1. Open source is when the source code is accessible. The license itself actually is based on the GPL and closely resembles it in theory. It will be going to mostly a zlib format but right now the rewrite of that license has been put off for a bit since I'm working on getting the license set for the debian free version which is going into edubuntu, debian, ubuntu, slackware and more hopefully.

2. I realize that section is poorly worded. The intent is that if content is submitted that it cannot be revoked. This is so that down the line if someone submits something they can't say that they want to remove and slow down or halt the project. It does clearly say that that content can be used in other projects. A more suspicious mind? The whole goal of sandbox is so people can make games, commercial or not. That's a specific requirement of being debian free software and all the content in Sandbox lite will be able to be used commercially. The main branch license will be getting a reworking to highly resemble the debian free version license. That debian free license though is the priority currently as there is a deadline for everything to make it into the new linux releases.

3. Awesome, yes it has been working out really well :)

I would first like to point out that this was the original news title: Free 3D Game Maker Gets Kids Involved Through Play The new one seems to be a bit misleading. The goal of Platinum Arts Sandbox is so that kids and adults can quickly and easily create their own video games and 3D worlds. The software is free and open source. I recommend watching the tutorial video to see how the in game editing works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g44Ww2bg2_E I have used Sandbox to teach a HS afterschool club, at a Middle School, a kids summer camp over 3 weeks with about 60 kids, with my college students, etc. Also many other teachers from around the world are using it. In addition it has been featured at various conferences and included in a software package that goes out to 500 German schools. In addition it has been voted one of the top 100 projects of 2008 at moddb out of over 5k, and waiting on voting to see if it makes it in the top 5. In my classes kids have learned to design levels, model, script, code including adding their own monsters, and how to use SVN. Kids as young as six have had work submitted. To learn more about its specific features you can go here: http://kids.platinumarts.net/what-is-sandbox.html I think what SynrG has done with his kids is extremely valuable. They are learning new ways to express their imaginations, create stories through roleplaying, learn game design, and more. The next step is teaching them how to use scripting to make quests. I think a big mistake aspiring game developers make is not seeking out game developers and the proper communication channels. This is something I really try to hit home with my students. You can gain so much insight about the software, and also about the developers themselves and their experiences. And generally with free software there is a much greater chance to get in contact with these individuals, whereas with commercial products contact is much more limited, if you get any responses at all. And this way the kids get to learn the ins and outs from the developers themselves. Communication and being able to express yourself in general is a really important skill to learn, especially as an aspiring developer and these kids are getting a great opportunity to start early. As a note to the guy that was worried it might get "ripped away" that isn't going to happen. I started this project for elementary kids in my afterschool program and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon :) Also to the person that suggested that this could get people into modding, such as NWN. Why would you do that? You're going from a project that has everything completely open down to the engine source and SVN, to a closed source project where you're lucky to even get much game code. I think if you can start with a good standalone that is a much better experience. Take care and enjoy the software! -mike

My question really is, why did they remove the hell theme? Was it related to budget? It just seems like such a drastic change between the original doom concept, and extremely unneccessary and hurtful in my opinion. How many movies have we already seen that focus on an experiment lab gone bad and created some genetic mutation? Zillions. How many movies have focus on actual hell beings entering our realm and the heroes having to fight them back? Not nearly enough in my opinion. I don't understand why anyone would stray from the already winning concept but maybe someone can enlighten me. Take care.
-calimer