingly a [[wikipedia:Metis (mythology)|character]] in Greek mythology.
*'''Olber''' is likely a reference to [[Wikipedia:Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers|Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers]], a German astronomer.
*'''Organon''' is likely a reference to either Francis Bacon's book [[Wikipedia:Novum Organum|The New Organon]] or Aristotle's [[Wikipedia:Organon|Organon]], after which Bacon's book was named. Alternatively it could be a reference to [[Wikipedia:Organia|Organia]], an important location in [[Wikipedia:Star Trek|Star Trek]], or to the [[Wikipedia:Organa family|Organa family]] in the [[Wikipedia:Star Wars|Star Wars]] universe.
*'''Ptolemae''' is a reference to [[Wikipedia:Ptolemy|Claudius Ptolemaius]], an ancient astronomer whose Geocentric views Copernicus replaced.
*'''Raynet''' is possibly a misspelling of "[[wikipedia:Wolf-Rayet|Rayet]]", an existing astronomical designation. It could also be a reference to British amateur radio network [[Wikipedia:RAYNET|RAYNET]].
*'''Saurus''' is possibly a reference to [[wikipedia:Eden Phillpotts|Eden Phillpotts]] novel ''Saurus''. It is also similar to the Greek word for "reptile".
*'''Squidi'''
*'''Vitalis'''
*'''Wolf''' is a possible reference to the german astronomer [[Wikipedia:Max_Wolf|Max Wolf]].
*'''Zeeman''' is possibly a reference to the physicist [[Wikipedia:Pieter Zeeman|Pieter Zeeman]] for whom a [[Wikipedia:Zeeman (crater)|crater]] on the moon is named.

==Music==
*The Androsynth theme resembles "Mongoloid" by Devo [https://sndup.net/pzhmr/]
==Other==
*'''[[Leyland Gravity Whip]]s''' are named after Robert Leyland, a Toys For Bob programmer.

*The name and appearance of most '''[[Table of bio types|bio types]]''' found on planets originate in some way from real (living or not) things. The less obvious ones are listed below:
**'''Roto-Dendron''' is likely a [[wikipedia:Portmanteau|portmanteau]] of "[[wikipedia:Roto|roto]]" and "[[wikipedia:Rhododendron|rhododendron]]" (the name of a real plant).
**'''Macrocilla''' is probably a misspelling of "macrocilia", i.e. macroscopic [[wikipedia:Cilium|cilia]].
**In '''Splort Wort''', "splort" is an onomatopoeia for the shooting of a liquid, and "wort" is old English for "herb".
**The '''Bug-Eyed Bait''' resembles a worm, and indeed, worms are used as bait in fishing. Also, the large eyes of the creature justify the epithet "bug-eyed".

*The Pkunk Fury tactic of rotating while firing in all directions is refered to in the Star Control II manual as '''Death Blossom'''; this term originates from the movie [[wikipedia:The Last Starfighter|The Last Starfighter]] where it is used to describe a similar manoeuvre.

*Talana's uniform is near-identical to Princess Leia's slave outfit from [[wikipedia:Star_Wars_Episode_VI:_Return_of_the_Jedi|The Return of the Jedi]].

*Shiva Furnaces were probably named after the Hindu God of Destruction [[wikipedia:Shiva|Shiva]].

*Hellbore Cannons are a reference to Keith Laumer's [[wikipedia:Bolo_%28tank%29#Bolo_offensive_systems|Bolos]] or perhaps the weapons used by the Hydrans in the game [[wikipedia:Star_Fleet_Universe|Star Fleet Battles]].

*Star Control II shares a few plot elements with [[wikipedia:C. C. MacApp|C. C. MacApp]]'s "Recall Not Earth", such as a defeated Earth, a unique giant starship in the hands of a human captain, and the quest for a race's last females.

*Star Control II starts on February 17, 2155, and the [[Kohr-Ah]] win the [[Second Doctrinal War]] on February 17, 2159 or 2160. February 17 is [[Paul Reiche III]]'s birthday.

==Notes and references==
{{note|1}}''From part two of Matt Barton's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuLGjRuaCC4 video interview] with [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]]:
::In general, we would create a ship through illustrations, and usually through paper illustrations, and then implement powers that made sense for it and that were cool and then afterwards, we'd sort of backwards think about "Now, who's flying this ship?", you know, "This ship sort of has this odd, robotic kind of pop look to it, so maybe like someone who looks like Devo is flying it." And so the Androsynth evolved out of this strange like "Wouldn't it be cool if Devo was flying spaceships.".
{{note|2}}[[Paul Reiche III]] explained the connection between the Androsynth and his own "friendships with openly gay folks" in an [http://uqm.stack.nl/forum/index.php?topic=2719.msg34333#msg34333 email exchange with a fan].
{{note|3}}{{IRC1998}}
::<Manta> Fwiffo: Has anyone ever brought up parallels between Babylon 5 and Star Control? 
::<Fwiffo> Babylon 5 causes a certain amount of stomping around the office screaming. 
::<Fwiffo> Babylon 5 steals from us. We steal from known space. 
::<Fwiffo> And Larry in known space steals from others.
{{note|4}}''From [[wikipedia:Ringworld|Ringworld]] by [[wikipedia:Larry Niven|Larry Niven]] (1970)'':
::There had been ten inhabited worlds. When the ringworld was finished, all of these had been abandoned, left to go their way without the benefit of man. [...] The seas have been used as garbage dumps for a hundred thousand years. Somewhere in that time, they were dumping useless radioactive end products of fission. [...] Bacteria evolved to eat zinc compounds, plastics, paints, wiring insulation, fresh rubbish, and rubbish thousands of years obsolete.

==See Also==
*[[References to Star Control in other works]]

[[Category:About the Star Control series]]
[[Category:Trivia]]

Ultronomicon:Current events

2025-03-17T00:17:08Z

Svdb: Updated the MediaWiki software.

===2025-03-17===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.43.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

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===2019-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.33.1, and installed the 'Graph' extension, as an eventual replacement to EasyTimeline.
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===2018-12-16===
Moved the Ultronomicon to new hosting.
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===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

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===2012-12-30===
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===2012-12-18===
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===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

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===2011-10-01===
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===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
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This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
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Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

User:Svdb

2025-03-17T00:14:20Z

Svdb: Update email address.

Serge van den Boom, member of the core team of the [[The Ur-Quan Masters]] project.

I started the Ultronomicon and I'm the one who maintains the wiki server installation.

I also maintain the [http://uqm.stack.nl/forum/ UQM forum] server installation and the [http://bugs.uqm.stack.nl/ Bugzilla] installation.

On the UQM forum and in the IRC channel, I use the handle Meep-Eep.

If you need to mail me, use 'serge at vdboom.org'.

My todo list: [[User:Svdb/Todo]]

Sandbox

2025-03-17T00:10:45Z

Svdb: test

{|border="1" width="400px" cellpadding="3"
!rowspan="0" colspan="2" style="color:white;background-color:purple;text-align:center" |Alliance Members
|-
| Human|| founders
|-
| Chmmr|| Johnny Come Lately|
|-
| Spathi|| defectors|
|}

{|border="1" width="400px" cellpadding="3"
!rowspan="0" colspan="2" style="color:white;background-color:purple;text-align:center" |Official Members
|-
| Human|| founders
|-
| Chmmr|| Johnny Come Lately
|-
{|border="1" width="400px" cellpadding="3"
!rowspan="0" colspan="2" style="color:white;background-color:purple;text-align:center" |Unofficial Members
|-
| Spathi|| defectors
|}
|}

test2
[https://www.google.com/ external link 3]

Ultronomicon:Current events

2022-07-09T14:27:52Z

Svdb: /* 2022-07-09 */

===2022-07-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.35.7. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2021-12-15===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.35.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2019-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.33.1, and installed the 'Graph' extension, as an eventual replacement to EasyTimeline.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2018-12-16===
Moved the Ultronomicon to new hosting.
MediaWiki is freshly reinstalled. The current version is 1.31.1.
We're now running MediaWiki in a Docker container.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Ultronomicon:Current events

2022-07-09T14:27:40Z

Svdb: Upgraded to 1.35.7

===2022-07-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.35.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2021-12-15===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.35.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2019-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.33.1, and installed the 'Graph' extension, as an eventual replacement to EasyTimeline.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2018-12-16===
Moved the Ultronomicon to new hosting.
MediaWiki is freshly reinstalled. The current version is 1.31.1.
We're now running MediaWiki in a Docker container.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Ultronomicon:Current events

2021-12-15T22:36:15Z

Svdb: Upgraded to 1.35.5

===2021-12-15===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.35.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2019-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.33.1, and installed the 'Graph' extension, as an eventual replacement to EasyTimeline.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2018-12-16===
Moved the Ultronomicon to new hosting.
MediaWiki is freshly reinstalled. The current version is 1.31.1.
We're now running MediaWiki in a Docker container.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Sandbox

2021-12-15T22:32:04Z

Svdb: test

Sandbox

2021-12-15T18:46:16Z

Svdb: test

Sandbox

2021-12-15T18:46:01Z

Svdb: test

User talk:Fyzixfighter

2019-11-17T18:56:41Z

Svdb: /* Timeline */ Thanks

You added the list of stars and constellations that do not have basic in reality. I have some memory loss, so I dont want to change the page without someone double checking, but I seem to remember Wolf 359 is a real star with a companion black hole, so Wolf could be removed from the list

:True, but in the SC2 universe, Wolf is a constellation, whereas the in real life Wolf 359 is a single star. Are there other Wolf stars, like a Wolf catalog of stars? There's also a type of stars called Wolf-Rayet. Imho, since its not a star-star or constellation-constellation correlation, I think that it would belong on the list. We can always include a mention of Wolf 359 in the entry, also. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 06:09, 17 Nov 2005 (CET)

::I seem to recall it being documented somewhere that the HyperSpace starmap shows stars that are actually different from the way that we (in reality) see and name stars in "TrueSpace". Stars in HyperSpace are different from those stars in TrueSpace, even if they have the same name. What we see as Betelgeuse in the HyperSpace map is actually not the same Betelgeuse star that we see right now in the 21st century. I think it's explained as humans, when they see the stars as they appear from HyperSpace, assign their own familiar names to these stars. --[[User:Phoenix|Phoenix]] [[User_talk:Phoenix|(t)]] 07:16, 17 Nov 2005 (CET)

:::On the hyperspace star map that came with the game: "The positions are based on HyperSpace coordinates, which may be unsettling to some students of TrueSpace astronomy. Defined long ago by Chenjesu stargazers, the constellations are now accepted by all Alliance races as ''the'' standard. Due to the great diffuculty in pronouncing the Chenjesu language, each race has translated the names into their own tongue. When it came time for Earth to adopt this system, the United Nations decided to use traditional astrological designations at random." I think I might need to be more explicit on that list, to say that these are the names that are neither real constellation names or individual star names. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 08:01, 17 Nov 2005 (CET)

Hi there. In the Probe article, I think you left a sentence dangling: "Unlike catalog item 2419, this". I'd finish it myself if I knew the rest. :-) --[[User:Doubleyou|Doubleyou]] 00:11, 2 Dec 2005 (CET)
:Blast, guess I forgot something when I was moving everything around. IIRC that sentence fragment was part of an intermediate draft of that paragraph and is now redundant. Fixing... --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 00:37, 2 Dec 2005 (CET)

Hey FyzixFighter, is there some rule preventing you from obliterating [http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Game_Humor this page]? --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] 05:41, 2 July 2009 (UTC)

== Cargo images ==

FYI, people complained that my old cargo images taken from the UQM content were too tiny. We should probably use the wiki software to scale those up 2x (and the new ones you uploaded) for wherever they are used in articles, unless somebody wants to scale them manually and upload new versions.
-[[User:Fadookie|Fadookie]] 01:37, 16 January 2006 (CET)
:Thanks for the reminder. Yeah, I remember seeing the comments about that and agree the raw images are much too small. I believe <crossing-fingers> that I uploaded copies of all the raw images, except those that had already been uploaded. Not being a really aesthetic person, I avoided figuring out the right scale but, like you've already noted, the wiki software can easily resize them to whatever we decide on. I hope I didn't offend anyone or step on anyone's toes when I made those uploads, but I kind of agree with Svdb that it's more honest to present the raw material instead of enhanced images, unless we all agree on how to enhance those images - just my R$ 0.0456600. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 04:20, 16 January 2006 (CET)
::I agree with you and SvdB about using the straight game content, and not only out of laziness. :)
::There are other places for enhanced images... i.e. PONAF. Back when the Ultronomicon was a bit younger, there was discussion about using PONAF's animated gifs of each race's comm screen, but I was against this (as was SvdB if I recall). There is a place for everything, and I don't think that the Ultronomicon is the place for 'enhanced' content, especially if it is scaled to an arbitrary size with an arbitrary resizing algorithm that tries to make the graphics appear smoother than they actually are.
::The only kind of pre-upload scaling I would support for the Ultronomicon is nearest neighbor 2x (basic, pixelated scaling), although screenshots of UQM using its internal scalers for purposes of comparison may be appropriate.
::-[[User:Fadookie|Fadookie]] 07:08, 16 January 2006 (CET)

== Footer nav plate. ==

What are you planning to do with those footer nav plates? I think they're nice, but main Ultronomicon pages shouldn't refer to pages in the User namespace. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 05:58, 6 October 2006 (CEST)

:Sorry about that - yeah, I was planning on moving them out of my personal namespace. They still might need a little work, but you're right that they should be in the main space. I'll move them over today. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 19:45, 6 October 2006 (CEST)

== SC2/UQM star database? ==

Is there a small database defining all the stars? Or is there any XML files around defining all starnames, their positions in space, their color and their size (how big it should be on a map)? It would be neat to create a vector-based starmap of the 2D-universe... maybe by using SVG. It would not be hard to do it, given the right data :)

-- MrMist

:Well, I might not be the best one to answer your question as the limits of my involvement with UQM is basically this wiki. But I can tell you that you're not the first, nor will you be the last to want to do something like this. In fact, several fans have created a number of maps [http://starcontrol.classicgaming.gamespy.com/sc2/maps.shtml]. The topic has also come up on the UQM discussion boards more than once, so I would recommend scanning the threads there. One in particular [http://uqm.stack.nl/forum/index.php?topic=3133.msg39391#msg39391] has a link to the data you're looking for, and tells you where you can find it in the actual game code. Likewise, someone awhile back created a page of [[Star Coordinates]] (though it lacks the color and size).--[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 02:14, 17 December 2006 (CET)

:There is functionality in uqm that can print a list of all the info you'd need. It's not in XML format, but it would be trivial to change the code to dump it anyway you like. You'd need to compile the game from source in debug mode though.
:An interactive SVG based starmap exists. See [http://seijin.ath.cx/cgi-bin/uqm/ this page].
: — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 07:19, 17 December 2006 (CET)

::[[Image:screen.png|thumb|right|Screenshot of current starmap]]I'm more interested in creating a completely vectorized map, rather than using loads of bitmaps to draw the elements of the maps. Luckily I found some files in the CVS, that reflects all the constellation positions in simple, readable format. I've made some scripts transforming the data to XML, and I've made a XSLT stylesheet, transforming the document to SVG. I'm attaching a screenshot of the SVG at the current state of development. --[[User:MrMist|MrMist]] 11:50, 19 December 2006 (CET)

:::Oh, you're only interested in the stars, not the planets. Right, plandata.c should be enough then.
:::Note however, that the Ultronomicon is not an image dump for SC2-related pictures. If an image does not go with an article, it doesn't have a place here. I'll leave it for the moment, but don't expect it to last. Actually, even this discussion shouldn't be here. We have the [http://uqm.stack.nl/forum/ UQM forum] for things like this. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 12:41, 19 December 2006 (CET)

:::: Ah. I see. Well... I though this wiki was supposed to contain all things surrounding Ur-Quan Masters. As for the picture: I just wanted to provide an example to describe the things I've been requesting, and also to document the current progress of development. It was kind of natural to provide a visual example. I did however not expect it to be such a big problem to post a screenshot. Don't worry... I'll quit writing here right away.--[[User:MrMist|MrMist]] 14:22, 19 December 2006 (CET)

Oh, you wanted to make a starmap for in the Ultronomicon. I misunderstood. In that case a request for information is appropriate here. I apologise for jumping to conclusions. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 17:47, 20 December 2006 (CET)

==SC1 and SC3==
Assertion 1: Ur-quan masters equivalent of Star Control II. Assertion 2: Star Control I and Star Control III are in existence. Assertion 3: Full knowledge of Star Control requires full knowledge of series. Assertion 4: Database identified as Ultronomicon deals exclusively with Ur-quan Masters. Conclusion A: Star Control databases must include information on Star Control I and Star Control III. Conclusion B: Database identified as Ultronomicon is incomplete. Query: Unit identified as Fyyzixfighter is directed to either affirm or negate this argument. -A petetionning [[User:Daktaklakpak|Daktaklakpak]] 22:17, 14 February 2007 (CET)

==FYI==
The name of the Avatar laser is actually a "Terawatt Laser". http://starcontrol.classicgaming.gamespy.com/sc2/shipspecs/rw-chmmr-spec.jpg [[User:68.88.74.19|68.88.74.19]] 02:46, 10 May 2007 (CEST)

:Sorry, that image is not part of the accepted Star Control [[canon]]. It is a fan-made image - I'll try and hunt down who created it. In actuality, I believe it is a touched up version of the 3DO spinning image of the ship. The names on it, and the other fan-made images for SC2 unique ships, are for the most part fan-made also, and do not appear anywhere in the canon. The Star Control Writers FAQ is also not necessarily canon. I don't know where the person got the name terawatt from in that FAQ, but it's not from the manuals, the RPRG, or the game itself - therefore, it's fanfic plain and simple. Of course I'm open the idea that I may have missed something (as I discovered as I listened to the 3DO ship descriptions), but please remember how we define canon for the Ultronomicon. Cheers. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 04:51, 10 May 2007 (CEST)

Perhaps they used their brains and engaged in critical thinking rather than just replaying SC2 dialogue over and over again to arrive at that conclusion? The VUX laser is, after all, named a Megawatt laser. [[User:68.88.74.19|68.88.74.19]] 21:18, 10 May 2007 (CEST)

:Honestly I'm fine with people extrapolating when they're creating fan-fiction. However, we strive on the Ultronomicon to stick to canon. Any reading between the lines and critical thinking should be guided by the canon. Also, please don't insinuate that I didn't use my brains nor think critically about this topic. Let me show you how I consider this critically: if someone used their critical thinking to get "Terawatt" then I have to question their reasoning abilities because the jump from Tera- to Giga- (the VUX laser is a Gigawatt not a Megawatt) seems simply based on the general fact that the Avatar laser is more powerful. The SC2 manual states that the Avatar laser has "twice the destructive force of the feared VUX laser" (a point which is confirmed in-game, see also [[List of weapons]] for damage]]). A terawatt (10^12) is not twice a <s>megawatt</s> gigawatt (10^9) (or 30 dB greater if you like a log scale - a factor of 2 would be 3dB by the way). It looks like tera- was chosen simply because it's just the next metric prefix above giga-, but why not call it an Petawatt or an Exawatt or a Zetawatt (I think the argument for Zeta- is a little bit easier since a Zetawatt is 240 dBm and a Gigawatt is 120 dBm). We really should then call it a "2 Gigawatt Laser", assuming of course that laser power scales as destructive force, which it may not in such a non-linear regime (I've played with Terawatt/Gigawatt pulsed lasers (~25fs pulses) to drive non-linear processes). I certainly would be interested in knowing the reasoning behind "Terawatt" to see if the reasoning was more subtle and insightful than "Terawatt is the next metric unit above Gigawatt, therefore let's call it a Terawatt".

:If you want to call it a terawatt in your gameplay and when talking with others, go ahead, I really couldn't care less; but please avoid non-canon terminology to the Ultronomicon. We certainly would appreciate your help on making the Ultronomicon better, and it would be sad if you don't based solely on this one disagreement of acceptable canon. However, if the adherence to this defined canon is too much of a sticking point, then we are at an impasse and any material you add based on non-canon sources will be removed. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 00:41, 11 May 2007 (CEST)

::Quick defense in the case of the Terawatt, however, can you say where you found the name x-ray laser? I never heard it.--[[User:Gaeamil|Gaeamil]] 06:21, 13 May 2007 (CEST)

:It is named so in the 3DO ship spin video. I don't know where it can be found on the Internet, if it can - I don't know if Fyzixfighter had the 3DO SC2. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 07:52, 13 May 2007 (CEST)

::Are those the videos where the ship rotates while a female voice describes them? If so, they're all on the Pages of Now and Forever.--[[User:Gaeamil|Gaeamil]] 07:54, 13 May 2007 (CEST)

:::Yep, that's where I found them (I don't have the 3DO version personally). Go here [http://starcontrol.classicgaming.gamespy.com/3do/] and click on any of the ships on the left to play the videos. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 08:07, 13 May 2007 (CEST)

== 3DO Ship Spin Models ==

We can use the 3DO Ship Spin images together with in-game/Databank pictures on ship pages. I just wanted you to know that, I don't think anyone has any objections. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 11:48, 13 May 2007 (CEST)

:There was some similar discussion in regards to including animated gifs for the spec images over on [[Talk:Blade]]. I'm inclined to agree that moving images/video on the page would be distracting, and a steady state image is preferable. I'm also not sure if the hi-res movie files are still up on fileplanet, leaving us with only the lowres vids on PONAF. I think including a link to the specific page on PONAF with the 3DO video would work, without being too distracting and still providing access to the info, but I'm still mulling over the manner of including the link (in a template, external link section, see also section, in-line link,...). --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 23:04, 13 May 2007 (CEST)

So we should indeed use the ''images'', and make them link to the 3DO videos? Sounds good. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 13:02, 14 May 2007 (CEST)

:Depends on which ''images'' you're talking about - I'm not exactly certain I understand which images you mean. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 17:18, 14 May 2007 (CEST)

I mean screenshots from the 3DO videos. However, I don't see a method to take them - my screen capture software (both 2 programs) don't capture that well, and RealPlayer doesn't seem to have a "save" option. There must be a way anyway. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 17:31, 14 May 2007 (CEST)

==Pointless articles==
The following articles are just cluttering the wiki and are included in your "Pointless articles" section. I support their deletion.
*[[Alpha Lyrae]]
*[[Beta Andromedae]]
*[[Beta Centauri]]
*[[Beta Lyrae]]
*[[Delta Centauri]]
*[[Epsilon Centauri]]
*[[Gamma Centauri]]
*[[Zeta Centauri]]
*[[Achernar]]
*[[Canopus]]
*[[Capella]]

You know, non-admins cannot delete articles. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 16:42, 1 June 2007 (CEST)

:Yeah, I've been meaning to get to that list but school/work has been quite busy as of late (I'm only posting now because I'm waiting on a measurement). I'd definitely be in favor of getting rid of the Lyrae star pages and Beta Andromedae - those are completely non-notable. The Centauri stars I hesitate on since they're close to Sol (and Delta C. is actually somewhat notable - most # of BioUnits on a single planet) but the same could be said for Lyrae and Canopus - but I think Centauri has a slightly more prominent position in pop sci-fi simply because of Alpha Centauri so some people might find those of interest. I'm torn on Achernar, Canopus, and Capella since those are single star "constellations" and we have pages on other non-notable constellations. But since this a wiki and not paper (it's all just electrons), eventually it might be nice to have pages for every star. My preference though would be to start on the notable stars before doing the non-notable ones. Let me think on a bit more before I do something (I should have time this weekend). --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 00:16, 2 June 2007 (CEST)

::Cluttering the wiki means cluttering the "Random page" feature, and this I don't like. Plus, we have Sage's planetary database.

