Question about distributing mods

Hello to the forum

I'm having a couple of questions regarding distribution of Wolf3d mods, which, besides maps, change graphics and the executable. First, is the reprogrammed (registered) Wolf3d exe legally shareable? I see all the mods give it in the ZIP file, but I'm not sure if that's safe and I don't want to risk if I can help it (I'd upload a patch instead). And for that, which is the most widely used Wolf3d non-port version? 1.4 or 1.4g (what is 1.4g and where do I find the update)? What are the differences?

Also, similar question about files like VSWAP.WL6, which contain significant Wolfenstein material. If I don't replace anything, only add stuff to the game, and I upload the new VSWAP, I'd also be uploading all the copyrighted material, so the better solution would still be a patch. Do Wolfenstein patching utilities exist or do I have to write my own?

The more important question though is whether is it legal to distribute free copies of modded registered build of Wolf3d.exe, because patching that would be harder for me than WL6.

All I know is, Ronwolf sent me a modded exe file. And you can't play the original game with the exe file only. So I think it's legal.

Welcome to the forums, printz.

The Wolf3D source code was released by id software so that changes could be made to the exe so there should be no problem with including that. When it comes to the vswap etc though if any id material remains then, as you say, you'd be uploading copyrighted material. The only way to be really safe is to change all the id software material but in practice most mods have some of it left in. The only mod I know that id software has objected to is Nate Smith's Beyond Wolfenstein 2.

A modded Wolf3D exe is usually compatible with both the Activision and G versions of the full Wolf3D 1.4. In the older Apogee version though, the vga files are not compatible as the screen gets screwed up. I've not heard of any patching utilities for the vswap etc.

Then that's cool about the exe. As for the modified data files, I'll just have to learn their formats. I hope I can find documentation on their format eventually! Alternatively I can look it up in the Wolf source code?

The biggest thing is that you give credit to id software. I think that was the problem with Nate's game. No credit was given. So, whenever you use other people's stuff-make sure you give them credit for their work, whether it be in an included txt file or within the actual game itself...