Peter Mackay must bid PSP Quake adieu; his legacy’s in the community’s hands

Peter Mackay, one of the two people behind the foundations of PSP Quake (the other being Chris Swindle), isn’t just a homebrewer. “One of the problems with open source software is that it fundamentally conflicts with the requirements of working as a licensed developer.”

He has to step back from his brainchild, now that his employer’s in the process of receiving devkits from Sony. And, “after I receive confidential information from Sony, I am contractually bound to keep it confidential.” He had hoped that the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) wouldn’t be so strict, but as he says, that isn’t the case.

This is not to say that PSP Quake will end; he just can’t contribute to it anymore. But Chris Swindle is still there, for starters. And he acknowledges the community’s role: “I wish him, and any future contributors to the project, the very best of luck.” (Of course PSP Quake can’t end. What’s a bunch of gamers going to do with palmtop IR/wireless keyboards?)

Well, for now Mackay’s homebrewing will take place on platforms other than the PSP. But as he is, after all, a licensed developer (or working for one) as well, it would be interesting to see what he could contribute to a boxed release. So, after your success in these homebrew waters, Pete, may you have smooth sailing in the open seas of licensed development!

Peter Mackay, one of the two people behind the foundations of PSP Quake (the other being Chris Swindle), isn’t just a homebrewer. “One of the problems with open source software is that it fundamentally conflicts with the requirements of working as a licensed developer.”

He has to step back from his brainchild, now that his employer’s in the process of receiving devkits from Sony. And, “after I receive confidential information from Sony, I am contractually bound to keep it confidential.” He had hoped that the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) wouldn’t be so strict, but as he says, that isn’t the case.

This is not to say that PSP Quake will end; he just can’t contribute to it anymore. But Chris Swindle is still there, for starters. And he acknowledges the community’s role: “I wish him, and any future contributors to the project, the very best of luck.” (Of course PSP Quake can’t end. What’s a bunch of gamers going to do with palmtop IR/wireless keyboards?)

Well, for now Mackay’s homebrewing will take place on platforms other than the PSP. But as he is, after all, a licensed developer (or working for one) as well, it would be interesting to see what he could contribute to a boxed release. So, after your success in these homebrew waters, Pete, may you have smooth sailing in the open seas of licensed development!