==Image Upload Test==
G'day Fyzix, regarding the recent image upload and your subsequent deletion, please see [http://uqm.stack.nl/forum/index.php?board=2;topic=3916.4#msg51155 this UQMF thread].

Cheers --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] 19:57, 7 December 2007 (CET)

:Thanks Zeracles. Sometimes it's hard getting out of defensive mode given the number of vandals we've had. Anyways, again thanks for the heads up. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 23:37, 7 December 2007 (CET)

I should've put in a good description, sorry.
-ptx

== Vandalism ==
I see you fight with vandalism on almost daily basis. Why not require wiki user login? That would solve the anonymous vandalism at least... ?

[[User:Ptx|Ptx]] 16:55, 13 December 2007 (CET)

:It might, but we've also had instances of anons creating random user names and then vandalizing several pages. Also, I am but a lowly sysop, only able to delete, undelete, rollback, and ban - [[User:Svdb]] (aka meep-eep) is the administrator/bureaucrat/maintainer of the Ultronomicon and would set those kind of things. I'm sure he's already considered that option, so you'd have to ask him why this isn't done. Honestly, I don't mind devoting a lot of time to fighting the anon vandalism - there's little else that I intend to add (I usual compare new edits to canon and make stylistic edits these days), and fighting vandalism is a way to defend something that I and others have put a lot of time into. We've also had good contributions from anons, so the price of fighting the spam/vandalism is worth it for me. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 19:15, 13 December 2007 (CET)
:And you do it all so well too :) --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] 03:05, 16 December 2007 (CET)

Do you have any idea why the wiki is under siege right now? We might need to take more drastic measures if this is going to be a long-term problem. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] 23:06, 27 May 2011 (UTC)

:That is a really good question - this is really starting to get annoying. Doing a google search for some of the phrases the anon-IPs (especially the ones with misspellings) shows that a lot of online forum/comment sections are getting hit by this same bot. The IPs geolocate to a bunch of different places so maybe the bot is spoofing IPs. And looking at most of the edit summaries it uses, it looks like the bot is using brute force to get past the captcha protection. My guess is that SvdB is aware, but perhaps it would be good idea to email him. As much as I am reluctant to suggest it, perhaps disabling editing by anonymous IPs is the only way to stop this - but SvdB is the only one who can make that change I believe. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 00:47, 28 May 2011 (UTC)

==Concerning the Flagship==

Friend Fyzixfighter,

'''Concerning the "Flagship" section of this wiki''',

I have added a -spoiler warning- in this part of the wiki. I acted in good faith as you already understood. I read the main page about the spoilers section after you have repaired my addition(spoiler warning).

This is not my wiki to control and I respect that. Allow me to express my disagreement though.

Concerning the part about the destruction of the flagship, what exactly does it serve?

You, or someone, might say "hey this is a plot element of the flagship", yes I agree with that. Why don't you add a plot section(like in wikipedia)? You can put all the spoilers in a plot section.

I went in the flagship part because I had a question concerning the sideway guns and instead I found that the ship is going to be destroyed. Whenever I go to (for example)wikipedia to check if a movie is good, I skip the plot and I check the criticism and the general receive of the press. Here, in this article, how could I ever skip it?

What is the purpose of giving information for a weapon system (in the game) to someone who doesn't know the game, when in the same time you throw him spoilers?

Don't get me wrong, I understand the "spoiler policy" of this wiki, does this wiki understand how to manage it's "spoiler policy" though?

The reason I wrote here was because I didn't know any other way to communicate with you. If this was the wrong place, please feel free to delete the comment.

Thank you.
[[User:Polemos|Polemos]] 00:32, 21 December 2008 (CET)

:I can understand your disagreement and consternation. Sometimes it can be difficult for those of us who have played the game so much to predict others' intents when exploring the wiki. As to your suggestion of creating separate sections, it might work, but I have some reservations about it. My main worry would be that each section would contain only a few sentences, which may not look very nice. Your comparison to movie articles on wikipedia isn't perfect because each movie has tons of other stuff to talk about besides the plot - here not so much. I think the closest thing we do have is a "Gameplay Notes" section on some of the pages, but even then the spoiler information is still in the main body of the article. Also, I don't see a "plot" section working for every article (indeed for most articles) with spoiler information. In my experience, the spoiler policy is adequate (and similar to other video game wikis) because of the limited size of the SC universe and it works with most articles. Your concern would best be handled by better organization of material (if possible) rather than revamping the spoiler policy. Honestly, that is something that is still needed on several of the pages, for example the Flagship page as you noted, so that the information is organized into a coherent and allows the reader to easily navigate it. If I have time, I might take a look into it, but if you're up to it, go ahead and take a shot at it on the Flagship page (but, like all of us, be ready to have your work edited by others). I'd recommend looking at some of the [[list of ships|ship]] pages as something of a guide - IMO the general format used on those pages could be easily adapted for the Flagship and can accommodate a Plot/History/whatever section (I would lose the tactical overview section though). How does this sound? --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 18:45, 22 December 2008 (CET)

== About full quotes ==

For example,

1) http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Spathi#note_2

As this question was about Spathi, the answer was provided by FF & PR3. The unrelated part about VUX should belong to corresponded article, and ''if'' the answer was provided. As of now, this part looks alienated to the whole article, and should be removed.

By the way, this should be a common thing to other reference types, like:

''Aricle about '''X'''''

''Notes and references:''

''Somebody'': Who are '''X''' and how do '''Y''' look like and where are '''Z''' from, etc.

''FF and PR3'': '''X''' are ... Once upon a time they lived on the planet of... Soon they encountered the culture of ...

As you can see, only the first part is answered and it is related to proper article. This way, Y and Z should be cutted, and they distract of main part and do not contribute at all.

[[User:Masterius|Masterius]] 13:08, 21 January 2009 (CET)

:First off, welcome and thank you for taking an interest in the project. It's always nice to have fresh blood around here. I'm sorry but I respectfully disagree with you on a few points. For one thing it is disingenuous to alter quoted text without some kind of indication (brackets for added words, and ellipses for removed text). If this were a long extended quote, only part of which addressed the topic, and was worked into the main body then I would agree with you. However, this is a very short snippet and in my view the amount of distraction it causes is negligible. It's also not in the main body where clarity is much more important, but in the notes and references section where I feel completeness and transparency are important. That said, if others also feel that the second part is distract then I would be fine with cutting it and indicating the omission with "..." or "[...]", though it might look kind of funny. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 19:06, 21 January 2009 (CET)

::Thank you for welcoming me and letting me know about the requirement to indicate the changing of quoting. I don't know how much people left here that still edit the articles and look for some minor things. This may appear negligible and most people would ignore this. But for the sake of rightness and accuracy, yes, this would be good to segregate such parts. As the main parts are already complete. [[User:Masterius|Masterius]] 14:19, 22 January 2009 (CET)

== Re: Thraddash Arms ==

I haven't played The Ur-Quan Masters in a LONG time, but I seem to remember if you punched both the afterburner, turn, and the guns at the same time, he'd display three arms pushing three different buttons, or maybe four. [[Special:Contributions/99.160.9.30|99.160.9.30]] 00:05, 19 June 2009 (UTC)

::: It is possible however that those could have been feet stomping on pedals. It was a 40x40 pixelled square, after all. [[Special:Contributions/99.160.9.30|99.160.9.30]] 00:20, 19 June 2009 (UTC)

== Umgah joined the Alliance ==

I have played the Ur-Quan Masters. I go to Beta Orionis I, homeworld of Umgah, and I conversed them and they gave 2 Drone ships and joined the Alliance, but the player can't buy a ship at starbase. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 12:28, 23 September 2010 (UTC)

:One of the principal ways to tell if a race joins the alliance is if you can build their ship at the starbase. There are several examples, like the Pkunk, the Yehat, and the Arilou, which provide occasionally provide ships for your SIS escort fleet, but they do not officially join the New Alliance. Again, this is evident from what ships you can build at the starbase, ie native alien captains are being sent to the earth starbase. With regards to the Umgah, I remember them making you the "Great Hero", but quickly changing it to "Great Enemy" because of their strange sense of humor. But perhaps I'm remembering it incorrectly. In your view, what do the Umgah say that makes you think they join the Alliance? --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 20:43, 23 September 2010 (UTC)

I don't know, they say you are the "Great Hero" and they gave 2 Drone ships to Vindicator. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 11:56, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

== The Hierarchy vs. Alliance ==

Just like the Al-Qaeda war against US, and just like Christian/Jewish Alliance against the Muslim. The Ur-Quan Hierarchy have threaten the Alliance on the first threat to start a war. Like a religious war, the Al-Qaeda terrorists destroy the World Trade Center on New York on the first threat on Sept 11, 2001, then the Christian/Jewish Alliance (US-Israel Alliance) strikes back. The Ur-Quan Hierarchy is similar to Islam, and the Alliance are the Christianity and Judaism. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 15:39, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

== Utwig ==

Did the Utwig join the Hierarchy? --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 06:29, 10 October 2010 (UTC)

:Not that I'm aware of. Joining the Hierarchy happens one of two ways - actively seeking out the Ur-Quan Kzer-Za with the intent to join, or being conquered by the Ur-Quan Kzer-Za. The only known example of the former is the Mycon. The Kzer-Za never got to the Utwig, and several other races like the Supox and the Druuge because of the arrival of the Kohr-Ah, which re-initiated the Doctrinal Conflict. The Utwig were beginning to be attacked by the Kohr-Ah (not the Kzer-Za who run the Hierarchy) when this happened. There is the possibility that, based on your actions, the Utwig become hostile to you, attacking you on sight, but hostility towards you is not the same as joining the Hierarchy. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 15:05, 4 November 2010 (UTC)

== Orz ==

If the player talk too much about the Androsynth to them, the Orz will attack the player. But why the Orz never join the Hierarchy? --[[User:Sc2player|Sc2player]] 07:36, 4 November 2010 (UTC)

:Hostility towards you is not the same as joining the Hierarchy. Joining the Hierarchy happens one of two ways - actively seeking out the Ur-Quan Kzer-Za with the intent to join, or being conquered by the Ur-Quan Kzer-Za. The only known example of the former is the Mycon. The Orz cannot be in the latter group since the Kzer-Za are probably unaware of them, or if they are aware are too distracted by the renewed Doctrinal Conflict to care at the moment. Again, hostility is not the same as being part of the Hierarchy. For example, the Kohr-Ah also attack the player, but they are definitely not part of the Hierarchy. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 15:09, 4 November 2010 (UTC)

== Can't log in to forum site ==

I have a problem with logging in to [http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/ forum site]. But I have already registered, when I log in and I get an error message. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 17:54, 4 November 2010 (UTC)
:Wish I could help, but I don't frequent the forum much and I have nothing to do with its operation. Sorry. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 20:22, 4 November 2010 (UTC)
:What does the error message say? --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] 04:58, 5 November 2010 (UTC)
:It says "sorry, log in failed", and I don't know how to validate an email. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 10:49, 5 November 2010 (UTC)
::Assuming the procedure hasn't changed since 2007, you should have received an email from ``The Ur-Quan Masters Discussion Forum" containing a link that you must click on to activate your account. --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] 11:17, 5 November 2010 (UTC)
:I've tried it but doesn't work. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 19:42, 5 November 2010 (UTC)
::Are you sure? I see that the latest member there is [http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?action=profile;u=3567 videogamer]. Isn't that you? It indicates you've never logged in. You do that by entering your username and password [http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?action=login here]. --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] 03:19, 6 November 2010 (UTC)
:Yes, that is my profile. I can't log in and it says "Your email address needs to be validate before you can log in", but I don't know how to validate an email address. And I just entered activation code correctly that I already know but it doesn't work and it says "invalid activation code". --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 14:13, 6 November 2010 (UTC)
::Sorry, not sure how to help here. Maybe if you ask meep-eep (svdb@stack.nl). You might also have better luck at [http://www.star-control.com/community/ SCDB]. --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] 14:48, 6 November 2010 (UTC)

===The Ur-Quan Masters version 0.7.0===

When the version 0.7.0 of the UQM release? --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 04:08, 4 December 2010 (UTC)

== Death March ==

The game is still continue and not lost yet when the Kohr-Ah reached Earth during the Death March. Only one way to lose the game by the Flagship is destroyed. So, why the game ends after the Death March? --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 20:36, 6 November 2010 (UTC)

:I'm not sure I understand the question. Are you asking what is the rationale for the game ending when the Death March reaches Earth? I'm guessing the reason is because, when the Kohr-Ah get to Earth, they destroy the Earth Starbase thus making it impossible for you refuel/recrew/repair the flagship so you're effectively dead in space, or soon will be. It also makes the end movie/cinematics impossible, so from a game design perspective it also makes sense. I guess there is the alternative that in-game you could still destroy the Sa-Matra and to avoid the adrift-in-space death scenario, you find a suitable planet, make one last landing and set up a last colony of humanity (a la Battlestar Galactica), but again that would require the game designers to have created an additional movie/cinematic for this alternate ending. It's also not really a victory, likely not even a pyrrhic victory. You probably don't have enough crew for a minimum viable population and the new colony will unlikely survive more than a few generations.
:Or are you asking why the Ultronomicon says this is what happens? I'm assuming because that's what does happen in-game, but honestly I've never let it get that far so can't personally confirm this. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 03:30, 7 November 2010 (UTC)

::I know that Kohr-Ah cleanse all of the sentient life are the Druuge, Mycon, VUX, Orz, Spathi, Zoq-Fot-Pik, Arilou, Umgah, Thraddash, Supox, Utwig, Yehat, Pkunk, Ilwrath and Humans. But why the Kohr-Ah didn't cleanse the Syreen, Shofixti and Chmmr? --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 17:38, 22 January 2011 (UTC)

:::Simple answer: it's programmed that way - IIRC during the death march the center of the Kohr-Ah sphere of influence moves to the nearest sphere of influence center, exterminates that race, and then repeating the process until all spheres of influence are gone, before moving to Sol. The Syreen, Shofixti and Chmmr don't have spheres of influence so we don't see when or if the death march gets to those places after the game over condition. From a game play perspective this is appropriate since it is very easy to see whether a sphere of influence still exists on the star map, and see how close one is to the game over condition. From the game universe perspective, I would imagine the Kohr-Ah would probably go after them eventually, probably after wiping out earth. They probably go after the major sources of civilizations that they can easily detect (the most likely threats) and later go after the minor, slave-shielded worlds (not major threats after all). Perhaps earth is the first they go after, and the Chmmr, Syreen and Shofixti are next, but we don't find out because we don't see past the game over condition (see the ending of [[wikipedia:Only You Can Save Mankind|Only You Can Save Mankind]]). --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 02:12, 23 January 2011 (UTC)

== Suggestion: Ban spam accounts indefinitely ==

Spambots that register an account to spam should be banned without expiration date. This makes it easier for the eventual 'clean up useless accounts' day, where thoroughly inactive accounts with an infinite ban period can be wiped away quickly. IPs should not be banned indefinitely, obviously, but I sincerely doubt someone is ever going to use those accounts again.

Neither would I worry too much about blocking account creation; you fix that when you clean up the accounts. Anyway, just a suggestion. --[[User:Svip|Svip]] ([[User talk:Svip|talk]]) 13:40, 27 August 2012 (CEST)

== Spam ==

Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate that you're still so consistently fighting the spammers on the Ultronomicon.
(And of course I appreciate the contributions of others as well.)
If you know of a way that I can make this easier, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 18:54, 10 December 2012 (CET)

:Thanks. The others and I do what we can and I'm sure that I'm being far too generous in giving a lot of these new accounts the benefit of the doubt. As to a way to make this easier, I don't know for certain. We're already using captcha for username registration and new users have a certain wait period before they can edit, correct? I've been looking at MediaWiki's [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Combating_spam Combating spam] and [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Anti-spam_features Anti-spam features], and I wonder if using the DNS-based blacklist and/or participating in Project Honeypot might be useful. The advantage seems to be that there is already mediawiki support for those features. Another possibility (but I don't know how easy it would be to implement or if mediawiki supports it) might be when registering a new username to require an email address and to have the user confirm registration through a link provided in an email, similar to how I've seen some other sites (and honestly I don't recall if we already do this). Anyways, just some thoughts. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 03:30, 11 December 2012 (CET)

::Ok, I've set up the use of DNS blacklists now. Let's see if this pays off. If it doesn't, I'll enable confirmed email addresses for account creation and edits.
::And yes, we are using a CAPTCHA for editing by anonymous users and for creating new accounts. And unconfirmed users cannot create new pages for 7 days. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 20:36, 18 December 2012 (CET)

:::Ok, using DNS blacklists wasn't enough apparently. So I've now turned on obligatory email address confirmation.

G'day, just going to state the obvious, that the spam has reached an unacceptable level (again). Not only is the fight against it time-consuming, but the recent changes page is now so dominated by crap that it cannot serve its intended purpose. I tried looking to the Doom wiki for inspiration - from looking at their [http://doomwiki.org/wiki/Doom_Wiki:Central_Processing ``Central Processing" page], they recently encountered spam of the sort we have. See the subheadings ``5 Abuse Filter" and ``21 New AbuseFilter", which appears to have done the job for them. I assume that only the bureaucrats could implement it here, but do you have any other thoughts? --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] ([[User talk:Zeracles|talk]]) 06:09, 26 July 2013 (CEST)

:I didn't mind it so much when it was like 5 new accounts a day and I was still looking for a job so most of my day was free, but now that I have a full time job I can only check the recent changes list in the morning and in the evening. But, yeah, it's getting pretty bad of late. The suggestion in [http://doomwiki.org/wiki/Doom_Wiki:Central_Processing#New_AbuseFilter 21 New AbuseFilter] looks interesting - 5 successful edits before being able to create a new page, talk page, or user talk page. That might be a good way to distinguish spambots from real humans, until the spambotters figure a way around it. I don't think it would stop the creation of random spambot users though. Two other possibilities that I've thought about are changing the captcha text and simply disabling account creation for a month or so. My guess is the spambotters did a kind of brute force attack to learn the possible captcha answers and now just randomly try one of the known correct solutions each time. Perhaps if the account creation is disabled for a certain amount of time then the wiki would fall off their radar (but I wouldn't hold my breath on that one). My preference would be for the "21 New AbuseFilter" solution and updating the captcha text/answers. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 06:31, 26 July 2013 (CEST)

::Yeah, you've done more than anyone else to stay on top of the spam, and well done on the new job! I think you're right, the filter against page creation (user talk pages in particular) by new users and updated captcha should stop the deluge. I PMed a heads-up to Svdb/meep through UQMF so hopefully we'll see what he thinks. --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] ([[User talk:Zeracles|talk]]) 10:39, 26 July 2013 (CEST)

:::I've done something different for now: I made a small internal change to the ConfirmEdit extension, which should prevent automated scripts from succeeding, as long as they are not customised for the Ultronomicon. Let's see how it works. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 12:46, 26 July 2013 (CEST)
::::...so far so good... — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 11:32, 27 July 2013 (CEST)

==Centauri System==
@Fyzixfighter I was just looking thru your to do list and saw the -recommendations of deletion or merger-. I do think the Centauri pages could be merged into one page, with the === headers for each star, and then the list of planets. Someone's already done the work cataloguing them, no sense deleting it. But if each Centauri system gets a page, then surely the Orionis constellation deserves one; it hosts the Umgah and some really rich worlds. [[User:Donutcity|Donutcity]] ([[User talk:Donutcity|talk]]) 05:44, 1 July 2015 (CEST)

==Kohr-Ah and the Hierarchy==
Hi Fyzixfighter, i was thinking about the New Alliance vs Hierarchy dichotomy and wondered how the Kohr-Ah really fit in. I created a [[Neutral]] page to group those races that are neither Alliance nor Hierarchy (which is basically the Greater Kzer-Ah Empire), and i don't think the Kohr-Ah are Hierarchy members or not? The Death March does not look at allegiance whatsoever, races are annihilated no matter where they stand AND the Eternal Doctrine is at exact odds with the Path of Now and Forever. so how could the Korh-Ah really be members of the Kzer-Ah's empire?

If the Kohr-Ah are really outside of the Hierarchy, then i think they qualify as a superpower, on equal footing with both confederations. This would mean that '''the galactic war waged in the late 2150s is a three-sided fight between the Alliance, Hierarchy and Kohr-Ah.'''

Additionally, the Alliance's ideological stance on the Doctrinal Conflict is never explicitly stated, but it can be inferred as being a rejection of both arguments, essentially a doctrine of life, peace and co-operation.

:Do we have any page where the Kohr-Ah are implied or directly stated as being part of the Hierarchy? If so, I agree that would be a problem as the Kohr-Ah are not part of the Ur-Quan (Kzer-Za) Hierarchy. In that case, they would go on the '''Neutral''' page, but I think a better page name would be '''Unaffiliated races''' since the Kohr-Ah's Eternal Doctrine doesn't really fit the connotation of '''Neutral''' in my opinion. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 01:51, 8 July 2015 (CEST)

::right. i agree that the Kohr-Ah can't be considered neutral, they are a super power themselves so they dont need to be on an unaffiliated/neutral page. i will remove them from that page. maybe we rename the neutral page too. i have never found any pages that call the Kohr-Ah members of the hierarchy. [[User:Donutcity|Donutcity]] ([[User talk:Donutcity|talk]])

== Timeline ==

Hi Fyzixfighter,

A long time ago, you created a graphical timeline for the [[Timeline]] page.
I think that I installed the EasyTimeline extension especially for this back then.
Now, however, the EasyTimeline extension is no longer supported.
It has not been maintained for many years, and requires the Ploticus binary, which has now been dropped by Debian 10, and hence the standard mediawiki Docker image which I am using. Its security is also disputed.

There are several ways in which this could be handled:
# Install Ploticus manually, thereby keeping EasyTimeline working for a while longer. This is however not a long-time solution.
# Rewrite the timeline using the [https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Graph Graph] extension, which is the recommended successor, which is also used by Wikipedia.
# Remove the timeline altogether, until such a time that someone might resurrect it.

I have now applied option 1, installing Ploticus manually. But as I said, this is not a long-time solution.
My preferred solution would be option 2, rewriting the timeline. I am wondering whether you might be interested in taking a stab at this.

