Release of Star Trek The Next Generation: Birth of the Federation

Dear Sir or Madam,

Several years ago, Microprose and Hasbro Entertainment released a PC game for the Windows platform entitled Star Trek The Next Generation: Birth of the Federation. This video game was widely accepted by Star Trek fans around the world as one of the best turn-based strategy games available. Its compelling graphics, depth, and tactics keep people playing it over and over again. Players were drawn into the feeling of actually controlling an intragalactic empire. In addition, its multiplayer mode adds even more layers of excitement to the game.

Unfortunately, however, the game has been discontinued and is no longer sold at most computer stores. Online multiplayer web sites like the MSN Gaming Zone no longer have the option to play this game, causing disappointment for many who enjoy the experience of playing human players. Patches and bug fixes no longer are released, even though game play errors continue to exist.

Because of these issues, we, the undersigned, are requesting that the source code for Star Trek The Next Generation: Birth of the Federation be released to the public. By doing this, millions of open source programmers will be able to contribute their skills to improving on the wonderful product your respective studios have built. Bugs will be repaired, new empires will be added, and game play elements will be enhanced. By releasing this game to the open source community, its current stagnant state will be revitalized and popularized. Although releasing the source code will not add revenue for your respective businesses directly, it will reintroduce the product to the video gaming audience who, after playing the enhanced, open source version, will come to the original authors for other games.

Hundreds of companies in the technology industry, like IBM, Red Hat, and Apple to name a few, are realizing the advantages of the fast growing open source movement. It would be unfortunate to miss out on this opportunity.