Ryzom: Free as in Freedom

A tree-planet, covered with lush vegetation. A tribe of tall blue aliens that live in close relation to nature. Strange humans with guns and futuristic technology. You know what we're talking about, right?

Atys

We're talking about Ryzom of course, the science-fantasy world I helped create 10 years ago with my previous game company, Nevrax. Our original intention at the time was to release all the code we were building as Free Software. Unfortunately things don't always go according to plan and I left the company in disagreement before the MMO was even finished.

Many years and many owners later, it is my immense pleasure to announce that Ryzom is finally Free-as-in-Freedom.  And not just the code in its entirety (server+client+tools under the AGPL) but also the complete datas (under Creative Commons by-sa).

As far as I know, this is the first time in game history that a *complete* commercial MMO that cost many millions to make is released for all to use and tinker with. For this, we must of course thank Winch Gate Properties Ltd - the current owner - but also Vianney Lecroart, one of the first programmers at Nevrax, whom I know first hand was instrumental in making this happen.

During all these years he never stopped caring about Ryzom and the ideals that founded it and for this he has my deepest gratitude.

This is an event that has been 10 years in the making.

The game might be old and have many flaws nevertheless I feel great pride and joy today.
To me, this counts as a dream come true and I hope it helps spawn many new dreams and creations.

Long live Ryzom!