— [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 18:47, 11 October 2019 (UTC)

:I agree that option 2 seems the logical long term solution. I will try to make use of some free time in the next couple of months to rework the timelines. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 18:54, 17 November 2019 (UTC)

::Thanks! — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 18:56, 17 November 2019 (UTC)

User talk:Fyzixfighter

2019-10-11T18:47:10Z

Svdb: /* Timeline */ new section

Ultronomicon:Current events

2019-10-11T18:43:57Z

Svdb: I also installed the Graph extension.

===2019-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.33.1, and installed the 'Graph' extension, as an eventual replacement to EasyTimeline.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2018-12-16===
Moved the Ultronomicon to new hosting.
MediaWiki is freshly reinstalled. The current version is 1.31.1.
We're now running MediaWiki in a Docker container.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Ultronomicon:Current events

2019-10-11T18:14:08Z

Svdb: Correct section

===2019-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.33.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2018-12-16===
Moved the Ultronomicon to new hosting.
MediaWiki is freshly reinstalled. The current version is 1.31.1.
We're now running MediaWiki in a Docker container.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Ultronomicon:Current events

2019-10-11T18:13:38Z

Svdb: Updated MediaWiki to 1.33.1

Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.33.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2018-12-16===
Moved the Ultronomicon to new hosting.
MediaWiki is freshly reinstalled. The current version is 1.31.1.
We're now running MediaWiki in a Docker container.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Main Page

2018-12-23T18:19:19Z

Svdb: Remove obsolete info

__NOTOC__
This Wiki, the '''Ultronomicon''', is intended for all information relating to [[The Ur-Quan Masters]].

As is the Wiki way, it's up to you to make the Ultronomicon what it can be. So we encourage you to go ahead and start editing (after reading [[Ultronomicon:Editing Essentials|Editing Essentials]]).

<table cellspacing="3" width="100%">
<tr valign="top">
<td colspan=2 width="100%" style="border: 1px solid #c90000; padding: .5em 1em 1em; color: #000000; background-color: #f3afaf">
==The Spoiler Warning of Now and Forever==
This wiki is full of spoilers. If you have not already played through ''The Ur-Quan Masters'' the information you learn here will likely ruin many of the surprises you will find in the game and possibly lessen your enjoyment of it. Safe pages do exist, but because they are significantly more rare than "unsafe" pages only the former will be marked. Spoiler content is therefore implied by the ''absence'' of a safe page advisement.
</td>
</tr>
<tr valilgn="top">
<td width="50%" style="border: 1px solid #00c900; padding: .5em 1em 1em; color: #000000; background-color: #aff3af">
===Spoiler-safe pages===
These pages should be safe for people who are still playing the game for the first time.
*[[Non-Spoiler Hints]]
*[[List of FAQs]]
*[[List of People]]
*[[Links]]
</td>
<td width="50%" style="border: 1px solid #c90000; padding: .5em 1em 1em; color: #000000; background-color: #f3afaf">

===Spoiler-unsafe pages===
These pages may contain or link to information which you may not want to read when playing the game for the first time.
*[[Special:Categories|All Categories]] (automatically generated)
*[[Star Control Universe]]
</td>
</tr>
</table>

Ultronomicon:Current events

2018-12-16T22:55:41Z

Svdb: New install of MediaWiki on new hosting.

===2018-12-16===
Moved the Ultronomicon to new hosting.
MediaWiki is freshly reinstalled. The current version is 1.31.1.
We're now running MediaWiki in a Docker container.
Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Star Control lawsuit

2018-05-26T20:31:08Z

Svdb: Create redirect

#REDIRECT [[Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford]]

Stardock Systems v Reiche and Ford

2018-05-26T20:29:32Z

Svdb: Create redirect

#REDIRECT [[Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford]]

Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-05-26T20:26:28Z

Svdb: Svdb moved page User talk:Pat to Talk:Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford without leaving a redirect: At request of User:Pat. Let's work at this together, while sticking to the facts, and including references...

== Work together and stay neutral ==

Hey everyone. I posted some guidelines here to help keep us on track.

As much as possible, refer to reliable sources, with footnotes and citations. Evidence from the parties should be used carefully, with other statements from the parties used only to understand their public positions. Try to avoid any random fan theories. Obviously, we are fans. But we should focus on what the sources and the parties have said. We might sparingly cap off any section with a short summary and analysis, but ideally refer to a reliable source, and keep it within the range of disagreements provided by the parties themselves. Talk about what the parties have said carefully, and don't start promoting the theories of random fans.

If there's disagreement, assume good faith and discuss it here. Nobody here is superior, so long as they're editing in good faith and following the guidelines. Work together. Be constructive. Defer to the guidelines. See a criticism as an opportunity to improve this Q+A with better research and writing.

The community really needs this. There's a lot of misinformation out there and this will help clarify things. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 20:42, 4 April 2018 (CEST)

== Community Q+A guidelines ==

=== Editor behavior ===

* Work together. Collaborate. Be constructive.
* Revert edits with reference to the guidelines. Defer to the guidelines. Change guidelines only with discussion.
* Where there is a dispute, discuss and come to a consensus. Assume good faith.
* Don't assume good faith if an editor repeatedly ignores guidelines.
* Bad faith editors are not welcome.

=== Verification in reliable sources ===

* All statements on this page should be verified in reliable sources, using footnote citations.
* The most reliable sources are statutes, neutral legal experts, and news outlets with editorial oversight and fact-checking
* Evidence submitted by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) is assumed to be reliable and accurate, under penalty of law.
* Public statements by the parties are only relevant and reliable for understanding how the dispute has been represented by the parties.
* Clearly distinguish between types of sources, for the sake of the readers.
* Third party forum posts, blogs, and opinion pieces are NOT reliable. In rare exceptions, they might be relevant as evidence of a legal issue. Use and mark them accordingly.
* Statements in the Q+A without reliable sources should be verified to reliable sources, or removed.

=== Neutrality ===

* Maintain a neutral point of view. Even if you have strong feelings, the Q+A should not. Let the reliable sources speak.
* Where there is potential bias, discuss the best way to maintain neutrality. Consider replacing with better sources, comparing the sources, adding a note, or removing altogether.
* Clearly note areas of disagreement, to distinguish them from widely agreed facts.
* Evidence and statements published by the parties (Stardock, Paul Reiche III, and Fred Ford) should be marked clearly and used with care.
* Speculation should be careful, clear, and limited. Refer to relevant outcomes described by the parties, with analysis from reliable sources as much as possible.

=== Readability ===

* Utilize internet archives to protect sources from being deleted or modified as the legal dispute continues.
* Use quotes and/or images to highlight areas under dispute.
* Don't overuse quotes and/or images where footnotes will do, particularly for issues not under dispute.
* Strive to be concise. Avoid redundancy.
* As this wiki stabilizes, we will move these guidelines to make the Q+A more readable.

== What Are You Doing ==
What's going on here? It looks like you intend to document the legal dispute between Fred and Paul vs. Stardock, but with so many buzz phrases you come across somewhat inauthentic and untrustworthy. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 00:16, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:Let me second that question. @Pat - you really have no authority to define community guidelines (we already have some of those) on this wiki, especially when you only just joined the community and when you are not [[User:Svdb|the creator]] of this wiki. Honestly, it almost looks like some kind of astroturfing campaign but I can't yet tell by whom (my gut says Stardock given some similarities with their website and the timing of [https://www.starcontrol.com/article/488324/star-control-april-2018 this], but I'm open to being wrong). I'd rather not have an in-depth discussion about the current legal drama (especially given the astounding coincidence of the arrival of these new editors) - we can wait until the smoke clears and the dust settles. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 05:33, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Hey there...it's on a user page, so it isn't part of the general wiki content; the "Community Guidelines" are just Pat's rules for their own userspace. Let's give this some time to develop and see what comes of it. For one thing, I'm getting a bit tired of re-explaining the background of the case to each new person who arrives on Reddit. A non-partisan FAQ would be helpful. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 08:41, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

:: Fyzixfighter: Elestan sent a PM my way on the forums regarding this activity in favor of leaving it up. He has a significant presence on various Star Control forums right now and seems fairly credible. I don't think this is my decision to make here. It's up to you or SvdB. --[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] ([[User talk:Shiver|talk]]) 12:14, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Re: Reiche and Ford's desire to make a new SC game ==

@Mormont: Thanks for helping out here. I'm not sure, though, that this topic is a good idea for the main document, although perhaps it might be for a different one. Whether Reiche and Ford wanted to do a new game or not doesn't (to my knowledge) have any legal significance. And while there are people on Reddit making an issue out of it, I think it would be best to keep this document tightly focused on the facts that are relevant to the legal case, not trying to address all the various social media accusations that are flying around - that seems like a swamp it would be better not to wade into. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:00, 5 April 2018 (CEST)

== Music Copyright ==

Regarding section 1.5 of Addendum 3 and the music copyright, the complication is that the 1988 agreement, being between Accolade and Paul, can only give Paul things Accolade owned. It couldn't transfer ownership of the music from Riku unless Riku signed a separate agreement to that effect. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 21:12, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

: Addendum 3 is not transferring ownership; it's giving Accolade permission to use Reiche's IP. I tried to present this as another point to consider, not as definitive proof ("how these things fit together remains to be seen"). It at least shows that Accolade seemed to think Reiche owned the music. [[User:Mormont|Mormont]] ([[User talk:Mormont|talk]]) 21:20, 6 April 2018 (CEST)

== Footnotes / references ==

. For now I'm putting some of the footnotes in the middle of the text. In the long run we should figure out how to create some wiki templates for this. We're gonna need a lot of references. I'm gonna do my best on the timeline stuff and maybe someone more technical can help cleanup. [[User:Oghor|Oghor]] ([[User talk:Oghor|talk]]) 03:08, 15 April 2018 (CEST)

== The importance of good references ==

Hey guys. Didn't mean to ghost on this, but I'm glad to see other people taking the helm. This is meant to be community-driven, starting with editors who are able to separate their personal opinions from relatively uncontroversial facts.

Looking at the issues raised by everyone, it seems like we all want to keep this factual. The guidelines I posted weren't anything original. They were meant to be an short summary of guidelines from Wikipedia as we work on something that might be invaded by trolls.

With that in mind, someone said we should have a reference template (as seen on Wikipedia). And to echo concerns (especially from [[User:Shiver|Shiver]] and [[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]]), I don't want anyone here pushing an agenda. I want everyone (including me) to quote the primary sources (Stardock / Paul & Fred's public statements of claim and statements) and any other reliable legal experts. Having good references will allow us to separate facts from opinions, and protect this project from opinion-pushers and trolls.

I made an honest shot at trying to import the reference templates from Wikipedia ("ref" and "reflist"), but it looks to be beyond my skillset and access. Would one of the mods be able to help us out?

Otherwise I'll try to painstakingly re-organize and consolidate the references.

Thanks everyone who contributed so far. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 01:38, 23 April 2018 (CEST)

== Contested facts need special care ==

Hi [[User:SharkD|SharkD]]. Regarding where you said "The third Addendum to the 1988 Agreement states that Reiche and Ford own intellectual property rights in characters, plot lines, settings and terminology from the first two games.", the language in Addendum 3 is not entirely clear on that: It could be interpreted to mean that the license in Addendum #3 covers any such IP R&F have in the first two games, without actually giving them ownership of anything not granted by the prior agreements. In any case, Stardock has not conceded that point, and we do want to be especially careful not to present as plain fact anything that is contested by either side. Could you adjust your additions to reflect this? --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 01:13, 9 May 2018 (CEST)

: Hey [[User:Elestan|Elestan]] this is a tricky one. I'll try to match the language of the actual addendum itself and then let readers decide. Separate issue... where do you see Stardock contesting the copyrights? The lawsuit only makes an issue of Star Control 3, and they even made a forum post saying they don't contest it.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/] For sure I don't want to miss anything. Can you find me a source for the stuff you added about disputing Reiche and Ford's ownership in the original games? [[User:SharkD|SharkD]] ([[User talk:SharkD|talk]]) 01:35, 9 May 2018 (CEST)

:: Stardock doesn't claim to own them, but they haven't conceded that Paul and Fred own them either. Check their [https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf First Amended Complaint] #50; "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II." --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 02:07, 9 May 2018 (CEST)

::: I threw in the comment about not having contributed to SC1 and SC2, because we can attribute that to an actual source. The other stuff I'm having trouble finding a source for. It also seems like a huge tangent to start getting into burden of proof, because a lawsuit heavily implies that everyone has some burden to prove their claims. If we started to talk about who needs to prove what, literally every section would need another paragraph, and it would mostly state the obvious. Maybe we add a general note at the top about evidence and proof? [[User:SharkD|SharkD]] ([[User talk:SharkD|talk]]) 19:42, 9 May 2018 (CEST)

:::: I don't think we need a reference for every single statement, but we do need to make sure that we give respect to the claims and denials from both sides, even when we don't understand them. Some of them may really be baseless, but some probably have evidence or legal arguments that we're not privy to...and we can't tell the difference. --[[User:Elestan|Elestan]] ([[User talk:Elestan|talk]]) 04:05, 10 May 2018 (CEST)

Good work guys. We'll keep hammering away at it, trying to find a balance between thoroughness and careful references. I'm going to double check the references now and do some cleanup. [[User:Pat|Pat]] ([[User talk:Pat|talk]]) 21:07, 9 May 2018 (CEST)

Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford

2018-05-26T20:26:28Z

Svdb: Svdb moved page User:Pat to Stardock Systems Inc. v. Paul Reiche III and Robert Frederick Ford without leaving a redirect: At request of User:Pat. Let's work at this together, while sticking to the facts, and including references for all cl...

This article describes the ongoing litigation between the makers of '''''Star Control: Origins''''' (SC:O) and the makers of '''''Ghosts of the Precursors''''' (GOTP). SC:O is being published and developed by Stardock Corporation, who purchased several ''Star Control'' intellectual property assets from Atari at bankruptcy. GOTP is being developed by [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], the designers of the first two ''Star Control'' games with ''Star Control'' intellectual property of their own. Both parties claim that the other has violated their intellectual property rights. Both parties will need to prove the validity of their Copyrights, Trademarks, and licenses, and then prove that the other party has violated their exclusive rights. This article summarizes the relevant intellectual property law (even where the law is ambiguous), and attempts to summarize the arguments and evidence that have been published thus far.

== Copyright ==

=== Who owns the copyrights in Star Control 1, 2, and 3? ===

[[File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|thumb|300px|right|The Star Control title screen, which attributes Copyright to Reiche and Ford.]]

Reiche and Ford are credited as the copyright holders on the original ''Star Control'' title screen[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/script/images/0/07/StarControl1TitleScreen.png] and packaging,[https://gamefaqs.akamaized.net/box/4/4/5/32445_back.jpg] as well as the sequel's packaging.[https://draginol.stardock.net/images2015/Star-Control-25th-anniversary---on-the-s_11DA0/image_thumb_3.png] This is consistent with the ''1988 Agreement with Accolade'', where Reiche and Ford are granted copyright ownership in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.1-11.4) Since the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO has confirmed on forums that Stardock does not claim Copyright in the first two games.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/80jm2w/for_those_interested_paul_and_freds_unedited/duxg4ib/] (However, Stardock's legal complaint does assert that "Reiche and Ford may not have created any of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.27.0.pdf](pgph 57))

''Star Control 3'' belongs to multiple parties, as Accolade developed the game using existing copyrighted content from the first two games. Reiche and Ford agreed to license their intellectual property in Star Control 1 and 2 to Accolade for the development of Star Control 3 (which is documented in an addendum to their original agreement).[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] This is noted on the Star Control 3 CD jewel case, stating Accolade as the copyright holder, while using characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] In 1996, Accolade registered the Copyright for Star Control 3 with the United States Copyright Office,[https://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?Search_Arg=PA0000799000&Search_Code=REGS&PID=iQB2klgPlkt2Twox3NCgbhk7wPQ&SEQ=20180504223742&CNT=25&HIST=1] which was eventually purchased by Stardock at Atari's bankruptcy (after Atari had acquired it from Accolade).[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford]

=== Who owns the copyright in the music of Star Control? ===

Music is often separate from the game itself. Section 1.5 of Addendum 3 to the 1988 contract includes "music" under the the intellectual property "owned by Reiche."[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5) This suggests that Reiche and Ford might own the music (and not Accolade or any other publisher), but it still leaves an open question about whether the musicians own the music or assigned it to Reiche and Ford at contract.

When Reiche and Ford made Star Control 2, they held a contest for musicians to have their [[Star Control Music|music in the games]].[http://skrolli.fi/2014.3.boing.pdf] One contest winner was [[Riku Nuottajärvi]], who has since released new remixes of that music without objection from any publisher, or from Reiche and Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/Star_Control_Music] Riku has since been hired by Stardock as the music lead for ''Star Control: Origins'', and has begun remixing some of the original music for the new game.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/58csqz/star_control_origins_theme_song_download_by_riku/]

Neither lawsuit specifically disputes ownership in the music, at present.

=== What rights are protected under copyright? ===

[[File:Image thumb 3.png |thumb|300px|right|A copyright holder can make derivative works based on the original work. This box describes Ford and Reiche as copyright holders in Star Control 2.]]

Copyright is secured automatically whenever a work (such as computer software, literary work, or other authorship) is created, and does not need to be registered.[https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ip-policy/copyright/copyright-basics][https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-protect.html#what_protect] This gives the copyright holder exclusive rights to the authored work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell that work.

The copyright holder also controls the right to create derivative works based on the original work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf] For example, a sequel to a game or a movie using characters and other elements from the original would be a derivative work, and needs the permission of the original copyright holder.[https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-are-derivative-works-under-copyright-law][https://copyright.uslegal.com/enumerated-categories-of-copyrightable-works/compilations-collective-and-derivative-works/] The creator of the derivative work would be limited to copyrights in the new elements only, and their rights would exclude anything copied from the pre-exising work.[https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf]

=== So what caused the copyright dispute? ===
On October 19 2017, Stardock began selling the original copyrighted games through Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/] Reiche and Ford said they did not authorize this and requested a takedown,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come] and Stardock responded that Reiche and Ford's request includes "Star Control 3 which they admit they had no involvement".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052950/https://www.starcontrol.com/article/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred] In fact, Star Control 3 does use copyrighted content from the first two games, and states that they used characters under license from Reiche and Ford.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/dos/star-control-3/cover-art/gameCoverId,275077/] Star Control 3 is a derivative work based on Star Control 1&2, which Accolade could only create with permission from Reiche and Ford, as seen in the 1995 addendum to their original agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== How can Stardock legally sell games copyrighted by someone else? ===

Stardock claims they purchased a license to sell and distribute the three games (among other legal rights), "that was explicitly transferred to us by Atari who in turn acquired it from Accolade".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180306195904/https://forums.starcontrol.com/486284/stardock-response-to-paul-and-fred-update] Recall that in 1988, Reiche/Ford had granted Accolade the right to sell their Star Control games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.2-3.1) Stardock has claimed that they purchased this agreement from Atari at bankruptcy in 2013,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas Reiche and Ford claim that this agreement had expired.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 33, 57)

=== How does a store like Steam handle a Copyright dispute? ===

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) holds online service providers liable whenever their users violate copyright law.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] As required by the DMCA, services such as Steam and GOG provide a tool to copyright holders to report any infringing content.[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=837929245][https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/213224285-Copyright-Policy] The DMCA requires service providers to takedown infringing material once they are notified, but also includes safeguards to protect legitimate content from erroneous or fraudulent takedowns.[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf]

The DMCA creates a framework for how a service provider mediates a copyright dispute:[http://www.gimmelaw.com/the-digital-millennium-copyright-act-dmca-the-law-and-how-to-use-it]

* ''A copyright owner submits a notification under penalty of perjury, including a list of specified elements, to the service provider’s designated agent.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider promptly removes or blocks access to the material identified in the notification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The service provider must promptly notify the subscriber that it has removed or disabled access to the material.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''The subscriber serves a counter notification ... including a statement under penalty of perjury that the material was removed or disabled through mistake or misidentification.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)
* ''Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the subscriber, the service provider must put the material back up.''[https://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf] (page 12)

This process only affects the liability of a service provider like Steam.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_Copyright_Infringement_Liability_Limitation_Act] These services are often uncertain about what is or is not infringing, due to information that is only known by the parties,[https://www.wired.com/2008/10/youtube-to-mcca/] and it is neither practical nor necessary for them to judge the validity of every notice or counter-notice.[http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sprigman-lemley-notice-and-takedown-dmca-20160621-snap-story.html]

=== Can Copyright protect characters and plot lines? ===

Characters can be protected by Copyright.[https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1043&context=cybaris] According to federal courts:

<blockquote>''At one end of the spectrum, scenes a faire – the stock scenes and hackneyed character types that "naturally flow from a common theme" – are considered "ideas," and therefore are not copyrightable. But as plots become more intricately detailed and characters become more idiosyncratic, they at some point cross the line into "expression" and are protected by copyright.''[https://openjurist.org/268/f3d/1257](pgph 35)</blockquote>

Courts have refused to recognize protection for generic "scenes a faire", as you cannot Copyright an idea. Courts have refused to limit use of general ideas like a symbolic struggle between a Russian and an American,[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668], or scenes of slaves being chased through the woods with dogs.[https://cyber.harvard.edu/people/tfisher/Materials/1978AlexandervHaleyEdited.htm](sec IV)

Copyright does protect more specific forms of expression, and thus courts have decided cases to protect characters such as E.T.,[http://www.novalis.org/cases/ET.html](pgph 6-7), Spawn,[https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Gaiman_v._McFarlane/Opinion_of_the_Court] and Rocky (as well as secondary characters including Adrian, Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Paulie).[https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/cases/4668](section A.2) Even the Batmobile had distinctive enough characteristics to be protected by Copyright.[http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2015/09/23/13-55484.pdf]

In the Second Addendum to the 1988 Agreement, Reiche and Ford allowed Accolade to "develop Star Control III using certain characters created by Reiche in Star Control and Star Control II".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](Recitals) The Addendum further attributes "all characters" and "other intellectual property rights pertaining to Star Control I and Star Control II in which Reiche has an ownership interest",[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf](pgph 2) which led Star Control 3 to credit "characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford."[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg] A later Addendum also describes "characters" among the "Reiche Intellectual Property".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 1.5)

== Licensing agreement ==
[[File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg|thumb|300px|right|In 1996, Accolade owned the Trademark in ''Star Control''. They also had Copyright in ''[[Star Control 3]]'', but licensed original characters from [[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]].]]

=== How does a licensing agreement work? ===
An intellectual property holder can legally transfer any of their rights to a third party. This can be any or all of the copyright holder's rights, including the right to sell and distribute copies of their work, or the right to adapt their work into a new derivative work.[https://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/license.html] A licensing agreement is a contract, and the terms of such a contract can be whatever the parties agree is fair.

=== What is in the 1988 Licensing Agreement? ===
Reiche and Ford gave Accolade the exclusive right to sell copies of Star Control. It also made sure that any sequel (derivative work) made by Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by them, while a sequel made without Reiche & Ford would have copyright owned by accolade, subject to the original copyright held by Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 3.1) It also granted Accolade the Star Control Trademarks, while ensuring that Reiche & Ford would own any copyright in any games they develop.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 11.3-11.5)

A 1995 addendum to the agreement granted the right to Accolade to develop Star Control 3, with intellectual property under license from Reiche and Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf] (Another addendum for an unfinished Star Control 4 game expired after no game was produced.)[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf] Accolade effectively purchased from Reiche/Ford the rights to use pieces of the original games in the new sequels, but those parts would still belong to Reiche/Ford, with only the truly new parts of the sequels belonging to Accolade.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.3.pdf]

=== Acquisition of licensing agreement ===
Accolade was eventually bought out by Atari (formerly Infogrames), who then took the place of Accolade as the legal license-holder to Reiche/Ford's copyrights.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari,_SA]

Atari declared bankruptcy in 2013 and sold its assets to various parties. Stardock purchased all Star Control assets from Atari at bankruptcy,[http://bankrupt.com/misc/AtariDS.pdf](page 14) who claims that these assets included the 1988 Licensing Agreement.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]

=== But is the agreement still valid? ===

Paragraph 2.1 describes the ''Term'' of the agreement, which would continue "for as long as such Work, Derivative Work, and Derivative Product are generating royalties to the Developer at least of $1000 per annum".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 2.1) In an email from the early 2000s, Ford claims that Accolade "told
us they are going to default on this payment which means we are back to owning the characters and settings."[http://web.archive.org/web/20010515133200/http://www.classicgaming.com:80/starcontrol/history/fford4.shtml] By this time, the games were widely considered Abandonware, including SC1,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/143/Star+Control.html], SC2,[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/144/Star+Control+II.html], and SC3.[http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/822/Star+Control+3.html] More recently, Reiche and Ford have claimed that the games stopped being sold in 2000, and they stopped receiving royalties, and thus the license expired at that time.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)

In a 2011 email thread between Reiche and Atari, both parties agreed that the 1988 License had expired years prior.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=2em8gs6trr6j&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187](apr 25) In 2015, Stardock had stated "my position is that Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights."[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3] Years later, conversations between Stardock and Reiche eventually led them to discuss the License Agreement. In October 2017, Stardock asserted to Reiche that the games were on sale at that time, and thus generating royalties at the minimum required by the original license.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png] Reiche responded that Atari had agreed that the license expired during the 2001-2011 period of non-sale, and that it would be impossible for Stardock to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]

In addition to the ''Term'' clause, Reiche and Ford have highlighted three other clauses that would have caused the license to expire before Stardock's puchase:

* Paragraph 12.1 states that the "Agreement may not be assigned by (Accolade) without first obtaining the written consent of (Reiche and Ford)".[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 12.1) Reiche claims he did not give permission for Atari to assign the agreement to Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 57)

* Paragraph 7.1 states that the Agreement terminates upon bankruptcy of the publisher,[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf](pgph 7.1) which Atari filed for in 2013.[https://us.v-cdn.net/5019558/uploads/FileUpload/22/b3e05eac2b8e2ac0deeef3c43d3b7a.pdf]

* The 1998 addendum to the 1988 agreement included a three year term, which would have granted Accolade rights to any game they made during this term, but states after three years that the “Reiche Intellectual Property granted hereunder shall revert to Reiche”.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](pgph 4.1) This would have expired on April 1, 2001.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

== Trademarks ==

[[File:GOTPpost.png|thumb|300px|right|[[Paul Reiche III|Reiche]] and [[Fred Ford|Ford]]'s October announcement about ''Ghosts of the Precursors''. Stardock alleges that this announcement violated their Trademark in "Star Control".]]

=== Who owns the Trademark in "Star Control"? ===
Stardock purchased the Trademark to Star Control from Atari in their bankruptcy asset sale.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](exbt A, sch 1) In a settlement offer, Reiche/Ford have been willing to accept that Stardock is indeed the legal Trademark holder to "Star Control".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=o7q94urm99wv&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sect IVb) However, the Reiche/Ford lawsuit alleges that the Trademark may have expired due to years of non-use, during the period where none of the games were for sale in the early 2000s.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 41)

=== What rights are protected under Trademark? ===

According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, "A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services."[https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics]

=== What is the dispute? ===
In October 2017, Reiche and Ford announced they would be creating a sequel to Star Control 2 called "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Initially, Stardock echoed this language with support for their sequel, saying "Paul told me the good news: Activision was going to let him do a true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters."[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] Stardock later filed a lawsuit against Reiche/Ford for Trademark infringement, and has since edited their post to remove the language referring to Ghosts of the Precursors as a "true sequel".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180119054230/https://forums.starcontrol.com/485378/ghosts-of-the-precursors] Stardock alleges in their lawsuit that Reiche/Ford are infringing the "Star Control" Trademark and misleading consumers by calling Ghosts of the Precursors a sequel to Star Control 2.[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 41)

=== What about the Trademark in "The Ur Quan Masters"? ===
Shortly after filing their lawsuit, Stardock also filed an application for a Trademark in "[[The_Ur-Quan_Masters|The Ur Quan Masters]]",[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch] the name of the open source port of Star Control II that uses source code released to the fan community by Reiche and Ford. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) responded by asking Stardock to include evidence that they have been in fact using "The Ur Quan Masters" at commerce.[https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87720654&docId=OOA20180213153335#docIndex=2&page=1] Shortly thereafter, Reiche and Ford also filed an application for the same Trademark,[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch] with the USPTO responding that their application may be delayed pending the decision on Stardock's application.[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87772787&docId=OOA20180515191624#docIndex=1&page=1] A successful Trademark application would give someone the exclusive right to use "The Ur Quan Masters" in commerce.

=== What about Stardock's Trademark applications for certain aliens? ===
A few days after Reiche and Ford filed their counterclaim, Stardock filed applications for several alien names from Star Control I and II, including "Arilou", "Pkunk", "Mycon", and so on.[[#Federal_Trademark_and_Copyright_Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this could give Stardock the exclusive right to these aliens, if the registration is successful. According to the USPTO Trademark Manual, "marks that merely identify a character in a creative work, whether used in a series or in a single work, are not registrable".[https://tmep.uspto.gov/RDMS/TMEP/Oct2012#/Oct2012/TMEP-1200d1e2735.html] That being said, courts have found that distinctive characters such as Mickey Mouse have acquired enough a secondary meaning to be protected under Trademark law.[https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/746/112/30961/#fn5_ref][https://cdn.d23.com/cdn2015/wp-content/uploads/1928/05/1180w-600h_TDID-mickey-mouse-trademark-780x440.jpg]

== Unfair competition ==

[[File:Star-Control-Universe-1280x1081.png|thumb|300px|right|Stardock created an image to describe how the games are connected, as reported by Ars Technica in October 2017.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/].]]

=== What are the allegations of unfair competition in each lawsuit? ===

Both sides have alleged that the other party has committed Trademark infringement, which falls under the definition of "unfair competition". More than this, each side has accused the other of "unfair competition" by making statements that might confuse or deceive people that Stardock and Reiche and Ford are somehow affiliated.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X4cef76a31c4f762d2d248e09832291a5&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate][https://www.scribd.com/document/372165500/Counter-claim-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford-vs-Stardock-Systems-Inc#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586Xff843a55ecf80137c46678c935e38668&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate]

=== Why does it matter if Reiche and Ford call themselves the "creators of Star Control"? ===

Stardock alleges that Reiche and Ford "advertising themselves as being the creators of the Classic Star Control Games is false and misleading, and has been made in an attempt to dishonestly benefit from the goodwill and reputation associated with the STAR CONTROL Mark".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 54) If Reiche and Ford are not truly the creators of Star Control, then their GOTP announcement would be misleading or false, with legal consequences to follow.[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate](pgph 110)

Stardock's lawsuit further states that "Reiche and Ford may not have created ''any'' of the artwork, animation or characters incorporated in the games, or otherwise substantially contributed to the authorship of Star Control I and Star Control II".[https://www.scribd.com/document/372165367/Stardock-Systems-Inc-vs-Paul-Reiche-III-and-Robert-Frederick-Ford#from_embed?campaign=SkimbitLtd&ad_group=66960X1516586X76f07ee77ee4af69275ec7720c43022b&keyword=660149026&source=hp_affiliate&medium=affiliate] Since Stardock's legal claim appeared, alleged members of the Star Control 2 development team have appeared to credit Reiche and Ford as the driving creative force behind the game.[https://kotaku.com/1823244996] This includes Greg Johnson, who has credited Reiche and Ford for "having created the games",[https://twitter.com/ToejamGreg/status/967526760563621888] and described Reiche as "the creative genius of this entire Universe".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518203407/https://forums.stardock.net/485810/page/1/#10]

Previous publishers have credited Reiche and Ford as the "creators of Star Control" in 1998.[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs] Fans have colloquially called them the creators in the 1990s,[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim] and 2000s.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean] Journalists have followed suit,[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html], and continued to call them the creators in recent years.[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review][https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/?guccounter=1] Prior to the lawsuit, Stardock's CEO referred to them as the creators in 2014,[https://web.archive.org/web/20180518202803/https://forums.stardock.net/447576/page/4/#91] 2015,[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/3/#55] as well as 2017.[https://www.reddit.com/r/starcontrol/comments/75dmw9/official_sequel_to_urquan_masters_ghosts_of_the/] Stardock now publicly describes Reiche and Ford as the designers.[https://www.polygon.com/2018/2/22/17041632/star-control-stardock-brad-wardell-lawsuit]

=== Why does it matter how Stardock described their relationship with P&F leading up to SC:O? ===

Reiche and Ford have alleged that Stardock has made "false or misleading statements concerning Reiche and Ford’s involvement with and connection to Stardock’s goods and services, including, but not limited to, Star Control: Origins, is likely to cause confusion or mistake or deception as to the affiliation, connection, or association of Stardock".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There could be legal consequences if Stardock has overstated Reiche and Ford's involvement in ways that have confused fans. Without exact details of their conversations, it is not clear what kind of relationship existed between Stardock and Reiche and Ford, prior to the lawsuit.

Based on public statements as early as 2013, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford were "getting permission to work with us".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180402235157/https://forums.starcontrol.com/447576/new-star-control-alien-wishlist] In a 2014 interview, he further stated that "we'll be talking to Reiche and Ford as we go forward", and that he "talked to them quite a bit about what level of involvement they would like to have in the new game", but that they needed Accolade's permission to work together.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/] Reiche and Ford have categorized this as false or misleading in their counter-claim, stating that they had "declined any involvement because they did not want Stardock or anyone else to further develop their world, and they had always planned to work on it themselves in the future."[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] In 2016, Stardock's CEO stated that Reiche and Ford had been supportive of Star Control: Origins.[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies] After the GOTP announcement, the Stardock CEO initially stated that GOTP "was the result of some years of effort on our part to talk them into doing that".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180403172637/https://steamcommunity.com/app/271260/discussions/1/2381701715712918530/?ctp=2] and outlined the connection between ''Star Control: Origins'' and a "future Paul | Fred sequel" in an interview.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/] The Stardock CEO has stated that they met once at at conference, where "they came to our booth and we were supposed to have dinner but our schedules got tight".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]

== Outcomes ==

=== Who will win in court? ===

This is a multi-dimensional dispute, and it is unlikely anyone will win on every issue. This article attempts to provide the most accurate information possible, grounded in evidence and law. Readers may speculate. If it goes to court, the decision ultimately belongs to a judge.

=== Can this be settled out of court? ===

In theory, yes. In fact, 95% of cases are settled before trial.[https://thelawdictionary.org/article/what-percentage-of-lawsuits-settle-before-trial-what-are-some-statistics-on-personal-injury-settlements/] Whether a settlement will actually happen will depend on how strong each party thinks its legal position is, how much they are willing to compromise, and of course the individual personality traits involved.

Stardock's lawsuit claims Trademark in "Star Control" and other "accolade marks" such as "Ur Quan Masters",[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48) whereas their settlement offer further asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using the mark "Ghosts of the Precursors".[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1-2) Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to stop representing themselves as the creators of Star Control.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 1.iii) Stardock's lawsuit claims a license to characters and plot elements from Reiche and Ford,[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 20) whereas their settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to refrain from using those elements, and to transfer all elements to Stardock.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3) Finally, Stardock's settlement offer asks Reiche and Ford to pay $225,000 in damages,[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 7) and to refrain from making a game in the same genre as Star Control for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)

Reiche and Ford claim Copyright in the original games,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136b) but have privately offered to settle with Stardock for the original games to be distributed as open source.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec II) Although their lawsuit claims that the "Star Control" Trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41) they have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark, as long as Stardock abandons its efforts to Trademark the original characters and aliens.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV) Echoing their lawsuit, their settlement offer asks Stardock to discontinue use of fictional elements created by Reiche.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec V)

It is possible that further settlement offers will be made, as these are just opening offers from each side. After those offers were published by Reiche and Ford,[https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope] settlement negotiations have been ordered by a magistrate to be kept private.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/] There will be a settlement conference May 14, 2018.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]

=== What is the worst case scenario for Star Control: Origins? ===

Reiche and Ford have not directly asked for Star Control: Origins to not be released. They have, however, asked for an injunction to stop Stardock from "all use of any creative material from Reiche and Ford’s Star Control Games in Star Control: Origins".[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 136a) This echoes their request in private settlement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec 5) If an injunction were issued it could cause developmental problems and delays for Origins depending on how deeply the infringing material is embedded in Origins and how much reworking would be required to remove it.

The lawsuit has alleged that the Star Control trademark may have expired,[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 39-41) but this would ultimately allow multiple parties to release a Star Control game, or allow Stardock to release their new game under a new name. Even so, Reiche and Ford have offered to stop using the Star Control Trademark in their settlement offer.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=jl6zvf5smemf&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549802](sec IV)

=== What is the worst case scenario for Ghosts of the Precursors? ===

Stardock's lawsuit claims ownership of the "Star Control" Trademark, as well as the "Accolade marks" including "Ur Quan Masters".[https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford](pgph 29, 47-48) Stardock has further attempted to register numerous Trademarks in names and terms from the original games.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]] Hypothetically, this might prevent Reiche and Ford from making a game unless they change the names of all the aliens.

Stardock's settlement offer goes even further, asking Reiche and Ford to assign all intellectual property in Star Control to Stardock,[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 3) and asking Reiche and Ford to refrain from making a game in the Star Control genre for 5 years.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=xsqlvhxsujof&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/59549829](sec 5)

== Timeline of Star Control ==

=== Creation and release of Star Control 1-3: 1988-2000 ===

* '''1988-10''': Accolade and Reiche/Ford enter into an agreement to develop three games.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.1.pdf]
* '''1989''': Reiche and Ford found a game development company called ''[[Toys for Bob]]''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toys_for_Bob]
* '''1990-07''': ''Star Control'' is released, created by Reiche and Ford.[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0438453/]
* '''1992-10''': ''Star Control 2'' is released, and is acclaimed as one of the best games that year.[http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=104]
* '''1996-09''': ''Star Control 3'' is released, based upon characters created and used under license from Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:275077-star-control-3-dos-other.jpg]
* '''1997''': Compared to the first two games created by Toys for Bob, the third game from Legend Entertainment is not as commercially or critically successful.[https://www.giantbomb.com/legend-entertainment-company/3010-332/]
* '''1998-09''': Toys for Bob develop new games and franchises, and press and advertisements continue to describe them as "''the creators of Star Control''".[http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/unholy-war/adblurbs]
* '''1998-10''': Fans push for a sequel made by Toys for Bob. Paul and Fred tell fans that their campaigns will help make that possible, and that they personally own all rights in Star Control, other than the name and material in SC3.[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/IRC_chat_Oct_1998_QA_trim]

=== Disappearance: 2000-2001 ===

* '''2000-04''': French game publisher Infogrames buys Accolade.[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/infogrames-buys-accolade/1100-2451655/]
* '''2000''': A fourth Star Control game is ultimately scrapped after a few iterations.[http://www.star-control.com/sc4/]
* '''2000''': Reiche and Ford claim the games were no longer on sale or generating royalties, triggering the end of the 1988 License Agreement.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)
* '''2001-04''': Addendum 3 to the original contract expires.[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.320268/gov.uscourts.cand.320268.37.4.pdf](sec 4.1) According to Reiche and Ford, by this date all licenses expire, reverting Trademark to Accolade, and reverting all other rights to them.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/](pgph 37)

=== Legacy: 2002-2012 ===
* '''2002-11''': The Ur-Quan Masters open source project is released, with Star Control 2 code donated by Toys for Bob. The game is downloaded 100,000 times within one month, and nearly 2 million times from 2002 to 2018.[https://sourceforge.net/projects/sc2/files/stats/timeline?dates=2002-08-05+to+2018-04-14]
* '''2003''': Infogrames renames company to Atari, after acquiring Atari.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]
* '''2003-08''': Reiche and Ford discuss the Ur-Quan Masters project, and voice their support for the fan community who worked on it.[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20030822-formatted]
* '''2005-05''': Journalists report that Toys for Bob, "''the brains behind Star Control''", have been fully acquired by Activision.[https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-bobs-for-toys/1100-6123494/]
* '''2005-10''': Reiche and Ford tell fans they have deliberately kept their rights to Star Control 1 and 2.[https://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=2150.msg28301#msg28301]
* '''2005-12''': Star Control 2 is ranked #17 on IGN's top 100 games of all time.[http://top100.ign.com/2005/011-020.html]
* '''2006-03''': ''Pelit'' reports that that around the year 2000, Toys for Bob turned down an offer to purchase the Star Control Trademark from Accolade for $50,000, prompting them to consider a Star Control sequel under a different name.[https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/star-controlbrkontrollin-aikakirjat/]
* '''2006-04''': Journalists and fans report that Toys for Bob, the creators of Star Control, are organizing an official petition to create a new Star Control, and implies that they have the rights to the franchise.[https://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/0445202/hope-for-another-star-control-sequel]
* '''2006-06''': Toys for Bob website reports that ''"We (I) [written by TFB employee Alex Ness] want us to do a Star Control sequel."''[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]
* '''2006-08''': Star Control 1 is noted as a breakthrough game on the Sega Genesis, as "''Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford’s masterpiece''". [http://www.sega-16.com/2006/08/star-control/]
* '''2007-06''': Toys for Bob website reports ''"we have talked to our parent company Activision about doing a Star Control sequel, quite seriously, and there did honestly seem to be some real live interest on their part."''[http://starcontroller.com/?p=90]
* '''2007-06''': Paul and Fred discuss the fan petition and their efforts to make another Star Control. ''"You will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC”''[http://uqm.stack.nl/files/chat/tfbchat-20070613-clean]
* '''2007-09''' Atari renews the Star Control trademark, which Reiche and Ford later argue as invalid in their counterclaim.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]
* '''2007-12''': In IGN's top 100 games list honoring Archon, they note Paul Reiche as half of the partnership that made Star Control.[http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_100.html]
* '''2008-12''': IGN includes Star Control in a list of 10 games they would most like to see another sequel.[http://ca.ign.com/articles/2008/12/04/the-wednesday-10-franchises-we-want-resurrected]
* '''2010-08''': In a forum thread about an SC sequel, Fred Ford writes "''I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul.''"[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4211#p4211] &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp; He further states ''"It will definitely be in our spare time for a while...this is not a TFB venture. It is a Paul and Fred venture."''[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=4235#p4235]
* '''2010-08''': An unofficial fan interview quotes Fred Ford as planning a 2D Star Control sequel as personal side-project.[http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291]
* '''2011-01''': IDDQD reports that Toys for Bob would like to make a true sequel to Star Control.[http://iddqd.blog.hu/2011/01/13/heti_retro_star_control_ii?token=a828faf30f42c183b7a52775350f096b]
* '''2011-04''': Star Control 1 and 2 are announced for sale on GOG.[https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:cwPuGuDOc94J:https://www.gog.com/news/new_release_star_control_1_2+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-ab]
* '''2011-04''': Reiche and Ford contact Atari saying Atari's "''rights lapsed many years ago''". Atari responds, "''I had our attorney check this out and you are correct.''" They negotiate a new distribution arrangement.[https://e.issuu.com/issuu-reader3-embed-files/1549/iframe-embed.html?identifier=t974y0f65big&hostUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dogarandkazon.com%2F&hostReferrer&embedType=script#32834732/58770187]
* '''2011-06''': An Engadget profile on Toys for Bob notes Paul Reiche as the co-creator of Star Control.[https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/]
* '''2011-10''': In an interview with CVG, Paul Reiche announces: "''we promise someday, we will make the real sequel''" to Star Control.[http://starcontroller.com/?p=1928]
* '''2011-11''': A Kotaku profile on Paul Reiche notes him as co-creator of Star Control.[https://kotaku.com/5857232/the-man-who-wants-to-re-invent-toys-before-video-games-destroy-them]
* '''2012-10''': In the leadup to another Toys for Bob game, Kotaku,[https://kotaku.com/5953530/skylanders-giants-the-kotaku-review] Wired,[https://www.wired.com/2012/10/toys-for-bob-skylanders-giants/] and Destructoid all describe Toys for Bob as creators of Star Control.[https://www.destructoid.com/merging-toys-and-videogames-with-skylanders-236668.phtml]

=== Stardock purchase and development: 2013-2017 ===

* '''2013-01''': Atari (formerly Infogrames) files for bankruptcy.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/01/todays-atari-bankruptcy-latest-in-a-long-history-of-corporate-deaths/]
* '''2013-07''': Stardock announces that they have acquired Star Control assets from Atari, in bankruptcy sale.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/stardock-acquires-star-control-rights-in-fire-sale-plans-reboot/]
* '''2013-07-24''': Stardock tells fans that Reiche and Ford directly own the copyright in Star Control 1&2, and may be able to work on a new Star Control game.[http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=5463.msg71121#msg71121]
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to be involved in new Star Control game. They decline, stating "''Fred and I are just not comfortable handing over our world to be developed by others''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]
* '''2013-09-16''': Stardock responds by offering to sell "''the IP rights we acquired from Atari''", for the price "''at our (Stardock's) cost''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/dd82f909-49ef-4a81-a160-a9664274ff18.png]
* '''2013-10-16''': The parties discuss "''the total Star Control rights and assets you acquired from Atari''" and Stardock's cost in acquiring them.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/4ee3cffd-233f-4901-9e1d-be7757699ef1.png]
* '''2013-10-25''': Stardock again asks Reiche and Ford if they want to purchase these assets. Reiche and Ford decline.[https://i.imgur.com/6vNjsjw.png]
* '''2014-01''' Stardock announces development of new Star Control game with independent storyline. Says "''we will be talking to Paul and Fred as we go forward''" and they "''cannot be officially involved at present''".[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/01/stardock-ceo-reveals-details-about-new-star-control-title-in-development/]
* '''2015-03''': Stardock CEO meets Reiche and Ford at booth at Game Developers Conference.[https://web.archive.org/web/20180406194409/http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/index.php?topic=7015.msg77192]
* '''2015-09''': Stardock CEO publicly states that Reiche and Ford have been "''very supportive''", and that "''Stardock doesn't have the legal rights to the original (Star Control) lore either. Or, if we did, we have long since refuted those rights.''"[https://web.archive.org/web/20160826230848/http://forums.starcontrol.com:80/471109/page/3#replies]
* '''2015-10''': Stardock CEO updates Reiche and Ford on development. Reiche and Ford again decline involvement, as they "''want to keep our copywritten material from Star Control exclusive to our own future project''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ac3f8849-fce0-46d7-8bc4-488a12d2afaa.png]
* '''2015-11''': Stardock CEO publicly states that "''I don't believe anyone but Paul and Fred have the rights to mess with the Ur-Quan lore and aliens''", and that they own "''personal, common-law copyright''".[https://web.archive.org/web/20180509232432/https://forums.starcontrol.com/471109/page/9/]
* '''2015-12''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license Star Control characters to Galactic Civilizations III.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 74)
* '''2016-10-12''' Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford "''to release an update to Star Control 1/2 under the existing agreement (50/50) split if we can get your permission''".[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 75)
* '''2016-10-18''' Stardock releases teaser for ''Star Control: Origins''.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/10/a-first-look-at-star-control-origins-gameplay-prequel-due-for-release-in-2h17/]

=== Private dispute and alleged infringement: 2017 ===

* '''2017-07-28''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to participate in their ''Star Control'' anniversary plans, which they decline on account of their own plans.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 76)
* '''2017-09-15''': Stardock CEO allegedly asks Reiche and Ford to license the ships from Star Control 1 and 2, in exchange for a royalty.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html]
* '''2017-09-29''': Stardock CEO asks Reiche and Ford to use ships from Star Control 1 and 2, and to participate in Stardock's ''Star Control'' anniversary plans.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/60909f27-648d-4399-b953-05ae4f274de6.png]
* '''2017-10-04''': Reiche tells Stardock that Activision has allowed them to make "''a sequel to Star Control 2''", which they will announce soon. They decline to license any IP.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a36c96e5-9216-4c21-b39c-ee73fa7fbd39.png]
* '''2017-10-04''': Stardock CEO responds that "''we do have a license to your IP to use per the original agreement''" and offers "''coexistence''" by licensing the ships at the "''already agreed upon royalty''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/03ae818b-816c-4874-8c8b-86629ba9af7d.png]
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche offers "''our respective rights''" are Stardock owning the Trademark, with Ford/Reiche "''owning all the IP rights to the works we created''". Reiche states that Stardock already acknowledged license had expired.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/ad4dd7d8-a995-42e6-abbd-6078a2757ad5.png]
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds that license is still valid under section 2.2, as "''you are continuing to receive royalties''", and suggest working on a "''mutually beneficial release plan''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/0e996554-8c7d-4b65-a171-46e36a10d1f2.png]
* '''2017-10-06''': Reiche responds that "''section 2.2 lapsed many years ago''", and ask Stardock for their position on IP rights. He further states "''as a courtesy, our anniversary announcement is imminent''".[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/7be88f9c-7d3d-47b5-9030-bc2cbb62a061.png]
* '''2017-10-06''': Stardock CEO responds by referring to section 2.2, and that royalties are still being paid. Suggest coordinated announcements, that Stardock owns Trademark and license to sell original games.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/a67e50ba-6740-4dfd-b92a-69b37ee4933f.png]
* '''2017-10-07''': Reiche responds "''there were many years where we received nothing''" until GOG began selling the games, and that caused section 2.2 to lapse "''decades ago''", with no chance to regain those rights.[https://cdn.stardock.us/forums/0/0/1/d0a9f996-e553-48a2-8651-c82b4a8f25b9.png]
* '''2017-10-07''': Allegedly, Stardock CEO rejects that the license expired. He allegedly suggests he will use Reiche and Ford's IP under the license, and mentions possibility of litigation.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 86)
* '''2017-10-09''': Reiche and Ford publicly announce Ghosts of the Precursors as a "''direct sequel to Star Control II -- the Ur Quan Masters''".[http://wiki.uqm.stack.nl/File:GOTPpost.png]
* '''2017-10-09''': Stardock publicly echoes Reiche/Ford's game announcement as "true sequel to Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters". Media and journalists pick up both announcements.[https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/10/11/star-control-ii-devs-finally-making-sequel/] (Both announcements are later re-edited.)
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock begins selling Star Control 1, 2, and 3, along with pre-orders for Star Control: Origins, on Steam.[https://web.archive.org/web/20171025035520/http://store.steampowered.com/app/358920/Star_Control_The_UrQuan_Masters/]
* '''2017-10-19''': Stardock CEO gives an interview describing Star Control multiverse, with mockups and images connecting both games.[https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/stardock-ceo-talks-star-control-origins-player-crafting-and-upcoming-beta/]
* '''2017-11''': Alleged/unknown discussions continue between Stardock and Reiche/Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/][https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]
* '''2017-11-09''': Stardock makes Star Control anniversary announcement giving credit to the rest of the Star Control II team. Team member Greg Johnson responds with additional credit to Reiche and Ford.[https://forums.stardock.net/485810/star-control-ii-25th-anniversary---on-the-shoulders-of-giants#replies](Stardock re-edited)
* '''2017-11-16''': Stardock releases Star Control Fleet Battles Beta.[https://forums.starcontrol.com/485611/star-control-origins-fleet-battles-beta-begins-today]
* '''2017-12''': Reiche and Ford issue a DMCA takedown notice to Steam. Stardock issues a counter-notice to Steam. The games remain for sale.[https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html](pgph 89)

=== Legal actions: 2017-present ===
* '''2017-12-08''': Stardock files legal claim against Reiche and Ford.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]
* '''2017-12-14''': Stardock files application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]
* '''2017-01-26''': Reiche and Ford file application for Trademark in "Ur Quan Masters".[http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch]
* '''2017-02-22''': Reiche and Ford file defense and counterclaim against Stardock.[https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/]
* '''2017-02-26''': Stardock begins registering Trademarks for the names of several Star Control alien races.[[#Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations|(below)]]

== List of References ==
=== Court Received===
* [https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/23260369/Stardock_Systems,_Inc_v_PAUL_REICHE_III,_et_al PacerMonitor]
* [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ CourtListener]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (1) - December 8, 2017 - COMPLAINT against Paul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/16/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (16) - February 22, 2018 - ANSWER to Complaint with JURY DEMAND byRobert Frederick Ford, Paul Reiche III.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/17/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (17) - February 22, 2018 - COUNTERCLAIM against Stardock Systems, Inc.. Filed byPaul Reiche III, Robert Frederick Ford.]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/27/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (27) - March 15, 2018 - AMENDED COMPLAINT]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/34/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (34) - March 28, 2018 - Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/35/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (35) - March 28, 2018 - Notice of Settlement Conference and Ordering Setting Settlement Conference before Chief Magistrate Judge Joseph C Spero]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/36/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (36) - March 28, 2018 - ORDER REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISCUSSIONS]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (37) - March 29, 2018 - Answer to Amended Complaint 27 by Robert Frederick Ford and Paul Reiche III]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/1/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 1 - Exhibit 1]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/2/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 2 - Exhibit 2]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/3/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 3 - Exhibit 3]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/4/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 4 - Exhibit 4]
*** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/37/5/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ Attachment 5 - Exhibit 5]
** [https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6239751/38/stardock-systems-inc-v-paul-reiche-iii/ (38) - April 16, 2018 - ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM 17 Counterclaim, by Stardock ]Systems, Inc.
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385277-Stardock-Legal-Complaint-2635-000-P-2017-12-08-1.html Stardock Legal Complaint]
* [https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4385486-2635-000-P-2018-02-22-17-Counterclaim.html Fred and Paul Counter-Complaint]
* [https://www.scribd.com/document/374525505/First-Amended-Complaint-Stardock-v-Paul-Reiche-and-Fred-Ford Stardock Amended Legal Complaint]

=== Fred and Paul Provided ===
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/1/there-were-many-great-battles-and-some-of-them-involved-lawyers Dogar and Kazon - “THERE WERE MANY GREAT BATTLES... AND SOME OF THEM INVOLVED LAWYERS.”]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2017/12/4/star-control-i-ii-and-iii-arent-for-sale-on-gogcom-any-more-how-come Dogar and Kazon - Star Control® I, II and III aren't for sale on GOG.com anymore -- How come?]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/22/stardock-claims-we-are-not-the-creators-of-star-control-sues-us-wtf Dogar and Kazon - Stardock Claims We Are Not the Creators of Star Control. Sues Us. WTF?!]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/2/27/report-from-planet-surface Dogar and Kazon - .... Report From Surface ....]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/gog_email_chain_-_no_email_addresse GOG/Atari E-mail Conversation]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/18/strange-settlement-on-an-alien-planet Dogar and Kazon - Strange Settlement on an Alien Planet]
* [https://www.dogarandkazon.com/blog/2018/3/24/nope-and-nope Dogar and Kazon - Nope and Nope]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/reiche_stardock_settlement_offer Fred and Paul's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 22, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/settlement_agreement__stardock_vs_r Stardock's Proposed Settlement Agreement, March 12, 2018]
** [https://issuu.com/dogarandkazon/docs/schedule_d_text_from_stardock Stardock's Proposed Schedule D]

=== Stardock Provided ===
* [https://forums.starcontrol.com/487690/qa-regarding-star-control-and-paul-and-fred Stardock Star Control Forums - Q+A regarding Star Control and Paul and Fred]

=== Federal Trademark and Copyright Registrations ===
* Trademarks - [https://www.uspto.gov/ United States Patent and Trademark Office]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=75095591&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Granted): "Star Control" - Originally by Accolade, Inc. Last Owner: Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87807839&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87697919&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Service Mark (Filed): "Star Control" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87720654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Stardock Systems, Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87772787&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "The Ur-Quan Masters" - Paul Reiche III]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810528&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Melnorme" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810518&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Arilou" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810526&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "VUX" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810516&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Pkunk" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810502&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ilwrath" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810499&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Chenjesu" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810495&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Androsynth" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810492&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Spathi" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87662697&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "SUPER-MELEE" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810486&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Syreen" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810484&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Ur-Quan" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87810480&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Orz" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87825741&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Yehat" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877907&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Taalo" - Stardock Systems Inc]
** [https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87877969&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch Trademark (Filed): "Dnyarri" - Stardock Systems Inc]
* Copyrights - [https://www.copyright.gov/ United States Copyright Office] - [http://cocatalog.loc.gov United States Copyright Public Catalog]
** Star Control II - PA0002071496 - Fred Ford and Paul Reiche III
** Star Control III - PA0000799000 - Accolade, Inc

=== Game Related Materials ===
==== Screenshots ====
<gallery>
File:StarControl1TitleScreen.png|Star Control 1 Title Screen
File:StarControl2TitleScreen.png|Star Control 2 Title Screen
File:StarControl3TitleScreen.png|Star Control 3 Title Screen
</gallery>

User talk:Svdb

2016-02-28T15:59:31Z

Svdb: Moved old stuff to User talk:Svdb/Old.

User talk:Svdb

2016-02-28T15:57:59Z

Svdb: Reverted edits by Svdb (talk) to last revision by Fyzixfighter

is there an Editors' Page to discuss changes publicly? if not, can we make one? -[[User:SamYeager|SamYeager]] 10:05, 28 Sep 2004 (CEST)
:Go right ahead. I suggest you name it as it is named in the Wikipedia. It might be a good idea to link it from the main page too. Or perhaps from "Community portal". -- [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

should we make links to go upwards through menus of items (ie. make a link to "List of Races" from the "Humans" page)? it would make editing many pages easier since we no longer have to backtrack through several pages of blanked-out previews to get to the category we were at. -[[User:SamYeager|SamYeager]] 10:05, 28 Sep 2004 (CEST)
:I think the "Categories" concept suffices for this. Put for instance <nowiki>[[Category:Races]]</nowiki> on the bottom of a page to place it in a category. See [[Special:Categories]] for all categories so far.
:Also, you can select "What links here" in the toolbox on the left.

for the WantedPages, do we view pages that have just 1 link to them? it'd be a good way to find misspelled or misdirected links.
:I didn't write the wiki software. It's not a high priority for me to find out where in the code this is handled, and change it.
::Minor fix. See [[1 Link Pages]] from [[Special:MainPage|Main Page]] -[[User:SamYeager|SamYeager]] 10:05, 28 Sep 2004 (CEST)
:::I guess it will do as a temporary solution. --[[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
::::I have changed the source to show 1 link pages, and removed your page.

== Vandalism ==

Is there a more effective way to protect the wiki from spammers and vandals other than just ip-banning them and reverting their changes? -[[User:Fadookie|Fadookie]] 11:00, 23 Oct 2004 (CEST)
:That's how it is still done on the Wikipedia. Another possibility is to require contributors to make an account, with email verification. You could protect against spam bots by asking them to copy a number from an image when they contribute (but MediaWiki can't do that yet).
:Something else we could do is lock specific pages (like the main page), but I don't want to do that until that page has reached a more permanent form. Against non-bots you could put up some idle threat on the home page like "the last person who vandalised a page on this site got his computer hacked and cleared." :) -- [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 11:14, 23 Oct 2004 (CEST)
::What are your thoughts on creating some kind of blacklist like that described [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Anti-spam_Features here] and [http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/SpamBlacklist_extension here]? It might be able to cut down on some of this spam since many of the spam-edits are so similar. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 06:13, 9 January 2006 (CET)

:::I would actually expect that my added checkbox would do the trick. I suspect there's something wrong in my implementation, as I find it unlikely that someone who would go to the trouble of adapting his scripts to work for the Ultronomicon wouldn't notice that all links have rel=nofollow. I'll investigate further later, but I don't have much time right now. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 14:52, 13 January 2006 (CET)

::::Well I think you've implemented it correctly — it always catches me when I try and do an anonymous edit. No rush on a fix, I only offered the blacklists as an alternative that might be easier and more efficient, but not being a computer person I really can't give a quality assessment. In the mean time the rest of us will just remain vigilant and undo the spam as it happens. Thanks for that you are able to accomplish! --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 09:32, 14 January 2006 (CET)

On the Tcl/Tk-Wiki at http://wiki.tcl.tk, they try to take away any incentive
for spamming the wiki with the setting
<meta name="robots" content="noindex,nofollow" />
and a note on the edit-pages, as in http://mini.net/pub/nofollow.gif 
--[[User:HaJo|HaJo]] 2006-03-03

:And, does it work? (The message that is, we're already using nofollow.)
:Many of the spam is automated though. There's no user to see the message.
:— [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 02:11, 4 March 2006 (CET)

:: As far as I can tell, less than 10 spams during the last half year --[[User:HaJo|HaJo]] 2006-03-04

:::I suspect that's got more to do with the fact that that site uses a less common wiki software, and that you need to create a user to edit pages. Still, it wouldn't hurt, so I don't object to such a message on the edit page. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 07:20, 5 March 2006 (CET)

== Corridor Nine ==

I'd like to merge [[Corridor 9]] and [[Corridor Nine]]. I'd like the new article to reside at [[Corridor Nine]] (which I think is the better title), but I'd like to keep [[Corridor 9]]'s editing history (because is the better article of the two). So, what do I do? I can't [http://uqm.stack.nl/wiki/index.php?title=Special:Movepage&target=Corridor_9 move] [[Corridor 9]] because [[Corridor Nine]] isn't empty and I don't want to simply copy & paste the content from [[Corridor 9]] either, because then I'd be taking false credit in that article's editing history. Sorry, if this is inappropriate here, but you were the only Admin with a non-empty Talk page, so I thought I'd ask you. -- [[User:Anym|Anym]] 00:11, 5 Apr 2005 (CEST)
:Just make [[Corridor 9]] the new page, and when you're done, let me know, and I'll rename it. Just make sure to put in the summary what you have done. - [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 00:31, 5 Apr 2005 (CEST)
::Been there, done that! There wasn't much information on [[Corridor Nine]] to begin with (and most of that was already on [[Corridor 9]] as well), so it was pretty painless. All I did was add a mention of Vela. I forget to write a summary all too often, but this time I tried to make it pretty verbose. -- [[User:Anym|Anym]] 01:48, 5 Apr 2005 (CEST)
:::Move completed

Just testing... I guess we need a sandbox... -- SvdB 20:47, 10 Aug 2005 (CEST)

== Search tool ==
I hope this isn't just me, but every time I try to use the search utility over there on the left side, I get an error message: "You have requested a special page that is not recognized by the wiki." Was the search tool disabled because of vandalism? -[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 20:19, 20 Sep 2005 (CEST)

:About a month ago, I changed some stuff in the site config so that 'http://uqm.stack.nl/wiki/Main_Page' works as 'http://uqm.stack.nl/index.php?title=Main_Page'. Apparently that broke the search. It's fixed now.
:Myself, I have an entry for the Ultronomicon in Opera's search.ini, so I do 'ultron bla' to search for bla, bypassing the search box altogether.
: — SvdB 01:29, 21 Sep 2005 (CEST)

== The Captain? ==

Hey Svdb, what's the Ultronomicon style for referring to the Captain? I've seen [[The Captain]] and [[Captain Zelnick]] used interchangeably in the text, though the latter is, of course, a redirect to The Captain. If it's the style to use "The Captain" throughout this wiki, I'd like to perhaps create a style guide, (at <s>[[Ultronomicon:Style guide]]</s> [[Ultronomicon:Manual of Style]]) and mention such style decisions there. As a side note, I've been inactive for a while, but I hope to contribute more to this great project of yours. :-) --[[User:Phoenix|Phoenix]] [[User_talk:Phoenix|(t)]] 23:43, 30 Sep 2005 (CEST)

Most contributors seem to agree that 'The Captain' is the way to go, as the player can change the name, and in the PC version, you would be asked. One contributor disagrees, but I think he has conceded. Old pages probably still contain references to Zelnick. The story with 'The Flagship' vs 'The Vindicator' is analogous. There's also 'SIS' the name used in the code, but it has no place here.

There's a similar difference of opinion on how to describe game events. Some people like these things as things that can or will happen if/unless the player takes certain actions ("If The Captain allies with the Spathi, they will erect a slave shield at their home world"), while others prefer describing things as if they already happened, assuming the most complete, happy ending ("after The Captain allied with the Spathi they erected a slave shield at their home world"). I think the former is better myself, as it is more exact.

I agree that a style guide is a good idea, but what we could perhaps use more, to come to such a guide, is a discussion area where we could discuss things like this, like the "Village Pump" at Wikipedia. I had been planning to introduce something like that, but I've been planning a lot of things. Feel free to create it yourself if you like. — SvdB 00:52, 4 Oct 2005 (CEST)

:Yeah, I also posted this question in [[Ultronomicon talk:Community Portal]], though I don't know if that area is very active anymore. I'll probably create the page and put up that it's a work in progress, similar to the "Proposed process" dialogue box in Wikipedia. As for how to describe game events, I think I've been doing the latter, but I agree, the former is probably better. It also makes me wonder how to edit, for example, the '''Member of''' field in <nowiki>{{</nowiki>[[Template:RaceBox|RaceBox]]<nowiki>}}</nowiki>. For instance, with the [[Spathi]], there would be a couple of options:
:#[[Ur-Quan Hierarchy|Hierarchy of Battle Thralls]]
:#[[Ur-Quan Hierarchy|Hierarchy of Battle Thralls]], [[New Alliance of Free Stars]]
:#[[Ur-Quan Hierarchy|Hierarchy of Battle Thralls]], [[New Alliance of Free Stars]] (can join)
:Given your opinion about game events, we should probably go with the third option. --[[User:Phoenix|Phoenix]] [[User_talk:Phoenix|(t)]] 14:46, 4 Oct 2005 (CEST)
:Here's another idea. In certain places where the actions and fate of the characters are largely dependent on player actions (such as [[Tanaka]]), how about placing a tag similar to the <nowiki>{{</nowiki>[[Template:spoiler|spoiler]]<nowiki>}}</nowiki>, but read something like "the following events are largely dependant on player actions, and may not occur" (or something similar). This kind of a tag would probably require a beginning and end tag. --[[User:Phoenix|Phoenix]] [[User_talk:Phoenix|(t)]] 15:05, 4 Oct 2005 (CEST)
::I agree that something like "(can join)" would be best, but I don't like the exact phrase. It's a bit unclear imho. I'd personally prefer "(optional)", or "(at the player's choice)".
::As for the tags, I think that if the relevant text is phrased appropriately, such tags would be unnecessary.
:: SvdB 20:46, 8 Oct 2005 (CEST)
:::I'll put "(optional)", for now. --[[User:Phoenix|Phoenix]] [[User_talk:Phoenix|(t)]] 19:47, 10 Oct 2005 (CEST)

== PlanetBox ==

How do I make templates like PlanetBox to list the amount of resources? I have been exploring the map and have a table of data for the various planets that is better than the spreadsheet that Now and Forever offers in their file page. We already have a list of constellations, so adding a box for the recources on the different planets would be a help, I think.

--[[User:Cosumel|Cosumel]] 20:23, 30 Oct 2005 (CET)

:This goes beyond the scope of the Ultronomicon (there's been a discussion about this, but I can't find it right now). Also, it's easy to generate a list of minerals from the source, which would be more reliable than anyone could manually compose. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 17:46, 3 Nov 2005 (CET)

== Debate on source code ==

I only created Talk:Source Code because the forumers are no longer being helpful, and I really wish to get the help I need. If you're going to delete that, at least be courteous enough to direct me to where I need to go. "the forum", I tried that.

:"the forum" really is the place. You may want to give it a bit more time; you only posted your most recent question yesterday.
:The reason I personally am not replying to your posting is that I've seen it all before. It's obvious that you've never done anything like this before, which means you'd need a lot of help, and I'm not prepared to spend that time right now. I bet a lot of the others who know what they're doing feel the same way.
:Usually the sequence of questions goes something like this:
:# "Where can I find the code that does this?"
:# "How do I make this code do what I want?"
:# "How do I compile the game?"
:The last step always ends up in taking the one asking the question through each of the steps, and there are a lot of steps.
: Now if you come back when you've managed to compile the game as it is (without modifications), then we can talk about changing things.
:
:What also helps when you ask questions about how to make your compiler do what you want, is to specify what compiler you are using. If the people you're trying to get help from first have to ask you questions just to understand what you're talking about, they're not going to be very anxious to help you.
:
:And it would also help if you'd read the documentation that comes with the source.
:
:Also, in your experience, does calling people a jerk often work to make them more cooperative?
:[[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 04:24, 19 Dec 2005 (CET)

::Well if you weren't trying to be rude, I sincerly apologize. But "This is not a help desk" does come accross as rude. That and you'd be surprized how often game designers actually are jerks. Hideo Kojima for instance, directs great games, but is a pompous jerkoff who cares more about his fan's money than his fans. Although I may as well take responcibility for not signing my user nic up here, thus keeping you from officially helping my on my user discussion page since my firewall keeps changing my ip's. I was kind of hoping for answers that tell me what kind of directories to look for to place files and and what kind of function within my compiler to look for. I could specify which compiler it is, but it's not very common, thusly not likely anyone would be familiar with it. Though I do know someone on another board who can answer this, he doesn't always respond to pm's.

:::When someone posts something where he knows it doesn't belong, just out of inpatience, I'm not going to waste much words on him. I'd normally say "try the forum", but you already did that. I had nothing else to add. My message was intended to be succinct (it was in the summary, which turns up in the Recent Changes list). I guess I could have said it more friendly, but I really didn't want to spend much time thinking about wording.

:::I also don't want to waste my time looking up your answers in the source code, when it's still the question whether you'd actually manage to compile the source at all.

:::As for compilers, it all depends on what you are talking about. If you have a stand-alone compiler and can't use the build scripts, you'd be on your own. If you have an IDE which isn't msvc, you'd have to build your own project file.

:::This is another instance of the wrong way to get answers. People are more likely to give you answers if you give them enough information to work with. If they'd have to ask (is it a stand-alone compiler, or are you running from an IDE) or provide all the possible answers for each of the possible cases that may not be relevant, they're more likely not to bother. And this is more so the case the more people are involved with the project, as they tend to be more busy, and get a lot of questions. And these are exactly the people that could help you.

:::[[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 06:29, 20 Dec 2005 (CET)

:::Ah but you see I didn't know that. I knew better than to post something like that on an article, but not a discussion page. Even if it was a newly created one. That said, it's definitely not visual C++, but rather something called borland turbo C++ which I have found out is IDE. So that does help a lot. More than anything though, it's the dll files that confused me. I pretty much know(or could figure out) what to do with the rest.

::::A compiler is just a program that makes binary code from source code; IDE stands for "integrated development environment" and includes things like an editor and debugger, and a graphical interface to the compiler flags.
::::DLL files are shared libraries of compiled code.
::::But I really don't want to have this conversation here, where noone else will contribute to or benefit from it. If you ask your question on the forum, I will reply, but I won't take you through everything step by step (but perhaps someone else will).
:::: — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 08:46, 23 December 2005 (CET)

== Planet/Homeworld images policy ==

I couldn't find a better place to say this, so...
:I've made screenshots of all known homeworlds, also writing down the number and types of their satellites. These screenshots show exactly the entire screen shown AFTER scanning the respective planet (without the menu and the UQM title bar, of course), with the planet shown from an interesting angle (that shows as many features of the planet as possible).
:The current policy is, it seems, to photo the 3D image and write the scandata below, ignoring the map; however, this has a few inconvenients:
#The scandata written below is harder to read and doesn't look that good.
#The planet geography is not seen entirely.
#It is harder for the uploaders of the photos to trim the 3D planet than to trim the entire relevant part of the screen.
:So what do you think? In what form should I upload the screenshots? [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 20:03, 29 April 2007 (CEST)
:EDIT: Perhaps it would be a good idea to include both? Full images instead of the racebox used presently, and the raceboxes go to a single page; that way, readers interesting in a comparison of the homeworlds will be able to see everything more clearly and to copy the scandata using copy&paste, not manual transcribing. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 20:12, 29 April 2007 (CEST)
::Screenshots uploaded (full version and 3D version). I've found out that the full version does not look good (you need to make it really big to be viewable, and this doesn't look particularly well); my new plan would be to use 3D images in the planetboxes and also add the 2D planet map in the planetbox. And also make an article consisting of a table made of all the planetboxes. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 11:00, 30 April 2007 (CEST)
:::OK, maps uploaded. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 11:27, 30 April 2007 (CEST)
::::Everything was updated. A question: Should we remove the in-game grayish border from the maps? [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 14:49, 30 April 2007 (CEST)
::If I could throw my two cents in here, I like the idea of adding the topographic-type map, but it needs to be smaller (the planetboxes are way too dominating now), and without the border and mineral/bio/energy dots on it. Also there is the problem of resolution. I think the reason that the 3d images look fuzzy is that the game's image resolution is adjustable. It might take some playing around with the various settings to get something that looks nice, and we should standardize it like we've done with other images. I would reccommend rather than attacking all the planet pages, pick one, mess with that one until it looks nice, then see what the community thinks. This could also be done on your user page, explicitly writing out the new table code for the planetbox rather than making a new template and making it available for everyone to see before implementation. That gives some of us who are busier with real life a chance to look, ponder, and weigh the idea, rather than forcing us to take a side when we see what appears to be someone riding roughshod and making unilateral changes. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 09:15, 1 May 2007 (CEST)
:::The 3D images are taken at the highest resolution. They can't look better, since the texture (the topographic map) has its resolution limit.
:::Other than that, I, for one, do not want to re-take all the screenshots, so we'll stick with the dots until someone offers to re-take the shots. Until then, I can help with the border removal. Map already resized to 300px - the smallest map that still fills all alloted space in its cell. I'm toying with the idea of resizing the 3D image. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 09:57, 1 May 2007 (CEST)

I've always been opposed to the inclusion of information per planet; this sort of stuff fits itself more for an automatically generated database than something user-maintained. That said, I doubt this is going away, so I'd say go for whichever is best looking. I'm actually in favour of including the dots for the minerals etc. in these images; it would make these boring images a bit more interesting. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 14:57, 3 June 2007 (CEST)

After looking at some of the images in question, I do have one additional comment: don't use .jpg format. .jpg is lossy compression and it will result in loss of detail and "smearing". .png is the prefered format (no .gif either). — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 15:03, 3 June 2007 (CEST)

:About .jpg: Yes, Fyzixfighter said the same... however, I have to re-take the screenshots and I can't right now.
:About dots: Dots are ''really'' suffering from the random generation (remember the "In addition to the Yehat, five non-sentient Whackin' Bushes inhabit this world."?), and they damage the clean look of the map (which isn't really boring, in my opinion). [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 20:24, 3 June 2007 (CEST)

::Unless I missed something, Fyzixfighter said something different; he blamed the fuzzy look on the resolution, while I blame it on the .jpg format.
::I don't think I've seen that remark about Whackin' Bushes. But the bio and mineral generation should be completely deterministic. Only if the dimensions of the surface are changed should you see anything different, and then only the locations of the minerals; not the types or quantities. So yes, they could be different if you compare UQM with the PC or 3DO version, but I don't see a problem with having images that come from UQM.
::Regarding "boring", consider how much these images add to the pages. Will someone actually look at those images? Perhaps the first few times. But if these images showed what there is to get from those planets, they would suddenly be a lot more interesting. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 23:23, 3 June 2007 (CEST)

:::Not to belabor the point nor flog the non-living equine, but I said both. My main concern was the resolution and the scalar, but as an afterthought I mentioned the png/jpg thing (having recently encountered the problem at work) [http://uqm.stack.nl/wiki/script/index.php?title=User_talk:Valaggar/PlanetBox&diff=prev&oldid=16360]. We now return you to your regularly scheduled discussion. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 00:53, 4 June 2007 (CEST)

::::[http://uqm.stack.nl/wiki/script/index.php?title=Gamma_Serpentis_I&diff=11267&oldid=11266 here]'s the Whackin' Bushes remark. More funny edits on [[User:Valaggar#Funniest/Most Interesting Ultronomicon Edits]].
::::As to the images - they look good as an ornament, as a decoration, something to make the article more lively. And the quantity and types of resources are, as you know very well, easy to determine from the planet type. Plus, they don't fit the colors of the rest of the map (and of the 3D image). Anyway, if someone is to re-take the screenshots, he will decide if the dots should be included or not. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 14:14, 4 June 2007 (CEST)

:::::*I don't see how the Whackin' Bushes remarks ties into this discussion.
:::::*There is some (pseudo-)randomness involved in the quantity and types of resources. There are large differences between planets of the same type. And there are other factors that come in (such as temperature).
:::::*Why would the fact that the colours don't match be a reason not to include the dots? They are supposed to stand out.
:::::*And we should figure this out ''before'' someone redoes the images, to prevent wasting his/her time if we decide we want it otherwise.
:::::— [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 16:14, 4 June 2007 (CEST)

::*The Whackin' Bushes are a good example of considering the dots a representation of the actual location (and type) of the creatures of the planet.
::*Anyway, nobody is interested in learning that the Yehat homeworld fields, for example, eight kilotons of easily retrievable bismuth; I guess it's a simple aesthetic problem.
::*They break the style of the maps, which look good as they are - or at least they do this in my view, this should differ greatly from person to person.
::You know, we can't come to a compromise, obviously, so we will just need to see how many editors are on each side (by the way, I was pro-dots at first, but Fyzixfighter converted me). [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 17:51, 4 June 2007 (CEST)

:::*I still don't know what your point is wrt the Whankin' Bushes
:::*I would say that knowing what there is to get from a planet seems to me to be the ''only'' reason anyone would be interested in looking at that image.
:::*What style would that be?
:::*Fine with me
:::— [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 21:08, 4 June 2007 (CEST)

::::*My point with the Whackin' Bushes is that the dots are clearly impossible to be taken as canon, since that would imply that there are only five bushes on an entire planet (sic!) and that the '''few kilotons''' of the '''non-diverse''' resources found on the planet were extracted '''in a single moment'''. And that, for a reason or another, all races seem to build their cities in ocean just as well as on land.
::::*You mean that the maps don't make the articles more beautiful? [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 14:53, 5 June 2007 (CEST)

:::::*Ah, so that's what you mean. Well, you don't have that problem with images. You see the same thing as in the game, whether that means a simplified representation of life, minerals, or energy on the planet, or really the absurd literal things.
:::::*Yes, they make the page more beautiful. But if you included the dots, they'd be more beautiful *and* more useful. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 15:28, 5 June 2007 (CEST)

:::*Well, I could bring back the argument with colors - you see, without dots, Beautiful=2, Useful=0. With dots, Beautiful=1, Useful=1. And I'm not sure if it's worthy to dump 1 point of beauty for 1 point of usefulness. Of course, this beauty is subjective. I still wonder what the opinion of the other editors is. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 16:01, 5 June 2007 (CEST)

::::Even as decoration, it will just help for the overal impression of the page; people will not closely examine the images after the first few, if there's just the planet surface. And a few dots don't harm the effect when the image isn't directly looked at. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 16:40, 5 June 2007 (CEST)

:::The dots really harm the image, at least in the view of some people, while in the view of ''all'' people, the usefulness increase is insignificant, since all those planets are inhabited (usually until the Death March). [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 17:10, 5 June 2007 (CEST)

::::Well I agree about Home worlds. But you're using images like this for planets like [[Zeta Draconis I]] too. In fact, for homeworlds the entire side bar seems unnecessary to me (although acceptable). — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 23:48, 5 June 2007 (CEST)

:::::I've been torn on the mineral scan being included, which is why I've avoided this debate up till now. However, it is a nice way of making the topographic map more meaningful and differentiating it from the 3D planet image. More importantly, including the scanned mineral/lifeform/energy dots provide a nice way to present something that isn't easily quantifiable - namely the general distribution and quantity and type of "dots" of interest on a planet. That I think is the tipping argument for using a post-autoscan map for me. The purpose of anything we include should be to convey information, and avoid redundancy, and images are still one of the fastest ways convey lots of information within a given amount of space. --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] 00:06, 6 June 2007 (CEST)

== [[Size of the HyperSpace galaxy]] ==

#Please put the deleted article at [[User:Valaggar/Size of the HyperSpace galaxy]].
#Also, it's not "100% jumping to conclusions". Exactly what part can be interpreted otherwise, just show me? Notice that I've always used "'''at least'''". [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 18:54, 4 June 2007 (CEST)

:#Done.
:#You start with assumptions, and arrive at your conclusion through a chain of uncertainties. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 21:15, 4 June 2007 (CEST)

== Caught some vandals on [[Ultronomicon talk:Manual of Style]] ==

A lot of spam is occurring at [[Ultronomicon talk:Manual of Style]] (most of which has the edit summary "Unknown"). I suspect that anonymous users should be blocked from editing that page. [[User:Valaggar|Valaggar]] 19:49, 4 June 2007 (CEST)

:I think the amount of spam is quite managable at the moment. Spam like this is usually automated, and if you block one page, the spam just goes to another. Also, this version of Mediawiki doesn't support semi-protection. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 21:22, 4 June 2007 (CEST)
==Creative Commons 3.0?==
Looks like [[Ultronomicon talk:Copyrights|this]] is a question for you. --[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] 20:09, 23 January 2008 (CET)

:Thanks. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 19:44, 24 January 2008 (CET)

==Wikia Gaming Network==
Hello Svdb . I just wanted to let you know that if you need hosting for this wiki, you are very welcome to join the [http://www.wikia.com/wiki/Gaming Wikia Gaming Network]. We freely host many of the largest gaming wikis, like [http://WoWWiki.com WoWWiki.com].

[http://www.wikia.com/wiki/Moving This page] covers some of the frequently asked questions about moving to Wikia. As well as free hosting, we can help to promote Ultranomicon and drive more readers and potential contributors to it.

I'd love to hear your views, and the view of others in this community, about joining Wikia.

--Angela Beesley 19:44, 21 February 2008 (CET)

Thanks, but we're just fine here. Our hosting is taken care of, we have complete control over all aspects of the installation, and we don't have any advertisements.

— [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 18:19, 9 March 2008 (CET)

== Ilwrath ==

Why the Ilwrath never join the Alliance? So because the Ilwrath is worshiped Dogar and Kazon to destroy the humans. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 12:15, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

:All that we know, all that happens in the game, is that you manage to trick the Ilwrath into finding new prey. Prey which they picked themselves. Nowhere in the game can you command commanded to join the humans. They do not even offer assistance.
:And it makes sense that the captain would not order them to join the humans, as it would go against their nature, and their beliefs.
:It would be unlikely that the humans would be able to control the Ilwrath, even if they would continue to be fooled.
:— [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20:46, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

== Mycon ==

Did the Mycon join the Alliance?

: The Mycon never join the New Alliance, though they do make an offer to the captain to join them, when you tell them of Organon.
: As for the old alliance, in some versions of SC1, the Mycon are on the side of the Alliance. These ports were however not created by Toys for Bob, and are not generally considered canon. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 16:41, 30 September 2010 (UTC)

The Mycon also in Star Trek series. I saw they battle against the Klingon and Cardassian. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 16:54, 30 September 2010 (UTC)

== Arilou Laleelay ==

I didn't finish the story line of Star Control 2. Did the Arilou join the Hierarchy? --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 17:21, 30 September 2010 (UTC)

: They don't. In fact, they join the Alliance. Kindof. Now go and finish SC2 :P. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 15:37, 1 October 2010 (UTC)

== Destroying the Sa-Matra ==

Its too difficult to destroy Sa-Matra. By the way, I use the Earthling Cruiser and try to disable the shield generators and destroy the Sa-Matra but its too difficult. So, how to destroy it? --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 18:34, 2 October 2010 (UTC)

:Use the Pkunk Furies. Also, do you know that we have a forum on http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/ , which is much more suitable for asking questions like this? — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 01:58, 3 October 2010 (UTC)

Okay, now I have a chance to destroy the Sa-Matra. Once the shield generator has been disabled by Pkunk Fury, then I use the Flagship loaded with Utwig Bomb to finish it. Thanks. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 08:45, 3 October 2010 (UTC)

Wait. I have an account problem, I have already registered but I can't logging in to forum on http://forum.uqm.stack.nl/ . --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 07:26, 28 October 2010 (UTC)

== Game not lost yet ==

The game is still continue and not lost yet when the Kohr-Ah reached Earth during the Death March. Only one way to lose the game by the Flagship is destroyed. --[[User:Videogamer13|Videogamer13]] 18:00, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

== Spambots back ==

It looks like they started in earnest right after the massive creation of spam pages by a single user. Any chance that the small internal change to the ConfirmEdit extension that you did last year to thwart the automated spambot scripts somehow got undone when the "mass delete" option got added? --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 03:58, 3 October 2014 (CEST)

:I'm afraid not. What I originally did was to replace the names of some form fields. I changed them again now. If that doesn't help, I'll have to figure out something else. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 23:53, 8 October 2014 (CEST)

Looks like spambots are back again making a bunch of new user accounts. No spam pages yet. It seems to coincide with the upgrading of the MediaWiki software? --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 14:09, 24 February 2016 (CET)

User talk:Svdb

2016-02-28T15:56:21Z

Svdb: Moved old stuff to User_talk:SvdB/Old

== Spambots back ==

It looks like they started in earnest right after the massive creation of spam pages by a single user. Any chance that the small internal change to the ConfirmEdit extension that you did last year to thwart the automated spambot scripts somehow got undone when the "mass delete" option got added? --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 03:58, 3 October 2014 (CEST)

:I'm afraid not. What I originally did was to replace the names of some form fields. I changed them again now. If that doesn't help, I'll have to figure out something else. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 23:53, 8 October 2014 (CEST)

Looks like spambots are back again making a bunch of new user accounts. No spam pages yet. It seems to coincide with the upgrading of the MediaWiki software? --[[User:Fyzixfighter|Fyzixfighter]] ([[User talk:Fyzixfighter|talk]]) 14:09, 24 February 2016 (CET)
:It may actually be the case that since the upgrade before this one, creating new accounts was broken completely.
:I'll see what I can do. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 13:23, 27 February 2016 (CET)

User talk:Svdb/Old

2016-02-28T15:55:45Z

Svdb: Moved old stuff from User_talk:SvdB here

User talk:Svdb

2016-02-27T12:23:17Z

Svdb: Reply

Ultronomicon:Current events

2016-02-21T19:41:43Z

Svdb: Upgraded the wiki.

===2016-02-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.26.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Toys For Bob

2015-06-20T12:09:15Z

Svdb: More about the TFB name

'''Toys For Bob''' are the creators of — among other games — [[Star Control]] and [[Star Control II]]. They were not responsible for [[Star Control 3]]. Prominent members of the company include [[Paul Reiche III]], [[Fred Ford]], [[Robert Leyland]], [[Dan Nicholson]], and [[Erol Otus]]. On May 3, 2005 Toys For Bob announced that they were bought by Activision.

The name "Toys for Bob" was chosen just because the founders liked it; it has no other significance.{{ref|1}} {{ref|2}}

==Released games==
{|border="1"
! Game
! Release date
! Publisher
! Genre
! Platform
! Notes
|-
| [[Star Control]]
| July 1990
| [[Accolade]]
| Action/Strategy
| PC (DOS), Commodore Amiga, Sega Genesis
| The Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum versions were not done by Toys for Bob. ''More information needed on the release dates and publishers for all the versions.''
|-
| [[Star Control II]] - The Ur-Quan Masters (PC version)
| November 1992
| [[Accolade]]
| Action/RPG
| PC (DOS)
|
|-
| [[Star Control II]] - The Ur-Quan Masters (3DO version)
| 1994
| [[Crystal Dynamics]]
| Action/RPG
| [[3DO]]
|
|-
| The Horde
| April 1994
| [[Crystal Dynamics]]
| Action/Strategy
| [[3DO]], PC (DOS)
| [XXX: Was the Saturn version also done by TFB?]
|-
| Pandemonium!
| November 1996
| [[Crystal Dynamics]]
| Action/Platform
| PlayStation
| The N-Gage version was not done by Toys for Bob
|-
| The Unholy War
| September 1998
| Eidos
| Fighting/Strategy
| PlayStation
|
|-
| Majokko Dai Sakusen (Little Witching Mischiefs)
| February 1999
| Bandai
| Action/Strategy
| PlayStation
| Released in Japan only.
|-
| [http://www.eidos.co.uk/games/info.html?gmid=111 102 Dalmatians - Puppies to the Rescue]
| November 1999
| Eidos
| Kid's Action/Platform
| PlayStation
| The Game Boy Color version was not done by TFB. [XXX: Was the Dreamcast version also done by TFB?]
|-
| [http://www.extremeskateadventure.com/ Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure]
| September 2003
| Activision
| Extreme Sports
| Game Cube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
|
|-
| [http://www.activision.com/en_US/game_specific/2bbe7b15-06e7-4f9d-b409-b9d50739b8e1.html Madagascar]
| May 2005
| Activision
| Platform/Action
| Game Cube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
| The Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions were not done by TFB.
|-
| [http://www.thdownhilljam.com/ Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam]
| November 19, 2006
| Activision
| Skate-boarding
| Nintendo Wii
| The Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions are not done by TFB.
|-
| [http://www.madagascarthegame.com/ Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa]
| April 11, 2008
| Activision
| Platform/Action
| PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, XBox 360, Wii, PC (Windows)
| The Nintendo DS version is not done by TFB.
|-
| [http://www.skylandersgame.com/ Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure]
| October 11, 2011
| Activision
| Platform/Action
| 3DS, PlayStation 3, XBox 360, Wii, PC (Windows) [XXX: all need to be verified]
|
|}

==See also==
* [http://www.toysforbob.com/ Official Toys for Bob website]
* [[IRC chats with Toys For Bob]]
* [[Precursors Remixing Team]]

==Notes and references==
{{note|1}}{{FredMail}}
::<nowiki>:</nowiki> Also, what is the significance of "Toys for Bob". Is it just a name
::<nowiki>:</nowiki> for fun, or does it have special meaning that you would want to share?
::There is no particular meaning. We just liked the name and it sure
::generates curiosity.
{{note|2}}''From an [http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/whats-in-a-name-toys-for-bob/ interview on engadget.com]:''
::[...] my wife — she's a poet, very interested in psychology — she said create a name that generates interest, that doesn't distance yourself from people, and that you can reinvent. I love toys, I always have, and she knows that and Fred knows that. And so it was just a perfect fit. Bob is also a universal name — everyone knows a Bob [...]

[[Category:About the Star Control series]]

References to Star Control in other works

2015-01-25T23:05:28Z

Svdb: Angry Birds Seasons

{{stub}}
{{incomplete}}

[[Star Control II]] is referenced on multiple occasions in later works:

*There exists a weapon named [[Wimbli's Trident]] in [[Toys for Bob]]'s game [[wikipedia:The Horde|The Horde]].
*In the [[wikipedia:Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar|Dark Avatar]] expansion to [[wikipedia:Galactic Civilizations II|Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords]], the Drengin race has split into two factions/subraces: the normal Drengin, which desire the use of other races as slaves, and the genocidal Korath (a clear reference to the name [[Ur-Quan Kohr-Ah|Kohr-Ah]]), which desire the annihilation of all non-Drengin sentience. This situation is extremely reminiscent of the one existing between the two [[Ur-Quan]] subraces. Furthermore, at the beginning of the Dark Avatar campaign, the alliance of good-aligned races has been defeated by the Drengin, and Earth is covered by a giant forcefield, although in this case it was the humans who erected it to protect themselves from the Drengin.
*The developers of Galactic Civilizations II have also confessed to have drawn their inspiration for the Dread Lords and Arnor races from the [[Precursor]]s of Star Control II. [http://www.galciv2.com/journals.aspx?aid=100331&c=1]
*Terran Battlecruisers in the game [[wikipedia:StarCraft|StarCraft]] look very similar to an Ur-Quan [[Dreadnought]], possessing the "Yamato Gun" ability which closely resembles the Dreadnought's Fusion Blaster. [http://uqm.stack.nl/forum/index.php?topic=3732.msg48232#msg48232]
*It is believed by some (including [[Fred Ford]] and [[Paul Reiche III]]) that Babylon 5 borrowed some elements from the Star Control Universe.{{ref|1}}
*The creators of Strange Adventures in Infinite Space and its sequel, Weird Worlds: Return to Infinite Space, have confided that they drew their inspiration for the game from Star Control II.
*An anti-American/anti-Israeli propaganda mural in the former US embassy in Tehran seems inspired by the cover art for [[Star Control]].[http://gridskipper.com/archives/entries/065/65146.php]
*The web-game [http://www.kingdomofloathing.com/ The Kingdom of Loathing] has a [http://kol.coldfront.net/thekolwiki/index.php/Set_an_Open_Course_for_the_Virgin_Booty_(Map) group of islands] shaped like an arrow, pointing to the northwest, but to nothing in particular, as the [[Rainbow World]]s in Star Control II. On each of these islands a rainbow pearl could be found. Also, once upon a time, an Eluder could be seen from [http://kol.coldfront.net/thekolwiki/index.php/The_LAAAAME_Observatory The LAAAAME Observatory].
*A [[Supox]] appeared on the fifth panel of [http://www.erfworld.com/2009/11/book-2-%E2%80%93-page-5/ this strip of ''Erfworld''], disguised as a potted plant.
*The Mass Effect series has plot and gameplay elements that display similarities to Star Control II.
*The word "PKUNK" in the third panel of [http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2008/4/25/ this ''Penny Arcade'' strip] is an homage to Star Control II.
*The comic strip [http://www.angryflower.com/loving.gif Bob the Angry Flower] did a direct homage to the original Star Control.
*Star Control has been mentioned as one of the inspirations of the multiplayer space combat browser game [http://www.astroflux.net/ Astroflux] ([http://forum.astroflux.org/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=943#p5014]).
*The mobile game [https://www.angrybirds.com/play/angry-birds-seasons Angry Birds: Seasons] contains [http://realgamerreviews.com/angry-birds-seasons-star-control-2-tribute/ a level] containing the [[Flagship]] and a [[Spathi]] [[Eluder]].

:''See also: [[Influences and References]]''

==Notes and references==
{{note|1}}{{IRC1998}}
::<Manta> Fwiffo: Has anyone ever brought up parallels between Babylon 5 and Star Control?
::<Fwiffo> Babylon 5 causes a certain amount of stomping around the office screaming.
::<Fwiffo> Babylon 5 steals from us. We steal from known space.

==See also==
*[[Influences and references]]

[[Category:Trivia]]
[[Category:About the Star Control series]]

Sandbox

2014-10-12T18:26:33Z

Svdb: test

Is this thing on?
test
test

Ultronomicon:Current events

2014-10-11T21:50:10Z

Svdb: Addition

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.
I also changed the anti-spam measures.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

Ultronomicon:Current events

2014-10-11T20:53:57Z

Svdb: Upgrade

===2014-10-11===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.23.5. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2013-05-21===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.20.6. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2012-12-30===
Only users with a confirmed email address can edit pages now, due to the ongoing spam.

===2012-12-18===
Enabled the use of DNS blacklists in an attempt to fight spam.

===2012-08-27===
Installed the ParserFunctions extension.

===2012-07-07===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.19.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2011-10-01===
To further combat spam, people can only create new pages after their account is 7 days old.

===2011-09-10===
Installed the [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:CheckUser CheckUser] extension.
People with the right privilege can look up users' IP addresses via [[Special:CheckUser]], and find users connected to an IP address.
This should help fight spammers who create multiple accounts.

===2011-05-28===
To combat spam, all anonymous edits now require passing a CAPTCHA.
Before, this was only required for anonymous edits which include a URL.

===2011-01-29===
[[User:Zeracles|Zeracles]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2010-05-08===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.3. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2009-08-29===
[[User:Shiver|Shiver]] is now an Ultronomicon administrator.

===2009-07-14===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.15.1. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-05-09===
Upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.14.0. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2008-03-09===
Updated the MediaWiki software to 1.11.2. Please let me know if anything is not working properly.

===2006-06-30===
Recent spam seems to be automated. I don't know how they get through the CAPTCHA (the image isn't downloaded). I've updated the MediaWiki software. If that doesn't help, I'll have to do some investigation. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]
: Explanation: Post-CAPTCHA spam doesn't include URLs. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] 20 August 2006 (CEST)

===2006-03-11===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to the current CVS development version, and installed an anti-spam extension. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

===2005-12-21===
I just upgraded the MediaWiki software to 1.5.3. If there are any problems, please let me know. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]]

User talk:Svdb

2014-10-08T21:53:46Z

Svdb: Reply

Sandbox

2014-10-08T21:52:06Z

Svdb:

Is this thing on?

Sandbox

2014-10-08T21:51:53Z

Svdb: test

Is this thing on?
Test [http://sc2.sf.net/ Test]

Sandbox

2014-06-26T20:33:22Z

Svdb: test

Is this thing on?

User talk:Bisqwit

2013-09-09T18:29:47Z

Svdb: On creating pages

=== Creating pages ===

Regarding your commit note about not being able to create pages: You needed a validated email address to be able to create pages. However, because my most recent trick again spammers seems to have stopped them (for now), I've relaxed the permissions. You should be able to create new pages now. — [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 20:29, 9 September 2013 (CEST)

Supermelee Challenges

2013-09-04T23:07:28Z

Svdb: fix link

http://star-control.com/forum/index.php?topic=868.0

[[Category:Game mechanics]]

Talk:Star Control Intellectual Property

2013-07-28T10:59:59Z

Svdb: reason for reverting part of the recent change

=== Source Code and PC Assets ===
I've removed most of the recent additions, because there were some conclusions made which are probably wrong (although I can't be 100% sure about that either):
*We don't know about the original license agreement with Accolade; the license which ended which made UQM possible, might have been the SC3 license, which could have included an exclusivity clause.
*Where does this 2001 agreement come from? The GoG thing was much later, and I got the impression that GoG made separate deals with Atari and PR3&FF.
— [[User:Svdb|SvdB]] ([[User talk:Svdb|talk]]) 12:59, 28 July 2013 (CEST)

Star Control Intellectual Property

2013-07-28T10:54:21Z

Svdb: /* Source Code and PC Assets */ remove whitespace

==Copyright==
===Source Code and PC Assets===

Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford own the copyright on the Star Control universe and the source code of the PC version of the Star Control 2 game.
This was kept intentionally out of the sale of Toys for Bob to Activision, so that Paul and Fred could one day create a new game based on it.


===3DO Assets===
The 3DO port was published by [http://www.crystald.com Crystal Dynamics], who retains the copyright to the manual and CGI cutscenes added to that version.

==Trademark==
The name "Star Control" is a registered trademark in the United States. It is registered for use with "computer game software, and manuals supplied as a unit therewith."

It was originally registered by Accolade, in 1997. Accolade has since been bought by [[Infogrames]] (in 1999), which in turn changed its name to [[Atari]] in 2003.

While [[Toys For Bob]] itself holds the rights to the [[Star Control]] games it created, Atari remains the owner of the Star Control trademark. It is because of this that the Open Source release of [[Star Control II]] is named [[The Ur-Quan Masters]], which was the subtitle to the original release.

In September 2007, Atari has renewed the registration of the Star Control trademark. To do this, they needed to show recent use of the trademark in commerce. In their application they did this by including graphics of [[Star Control derivatives#Star_Control_flash_game|a simple Flash game]] assumed to be created just days earlier.

It is likely that this would not be enough if the trademark were to be challenged. See [http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2009-title15/html/USCODE-2009-title15-chap22-subchapIII-sec1127.htm 15 USC §1127]:
:''A mark shall be deemed to be ''abandoned'' [...] When its use has been discontinued with intent not to resume such use. Intent not to resume may be inferred from circumstances. Nonuse for 3 consecutive years shall be prima facie evidence of abandonment. ''Use'' of a mark means the bona fide use of such mark made in the ordinary course of trade, and not made merely to reserve a right in a mark.''

However, in April 2011, Atari put the Star Control games up for sale on Good Old Games. This could be considered sufficient use in commerce to re-secure the trademark.

On July 24, 2013, [http://stardock.com Stardock Entertainment] purchased Atari's Star Control IP assets.

=== External Links ===
*[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75095591 Entry at the United States Patent and Trademark Office]
*[http://tmportal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=75095591 Trademark registration documents]
*[http://www.gog.com/gamecard/star_control_1_2 Good Old Games Star Control Page].
[[Category:About the Star Control series]]

Star Control Intellectual Property

2013-07-28T10:53:50Z

Svdb: /* Source Code and PC Assets */ Sticking with what we know

==Copyright==
===Source Code and PC Assets===

Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford own the copyright on the Star Control universe and the source code of the PC version of the Star Control 2 game.
This was kept intentionally out of the sale of Toys for Bob to Activision, so that Paul and Fred could one day create a new game based on it.



===3DO Assets===
The 3DO port was published by [http://www.crystald.com Crystal Dynamics], who retains the copyright to the manual and CGI cutscenes added to that version.

==Trademark==
The name "Star Control" is a registered trademark in the United States. It is registered for use with "computer game software, and manuals supplied as a unit therewith."

It was originally registered by Accolade, in 1997. Accolade has since been bought by [[Infogrames]] (in 1999), which in turn changed its name to [[Atari]] in 2003.

While [[Toys For Bob]] itself holds the rights to the [[Star Control]] games it created, Atari remains the owner of the Star Control trademark. It is because of this that the Open Source release of [[Star Control II]] is named [[The Ur-Quan Masters]], which was the subtitle to the original release.

In September 2007, Atari has renewed the registration of the Star Control trademark. To do this, they needed to show recent use of the trademark in commerce. In their application they did this by including graphics of [[Star Control derivatives#Star_Control_flash_game|a simple Flash game]] assumed to be created just days earlier.

It is likely that this would not be enough if the trademark were to be challenged. See [http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2009-title15/html/USCODE-2009-title15-chap22-subchapIII-sec1127.htm 15 USC §1127]:
:''A mark shall be deemed to be ''abandoned'' [...] When its use has been discontinued with intent not to resume such use. Intent not to resume may be inferred from circumstances. Nonuse for 3 consecutive years shall be prima facie evidence of abandonment. ''Use'' of a mark means the bona fide use of such mark made in the ordinary course of trade, and not made merely to reserve a right in a mark.''

However, in April 2011, Atari put the Star Control games up for sale on Good Old Games. This could be considered sufficient use in commerce to re-secure the trademark.

On July 24, 2013, [http://stardock.com Stardock Entertainment] purchased Atari's Star Control IP assets.

=== External Links ===
*[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75095591 Entry at the United States Patent and Trademark Office]
*[http://tmportal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=75095591 Trademark registration documents]
*[http://www.gog.com/gamecard/star_control_1_2 Good Old Games Star Control Page].
[[Category:About the Star Control series]]

Star Control sequel

2013-07-28T10:52:19Z

Svdb: More from the SCDB

During the development of [[Star Control II]], the game's creators, [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], inserted numerous unsolved [[Mysteries left by Star Control II|mysteries]] and even hinted outright at a sequel in the credit sequence (and in the ending, by having [[The Captain]] say "That, my children, is an entirely different story" as a response to his grandchildren asking where he went and how he found the [[Mark II]]). They did, indeed, intend to create a sequel, however they weren't willing to do so for the same amount of money that Accolade paid them for SC2 (and which left them to work unpaid for six months). So Accolade made an attempt to create a sequel on its own. The result was [[Star Control 3]], a game immediately rejected by a crushing majority of the original Star Control fans as non-[[canon]] and utterly lacking quality. Some fans have even elected to create their own sequels, such as [[TimeWarp]], which is intended to be based on plot suggestions from the public.

Another result of Star Control 3 was that Paul and Fred no longer held the Star Control trademark, having sold it to Accolade (later owned by Atari). This — and [[Toys for Bob]]'s publishers' lack of interest in a sequel — withheld Toys for Bob from actually creating a sequel, though they intend to do so as soon as possible, always hoping that after they finish their current project they will finally be allowed to begin work on a new Star Control game.

Below are the revelations they have made in [[IRC chats with Toys For Bob|IRC chats]] and fan mails about their eventual Star Control sequel.

==Plot==
:{{IRC2007}}
::23:09 <@fOSSiL> So we should refrain from asking too much about the potentially upcoming SC game? (not to devulge too much about the plot, etc.) ;)
::23:12 <+PR3> I'd rather not say too much about the plot, except that Fwiffo's general paranoia, greed and lust for fame triggers the initial 'bad event' getting the player moving.

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:26 <@Meep-Eep> < Elerium> Speaking of which, does the guy in the back of the ZFP have any future plans? We all know he doesn't say anything, but I like to think of him as some super genius who sadly doesn't have the ability to speak.
::23:28 <+PR3> He got fed up with the other two and has temporarily 'broken up the band'. You will need to get them back together, because as solo artists they suck.
::23:28 <+PR3> (I mean the guy in back of the ZFP).

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:30 <@Meep-Eep> < Valaggar> Was there ever a planned "final form" for the Chmmr? I mean, you interrupted the process by speeding it up, and the end result was not what they had planned.
::23:30 <@Meep-Eep> In other words: what does "The process has been interrupted" mean. Is there a final stage, or does it just mean only part of the population has merged
::23:30 <+PR3> Good idea about the Chmmr. I will ponder upon this and steal your good idea.

==Gameplay==
:{{IRC2003}}
::22:32 < fwiffo> Top of my 'would be nice' list would be playing AVI's or other video files at key points in the story (including the end!) ''[note: refers to Star Control II, not the sequel; however, it is likely that it will be considered for the sequel too]''

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:21 <@Meep-Eep> < PONAF_Rider> I'll restructure my previous question (it was a bit vague): Have you thought of how you are going to implement certain gameplay aspects for a future SC2 sequal yet? With this I'm reffering to things like... 2D or 3D gameplay, keep 1 on 1 battles or choose multiple ships as well... and other such things
::23:22 <+PR3> We have thought about multiship battles a little (in fact Fred and Chris both implemented versions). The tricky part was targetting as I remember.
::23:22 <+PR3> I would love to fly in a large armada against a huge enemy fleet!
::23:27 <+tfb-chris> It's certainly compelling to allow epic space battles between large fleets. I expect we'd investigate that option, and see how that gameplay might work.
::23:28 <+robot> I think we would like to make planetside much more engaging as well.
::23:31 <+tfb-chris> PONAF_Rider: Regarding moving 2d melee into the third dimension, I expect we'd only do that if we could keep the gameplay feeling like star control. Maybe there's a good way, or maybe it's best to use 3d models for the ships, but keep them in a 2d plane.

:{{IRC2007}}
::00:18 <+PulsarX> ever considered to make the view follow the ship, when you are flying in the interplanetary space, instead of going from picture to picture?
::00:18 <+PR3> Yes. I would like to see that, so long as finding a planet was not a big deal (some kind of radar?)

:''From an October 2010 [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 interview on the SCDB]'' with [[Fred Ford]]:
::Lukipela: Speaking of game formats, besides melee the jump between SC and SC II was pretty big. Have you got any thoughts on in what direction you'd like to go when the third part in the octet comes out? RTS? Point'n click adventure? FPS? Something else?
::Fred: It's still too early to say, but just choosing between 2D versus 3D is an order of magnitude decision in the amount of work and time. We're leaning to 2D, because we can actually imagine doing that in our spare time with fundamentally just the two of us. We realize that there are a large number of people who would sacrifice large parts of their existence to work on this with us, but we aren't at that place yet -- and we are still employed by Activision and wish to remain so. Genre also is undecided, but if it's 2D that would seem to eliminate, for example, FPS.

==Real life aspects==
:{{FredMail}}
::We are finishing another game for Crystal (Japanese version only) for the next few months, but after that we are seriously considering another epic adventure game with lots of humor. And if we do this, I hope it will live up to all of our expectations.
:{{FredMail}}
::<nowiki>:</nowiki> Theoretically speaking, if you and Paul wanted to do another Star Control game independant of Accolade, would Accolade have any legal groud to prevent you from doing it? (I really hope NOT!)

::I'm afraid the answer is, "Yes they would." We were slowly losing the Mexican standoff with Accolade. They were making sequels we didn't much support and at the same time changing what people thought when they heard the name "Star Control." So Paul and I decided to sell them our half of the rights and when (not if) we were ready to do another epic adventure game, we would just have to start from scratch.
:{{IRC2007}}
::23:05 <@Meep-Eep> And I think we should start with the question which most people here will be most interested in to hear: what are you working on atm?
::23:06 <+robot> We're working on a sequel to a game we made before that's not StarControl. Sorry.
::23:06 <+PR3> I have also been working on a plot flow for a new SC game, though it is mostly in disorganized paper notes.
::23:06 <@Meep-Eep> So what are the prospects for a new SC game?
::23:07 <@Meep-Eep> Is it still useful to sign the petition?
::23:08 <+PR3> We keep pushing on Activision and Atart (former=employer, latter=trademark holder) to let us do a product. So far we have interest but nothing concrete -- which is pretty much the same for the last few years!
::23:08 <+tfb-chris> Like the robot said, thanks so much, everyone, for keeping the Star Control flame alive!
::23:08 <+robot> Believe it or not, Activision has expressed an interest. But not having all the rights is still a problem.
::23:08 <+Kwanger> I think the petition site might be dead but send me an email in support, if you haven't already: alexness at toysforbob.com
::23:08 <@Meep-Eep> Isn't the only right missing the trademark?
::23:09 <+PR3> One of the more likely prospects is a download-only product for XBox Arcade.

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:16 <+PR3> It is also hard to assimilate into any sensible plot the trajectory of computer technology, so my story ideas keep trying to circumvent that.
::23:18 <@Meep-Eep> < guesst> PR3, what do you mean? You mean your stories are limited by the technology. Say it ain't so
::23:19 <+PR3> Technology is cool and I love it. The problem is projecting the capabilities of computation and communication technology out a century -- I keep arriving at telepathy!

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:15 <@Meep-Eep> < guesst> Are you still up on your Sci Fi? What do you think will infuence Star Control's sequel?
::23:15 <+PR3> Still reading Jack Vance.
::23:19 <@fOSSiL> <Katana`7> Someone tell PR3 to read Charles Stross

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:37 <+robot> I think you will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC.

:''From an August 2010 [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=222&p=4211#p4211 posting on the SCDB]'' by [[Fred Ford]]:
::On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying . . . and it's way early yet . . . and it's just me . . . so, yeah.

:''From an October 2010 [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=291 interview on the SCDB]'' with [[Fred Ford]]:
::Lukipela: There's been some mention of a mysterious Fred&Paul side project on the forums. Would you care to shed any light on that?
::Fred: I've left some pretty broad hints in the previous answers. I'm working, in a hobbyist sort of way, at home on a foundation for myself. Because I'm not really a big fan of working on something without an application, I can think of one obvious application on which I can work that resolves that problem. The pace is currently and understandably slow, and until I get further and until Paul has had some chance to think about things, progress will be agonizing to some who lack patience.

[[Category:About the Star Control series]]

The Captain

2013-07-28T10:29:31Z

Svdb: Add reference to note

[[Image:Sc2_end_zelnick_children.png|right]]
'''The Captain''' has gone by many names, by many historians. However, most final historical records indicate that the key figure in the defeat of the [[Hierarchy]] was a [[Human]] named Zelnick.

:''In the first release of [[Star Control II]], there was no default name; the first act in a new game was to name the captain and [[The Flagship|the flagship]]. The later released 3DO version named the captain '''Zelnick''' and the flagship '''Vindicator'''. In the Japanese version, the captain was Isamu and the flagship Kamui.

The Captain was born in a cave on the the colony world of [[Unzervalt]] in the [[Vela]] system, the son of an officer from the [[Tobermoon]] and a Research Team engineer. From a very young age he showed an unusual aptitude for communicating with [[Precursor]] computer systems, including the mainframe computer operating the factory that produced The Flagship. After Captain [[I. Burton]] was killed in a [[Slylandro]] [[Probe]] attack, he took control of the Unzervalt mission and piloted The Flagship from Unzervalt back to [[Earth]], and is generally agreed to have played a pivotal role in the events of our region of space from 2154-2159.

Full details on The Captain are sketchy. Only one known [[:Image:Sc2_end_free_earth.png|image]], taken during his recovery after escaping the destruction of the [[Sa-Matra]] is available of The Captain during these events. From it, and from knowledge of the history of Unzervalt itself, we can conclude that he was [[Human]], male, probably Caucasian, and under 20 Earth years of age at the beginning of his mission.

The Captain is believed to have had other adventures besides this one, but is known to have eventually retired peacefully with the [[Syreen]] [[Talana]] to Unzervalt. It is generally believed that The Captain and Talana had an intimate, romantic encounter aboard the [[Gaia]] [[Starbase]] during the events of Star Control II.

The Pkunk have predicted that The Captain will have fourteen children, and that he will die at an early age. The degree of accuracy of this prediction is unknown; it is also unknown what the Pkunk mean by "early age" (as it is possible that they are much more long-lived than the Humans).

He is one of the most legendary humans ever to travel the stars.

The default name in the 3DO version of Star Control 2 and in The Ur-Quan Masters, Zelnick, is named after Strauss Zelnick, the president of Crystal Dynamics at the time the 3DO version of Star Control 2 was being finished.{{ref|1}}

==Titles==
*''Captain'' (of [[The Flagship]] and its escorts)
*''[[Great Hero]]'' (later replaced by "''[[Great Enemy]]''") of the [[Umgah]]
*''[[Great Teacher]]'' of the [[Thraddash]] [[Thraddash#Culture Twenty|Culture Twenty]]
*''Ultron Saint'' of the [[Utwig]]

== Notes and references ==
{{note|1}}''From an [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=232&p=4655#p4655 August 2010 comment] by [[Fred Ford]] on the [[SCDB]], in a thread discussing the name of the captain:''
: At the time we were finishing SC2 for 3DO the president of Crystal Dynamics was Strauss Zelnick.

[[Category:Game Characters|Captain, The]]
[[Category:Human|Captain, The]]

The Captain

2013-07-28T10:28:56Z

Svdb: /* Notes and references */ add note number

[[Image:Sc2_end_zelnick_children.png|right]]
'''The Captain''' has gone by many names, by many historians. However, most final historical records indicate that the key figure in the defeat of the [[Hierarchy]] was a [[Human]] named Zelnick.

:''In the first release of [[Star Control II]], there was no default name; the first act in a new game was to name the captain and [[The Flagship|the flagship]]. The later released 3DO version named the captain '''Zelnick''' and the flagship '''Vindicator'''. In the Japanese version, the captain was Isamu and the flagship Kamui.

The Captain was born in a cave on the the colony world of [[Unzervalt]] in the [[Vela]] system, the son of an officer from the [[Tobermoon]] and a Research Team engineer. From a very young age he showed an unusual aptitude for communicating with [[Precursor]] computer systems, including the mainframe computer operating the factory that produced The Flagship. After Captain [[I. Burton]] was killed in a [[Slylandro]] [[Probe]] attack, he took control of the Unzervalt mission and piloted The Flagship from Unzervalt back to [[Earth]], and is generally agreed to have played a pivotal role in the events of our region of space from 2154-2159.

Full details on The Captain are sketchy. Only one known [[:Image:Sc2_end_free_earth.png|image]], taken during his recovery after escaping the destruction of the [[Sa-Matra]] is available of The Captain during these events. From it, and from knowledge of the history of Unzervalt itself, we can conclude that he was [[Human]], male, probably Caucasian, and under 20 Earth years of age at the beginning of his mission.

The Captain is believed to have had other adventures besides this one, but is known to have eventually retired peacefully with the [[Syreen]] [[Talana]] to Unzervalt. It is generally believed that The Captain and Talana had an intimate, romantic encounter aboard the [[Gaia]] [[Starbase]] during the events of Star Control II.

The Pkunk have predicted that The Captain will have fourteen children, and that he will die at an early age. The degree of accuracy of this prediction is unknown; it is also unknown what the Pkunk mean by "early age" (as it is possible that they are much more long-lived than the Humans).

He is one of the most legendary humans ever to travel the stars.

The default name in the 3DO version of Star Control 2 and in The Ur-Quan Masters, Zelnick, is named after Strauss Zelnick, the president of Crystal Dynamics at the time the 3DO version of Star Control 2 was being finished.

==Titles==
*''Captain'' (of [[The Flagship]] and its escorts)
*''[[Great Hero]]'' (later replaced by "''[[Great Enemy]]''") of the [[Umgah]]
*''[[Great Teacher]]'' of the [[Thraddash]] [[Thraddash#Culture Twenty|Culture Twenty]]
*''Ultron Saint'' of the [[Utwig]]

== Notes and references ==
{{note|1}}''From an [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=232&p=4655#p4655 August 2010 comment] by [[Fred Ford]] on the [[SCDB]], in a thread discussing the name of the captain:''
: At the time we were finishing SC2 for 3DO the president of Crystal Dynamics was Strauss Zelnick.

[[Category:Game Characters|Captain, The]]
[[Category:Human|Captain, The]]

The Captain

2013-07-28T10:28:26Z

Svdb: origin of the name

[[Image:Sc2_end_zelnick_children.png|right]]
'''The Captain''' has gone by many names, by many historians. However, most final historical records indicate that the key figure in the defeat of the [[Hierarchy]] was a [[Human]] named Zelnick.

:''In the first release of [[Star Control II]], there was no default name; the first act in a new game was to name the captain and [[The Flagship|the flagship]]. The later released 3DO version named the captain '''Zelnick''' and the flagship '''Vindicator'''. In the Japanese version, the captain was Isamu and the flagship Kamui.

The Captain was born in a cave on the the colony world of [[Unzervalt]] in the [[Vela]] system, the son of an officer from the [[Tobermoon]] and a Research Team engineer. From a very young age he showed an unusual aptitude for communicating with [[Precursor]] computer systems, including the mainframe computer operating the factory that produced The Flagship. After Captain [[I. Burton]] was killed in a [[Slylandro]] [[Probe]] attack, he took control of the Unzervalt mission and piloted The Flagship from Unzervalt back to [[Earth]], and is generally agreed to have played a pivotal role in the events of our region of space from 2154-2159.

Full details on The Captain are sketchy. Only one known [[:Image:Sc2_end_free_earth.png|image]], taken during his recovery after escaping the destruction of the [[Sa-Matra]] is available of The Captain during these events. From it, and from knowledge of the history of Unzervalt itself, we can conclude that he was [[Human]], male, probably Caucasian, and under 20 Earth years of age at the beginning of his mission.

The Captain is believed to have had other adventures besides this one, but is known to have eventually retired peacefully with the [[Syreen]] [[Talana]] to Unzervalt. It is generally believed that The Captain and Talana had an intimate, romantic encounter aboard the [[Gaia]] [[Starbase]] during the events of Star Control II.

The Pkunk have predicted that The Captain will have fourteen children, and that he will die at an early age. The degree of accuracy of this prediction is unknown; it is also unknown what the Pkunk mean by "early age" (as it is possible that they are much more long-lived than the Humans).

He is one of the most legendary humans ever to travel the stars.

The default name in the 3DO version of Star Control 2 and in The Ur-Quan Masters, Zelnick, is named after Strauss Zelnick, the president of Crystal Dynamics at the time the 3DO version of Star Control 2 was being finished.

==Titles==
*''Captain'' (of [[The Flagship]] and its escorts)
*''[[Great Hero]]'' (later replaced by "''[[Great Enemy]]''") of the [[Umgah]]
*''[[Great Teacher]]'' of the [[Thraddash]] [[Thraddash#Culture Twenty|Culture Twenty]]
*''Ultron Saint'' of the [[Utwig]]

== Notes and references ==
''From an [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=232&p=4655#p4655 August 2010 comment] by [[Fred Ford]] on the [[SCDB]], in a thread discussing the name of the captain:''
: At the time we were finishing SC2 for 3DO the president of Crystal Dynamics was Strauss Zelnick.

[[Category:Game Characters|Captain, The]]
[[Category:Human|Captain, The]]

Star Control sequel

2013-07-28T10:21:17Z

Svdb: /* Real life aspects */ add comment by FF

During the development of [[Star Control II]], the game's creators, [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], inserted numerous unsolved [[Mysteries left by Star Control II|mysteries]] and even hinted outright at a sequel in the credit sequence (and in the ending, by having [[The Captain]] say "That, my children, is an entirely different story" as a response to his grandchildren asking where he went and how he found the [[Mark II]]). They did, indeed, intend to create a sequel, however they weren't willing to do so for the same amount of money that Accolade paid them for SC2 (and which left them to work unpaid for six months). So Accolade made an attempt to create a sequel on its own. The result was [[Star Control 3]], a game immediately rejected by a crushing majority of the original Star Control fans as non-[[canon]] and utterly lacking quality. Some fans have even elected to create their own sequels, such as [[TimeWarp]], which is intended to be based on plot suggestions from the public.

Another result of Star Control 3 was that Paul and Fred no longer held the Star Control trademark, having sold it to Accolade (later owned by Atari). This — and [[Toys for Bob]]'s publishers' lack of interest in a sequel — withheld Toys for Bob from actually creating a sequel, though they intend to do so as soon as possible, always hoping that after they finish their current project they will finally be allowed to begin work on a new Star Control game.

Below are the revelations they have made in [[IRC chats with Toys For Bob|IRC chats]] and fan mails about their eventual Star Control sequel.

==Plot==
:{{IRC2007}}
::23:09 <@fOSSiL> So we should refrain from asking too much about the potentially upcoming SC game? (not to devulge too much about the plot, etc.) ;)
::23:12 <+PR3> I'd rather not say too much about the plot, except that Fwiffo's general paranoia, greed and lust for fame triggers the initial 'bad event' getting the player moving.

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:26 <@Meep-Eep> < Elerium> Speaking of which, does the guy in the back of the ZFP have any future plans? We all know he doesn't say anything, but I like to think of him as some super genius who sadly doesn't have the ability to speak.
::23:28 <+PR3> He got fed up with the other two and has temporarily 'broken up the band'. You will need to get them back together, because as solo artists they suck.
::23:28 <+PR3> (I mean the guy in back of the ZFP).

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:30 <@Meep-Eep> < Valaggar> Was there ever a planned "final form" for the Chmmr? I mean, you interrupted the process by speeding it up, and the end result was not what they had planned.
::23:30 <@Meep-Eep> In other words: what does "The process has been interrupted" mean. Is there a final stage, or does it just mean only part of the population has merged
::23:30 <+PR3> Good idea about the Chmmr. I will ponder upon this and steal your good idea.

==Gameplay==
:{{IRC2003}}
::22:32 < fwiffo> Top of my 'would be nice' list would be playing AVI's or other video files at key points in the story (including the end!) ''[note: refers to Star Control II, not the sequel; however, it is likely that it will be considered for the sequel too]''

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:21 <@Meep-Eep> < PONAF_Rider> I'll restructure my previous question (it was a bit vague): Have you thought of how you are going to implement certain gameplay aspects for a future SC2 sequal yet? With this I'm reffering to things like... 2D or 3D gameplay, keep 1 on 1 battles or choose multiple ships as well... and other such things
::23:22 <+PR3> We have thought about multiship battles a little (in fact Fred and Chris both implemented versions). The tricky part was targetting as I remember.
::23:22 <+PR3> I would love to fly in a large armada against a huge enemy fleet!
::23:27 <+tfb-chris> It's certainly compelling to allow epic space battles between large fleets. I expect we'd investigate that option, and see how that gameplay might work.
::23:28 <+robot> I think we would like to make planetside much more engaging as well.
::23:31 <+tfb-chris> PONAF_Rider: Regarding moving 2d melee into the third dimension, I expect we'd only do that if we could keep the gameplay feeling like star control. Maybe there's a good way, or maybe it's best to use 3d models for the ships, but keep them in a 2d plane.

:{{IRC2007}}
::00:18 <+PulsarX> ever considered to make the view follow the ship, when you are flying in the interplanetary space, instead of going from picture to picture?
::00:18 <+PR3> Yes. I would like to see that, so long as finding a planet was not a big deal (some kind of radar?)

==Real life aspects==
:{{FredMail}}
::We are finishing another game for Crystal (Japanese version only) for the next few months, but after that we are seriously considering another epic adventure game with lots of humor. And if we do this, I hope it will live up to all of our expectations.
:{{FredMail}}
::<nowiki>:</nowiki> Theoretically speaking, if you and Paul wanted to do another Star Control game independant of Accolade, would Accolade have any legal groud to prevent you from doing it? (I really hope NOT!)

::I'm afraid the answer is, "Yes they would." We were slowly losing the Mexican standoff with Accolade. They were making sequels we didn't much support and at the same time changing what people thought when they heard the name "Star Control." So Paul and I decided to sell them our half of the rights and when (not if) we were ready to do another epic adventure game, we would just have to start from scratch.
:{{IRC2007}}
::23:05 <@Meep-Eep> And I think we should start with the question which most people here will be most interested in to hear: what are you working on atm?
::23:06 <+robot> We're working on a sequel to a game we made before that's not StarControl. Sorry.
::23:06 <+PR3> I have also been working on a plot flow for a new SC game, though it is mostly in disorganized paper notes.
::23:06 <@Meep-Eep> So what are the prospects for a new SC game?
::23:07 <@Meep-Eep> Is it still useful to sign the petition?
::23:08 <+PR3> We keep pushing on Activision and Atart (former=employer, latter=trademark holder) to let us do a product. So far we have interest but nothing concrete -- which is pretty much the same for the last few years!
::23:08 <+tfb-chris> Like the robot said, thanks so much, everyone, for keeping the Star Control flame alive!
::23:08 <+robot> Believe it or not, Activision has expressed an interest. But not having all the rights is still a problem.
::23:08 <+Kwanger> I think the petition site might be dead but send me an email in support, if you haven't already: alexness at toysforbob.com
::23:08 <@Meep-Eep> Isn't the only right missing the trademark?
::23:09 <+PR3> One of the more likely prospects is a download-only product for XBox Arcade.

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:16 <+PR3> It is also hard to assimilate into any sensible plot the trajectory of computer technology, so my story ideas keep trying to circumvent that.
::23:18 <@Meep-Eep> < guesst> PR3, what do you mean? You mean your stories are limited by the technology. Say it ain't so
::23:19 <+PR3> Technology is cool and I love it. The problem is projecting the capabilities of computation and communication technology out a century -- I keep arriving at telepathy!

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:15 <@Meep-Eep> < guesst> Are you still up on your Sci Fi? What do you think will infuence Star Control's sequel?
::23:15 <+PR3> Still reading Jack Vance.
::23:19 <@fOSSiL> <Katana`7> Someone tell PR3 to read Charles Stross

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:37 <+robot> I think you will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC.

:''From an August 2010 [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=222&p=4211#p4211 posting on the SCDB]'':
::On a side note, I want to mention that I've started doing some unspecified work away from the office after some early and continuing conversations with Paul. Just saying . . . and it's way early yet . . . and it's just me . . . so, yeah.

[[Category:About the Star Control series]]

Hayes

2013-07-28T10:15:12Z

Svdb: Modeled after FF

[[Image:HayesComm.png|right|Starbase Commander Hayes|]]
'''Starbase Commander Hayes''' is the leading officer aboard the [[Human]] [[Earth Starbase|Starbase]] orbital space platform around [[Earth]] in the [[Sol]] planetary system during the time of the second [[Doctrinal Conflict]], and is one of [[The Captain]]'s first allies in his rebellion against the [[Hierarchy of Battle Thralls]]. Hayes was transferred to the Starbase ten years after the [[Ur-Quan Kzer-Za|Ur-Quan]] erected the [[slave shield]] around Earth.

During the [[Ur-Quan Slave War]], Hayes had served on board several [[Alliance of Free Stars|Alliance]] ships, including a [[Shofixti]] [[Scout]] (as an observer) and an [[Earthling]] [[Cruiser]], flying several combat and deep-space patrol missions along the [[Coreward Front]]. He is one of the survivors of the legendary [[battle in Draco]], where the [[Ilwrath]] and Earthlings clashed. Hayes was chosen by the Hierarchy to lead the third shift of Humans to serve aboard the Earth Starbase. During his time there, the Doctrinal Conflict began anew, and Hayes found himself working in emergency conditions to keep the crew of the Starbase alive after resupply shipments stopped and the Starbase's life support systems began to fail. It is at this time that The Captain arrives from [[Unzervalt]] and contacts Hayes. The Captain, upon learning from Hayes of the Alliance's defeat, offers his help in restocking the Starbase and beginning a [[New Alliance of Free Stars]] to rebel against the Ur-Quan. Though Hayes' first priority after the War was maintaining the survival of the Human race, the increasing weakness of Ur-Quan oversight, the appearance of [[The Flagship]] and its new technology, and the leadership of The Captain give Hayes hope, and he throws his lot in with the fledgling New Alliance to overthrow the Ur-Quan menace.

Commander Hayes is not only a military man, but also an intellectual and knows a good bit of information about most alien [[List of races|races]], recent history, the art of war, and current events. He studied at the [[Star Control (Organization)|Star Control]] Academy where he was exposed to [[Chenjesu]] scholarship in the field of galactic history. His knowledge is of great assistance to The Captain, as is his willingness to have his crew provide facilities for The Flagship and the fleet of the New Alliance.

However, some of the information he gives differs from other accredited sources:
*He names [[Jeffry L. Rand]]'s ship the ''[[Far Voyager]]'', while the SC2 manual names it ''[[Miwok]]'', though it is not certain which source is correct.
*[[The Insult]] took place in 2119 according to him, while the manual places the event in 2126. More likely, though, Hayes is right, because 2126 seems too late in comparison to when other events in the War happened.
*According to Hayes, the [[Precursor]]s lived about 200,000 years ago; information from the [[Slylandro]] and the manual extend their reign to at least 250,000 years ago.
*Hayes names the [[Yehat]] royal family "Veep-Zeep", while every other source refers to them as the [[Veep-Neep]]s.

Haves was (at least partially) modeled after [[Fred Ford]]{{ref|1}}

==Notes and references==
{{note|1}}''From a [http://www.star-control.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=190&p=3108#p3108 June 2010 posting on the SCDB] by Fred Ford:''
::As I read the comic I was reminded that Paul used my as a model for Commander Hayes; however, I fear I more resemble Gruber than Hayes these days and I definitely require more radioactives than I once did to get my deep space radar functioning in the morning.

[[Category:Game Characters]]
[[Category:Human]]

Star Control sequel

2013-07-28T10:09:14Z

Svdb: update

During the development of [[Star Control II]], the game's creators, [[Paul Reiche III]] and [[Fred Ford]], inserted numerous unsolved [[Mysteries left by Star Control II|mysteries]] and even hinted outright at a sequel in the credit sequence (and in the ending, by having [[The Captain]] say "That, my children, is an entirely different story" as a response to his grandchildren asking where he went and how he found the [[Mark II]]). They did, indeed, intend to create a sequel, however they weren't willing to do so for the same amount of money that Accolade paid them for SC2 (and which left them to work unpaid for six months). So Accolade made an attempt to create a sequel on its own. The result was [[Star Control 3]], a game immediately rejected by a crushing majority of the original Star Control fans as non-[[canon]] and utterly lacking quality. Some fans have even elected to create their own sequels, such as [[TimeWarp]], which is intended to be based on plot suggestions from the public.

Another result of Star Control 3 was that Paul and Fred no longer held the Star Control trademark, having sold it to Accolade (later owned by Atari). This — and [[Toys for Bob]]'s publishers' lack of interest in a sequel — withheld Toys for Bob from actually creating a sequel, though they intend to do so as soon as possible, always hoping that after they finish their current project they will finally be allowed to begin work on a new Star Control game.

Below are the revelations they have made in [[IRC chats with Toys For Bob|IRC chats]] and fan mails about their eventual Star Control sequel.

==Plot==
:{{IRC2007}}
::23:09 <@fOSSiL> So we should refrain from asking too much about the potentially upcoming SC game? (not to devulge too much about the plot, etc.) ;)
::23:12 <+PR3> I'd rather not say too much about the plot, except that Fwiffo's general paranoia, greed and lust for fame triggers the initial 'bad event' getting the player moving.

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:26 <@Meep-Eep> < Elerium> Speaking of which, does the guy in the back of the ZFP have any future plans? We all know he doesn't say anything, but I like to think of him as some super genius who sadly doesn't have the ability to speak.
::23:28 <+PR3> He got fed up with the other two and has temporarily 'broken up the band'. You will need to get them back together, because as solo artists they suck.
::23:28 <+PR3> (I mean the guy in back of the ZFP).

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:30 <@Meep-Eep> < Valaggar> Was there ever a planned "final form" for the Chmmr? I mean, you interrupted the process by speeding it up, and the end result was not what they had planned.
::23:30 <@Meep-Eep> In other words: what does "The process has been interrupted" mean. Is there a final stage, or does it just mean only part of the population has merged
::23:30 <+PR3> Good idea about the Chmmr. I will ponder upon this and steal your good idea.

==Gameplay==
:{{IRC2003}}
::22:32 < fwiffo> Top of my 'would be nice' list would be playing AVI's or other video files at key points in the story (including the end!) ''[note: refers to Star Control II, not the sequel; however, it is likely that it will be considered for the sequel too]''

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:21 <@Meep-Eep> < PONAF_Rider> I'll restructure my previous question (it was a bit vague): Have you thought of how you are going to implement certain gameplay aspects for a future SC2 sequal yet? With this I'm reffering to things like... 2D or 3D gameplay, keep 1 on 1 battles or choose multiple ships as well... and other such things
::23:22 <+PR3> We have thought about multiship battles a little (in fact Fred and Chris both implemented versions). The tricky part was targetting as I remember.
::23:22 <+PR3> I would love to fly in a large armada against a huge enemy fleet!
::23:27 <+tfb-chris> It's certainly compelling to allow epic space battles between large fleets. I expect we'd investigate that option, and see how that gameplay might work.
::23:28 <+robot> I think we would like to make planetside much more engaging as well.
::23:31 <+tfb-chris> PONAF_Rider: Regarding moving 2d melee into the third dimension, I expect we'd only do that if we could keep the gameplay feeling like star control. Maybe there's a good way, or maybe it's best to use 3d models for the ships, but keep them in a 2d plane.

:{{IRC2007}}
::00:18 <+PulsarX> ever considered to make the view follow the ship, when you are flying in the interplanetary space, instead of going from picture to picture?
::00:18 <+PR3> Yes. I would like to see that, so long as finding a planet was not a big deal (some kind of radar?)

==Real life aspects==
:{{FredMail}}
::We are finishing another game for Crystal (Japanese version only) for the next few months, but after that we are seriously considering another epic adventure game with lots of humor. And if we do this, I hope it will live up to all of our expectations.
:{{FredMail}}
::<nowiki>:</nowiki> Theoretically speaking, if you and Paul wanted to do another Star Control game independant of Accolade, would Accolade have any legal groud to prevent you from doing it? (I really hope NOT!)

::I'm afraid the answer is, "Yes they would." We were slowly losing the Mexican standoff with Accolade. They were making sequels we didn't much support and at the same time changing what people thought when they heard the name "Star Control." So Paul and I decided to sell them our half of the rights and when (not if) we were ready to do another epic adventure game, we would just have to start from scratch.
:{{IRC2007}}
::23:05 <@Meep-Eep> And I think we should start with the question which most people here will be most interested in to hear: what are you working on atm?
::23:06 <+robot> We're working on a sequel to a game we made before that's not StarControl. Sorry.
::23:06 <+PR3> I have also been working on a plot flow for a new SC game, though it is mostly in disorganized paper notes.
::23:06 <@Meep-Eep> So what are the prospects for a new SC game?
::23:07 <@Meep-Eep> Is it still useful to sign the petition?
::23:08 <+PR3> We keep pushing on Activision and Atart (former=employer, latter=trademark holder) to let us do a product. So far we have interest but nothing concrete -- which is pretty much the same for the last few years!
::23:08 <+tfb-chris> Like the robot said, thanks so much, everyone, for keeping the Star Control flame alive!
::23:08 <+robot> Believe it or not, Activision has expressed an interest. But not having all the rights is still a problem.
::23:08 <+Kwanger> I think the petition site might be dead but send me an email in support, if you haven't already: alexness at toysforbob.com
::23:08 <@Meep-Eep> Isn't the only right missing the trademark?
::23:09 <+PR3> One of the more likely prospects is a download-only product for XBox Arcade.

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:16 <+PR3> It is also hard to assimilate into any sensible plot the trajectory of computer technology, so my story ideas keep trying to circumvent that.
::23:18 <@Meep-Eep> < guesst> PR3, what do you mean? You mean your stories are limited by the technology. Say it ain't so
::23:19 <+PR3> Technology is cool and I love it. The problem is projecting the capabilities of computation and communication technology out a century -- I keep arriving at telepathy!

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:15 <@Meep-Eep> < guesst> Are you still up on your Sci Fi? What do you think will infuence Star Control's sequel?
::23:15 <+PR3> Still reading Jack Vance.
::23:19 <@fOSSiL> <Katana`7> Someone tell PR3 to read Charles Stross

:{{IRC2007}}
::23:37 <+robot> I think you will see an SC3 someday. Paul and I have every intention of continuing our almost 19 year collaboration and we're still excited about SC.

[[Category:About the Star Control series]]