Who owns SE1/2/3 today?

greywolf · Space Emperor Joined: Jul 16, 2007

With other words: Whom should I approach if I want to buy SE1/2/3?
Or is anyone aware of plans to include these games in an SE bundle?
I know I asked a similar question 2 years ago, nothing happened in the meanwhile (as far as I know).
Recently, I installed the SE3 demo again and was surprised how well it still plays - in some ways even better than SE4/5 (for me) - reviving my interest in getting the full version (at a reasonable price).

Perimal · Space Emperor Joined: Apr 13, 2011 Location: London

I got SEII, SE II, SEIV in a pack called "The Space Empires Collection", I don't know if it's still available anywhere. Google for it?

You might try looking at the GOG website - they specialize in old games.

Fulgrymm · Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2013 11:56 pm Post subject:

GOG only has Space Empires IV unfortunately. Space Empires 1 was never actually commerically released, the best you can do is go to Malfador's website to get SE II+III bundled in their Space Empries compilation CD.

greywolf · Space Emperor Joined: Jul 16, 2007

Thanks guys. Yes, the SE Compilation CD is available on the Malfador page for 35$, and I saw it on ebay for 20$, plus shipment. Too much for me, to be honest.
I would still be interested in learning who OWNS the software, who could, for example, release it as freeware, sell it to GOG or GG, or include it in a bundle together with other games.

ekolis · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2013 4:16 pm Post subject:

Presumably Strategy First, since they bought the rights to the SE series from Malfador...

Skyburn · Space Emperor Joined: Mar 12, 2008

You might try emailing Aaron and asking about SE3. If you get an answer, let us know. Some other people have asked about buying SE3.

If Aaron doesn't answer I'd be tempted to declare it abandonware and upload it myself.

greywolf · Space Emperor Joined: Jul 16, 2007

Interesting. I just sent an email to info@malfador.com, asking to clarify the ownership status of SE1-3, and whether there are any plans to offer SE1-3 via download from Malfador or other portals.
Let's see what happens.

greywolf · Space Emperor Joined: Jul 16, 2007

I received a reply to my e-mail already: The older versions of SE are owned by SF, and, of course, I can purchase a registration code for SE3 from Malfador (just like the web page says).
I guess the next step is asking SF why they don't sell SE1/2/3.

Skyburn · Space Emperor Joined: Mar 12, 2008

You mean Malfador still actually wants $35 for SE3? Shocked

ekolis · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 8:07 pm Post subject:

You mean Strategy First will allow Malfador to sell it? Shocked

greywolf · Space Emperor Joined: Jul 16, 2007

According to Aaron, the SE games belong to SF, and he still sells them through the Malfador page. He doesn't know why SF don't sell SE1-3, and he didn't say anything about his selling prices (I did mention the subject in my mail to him).
I have sent a message to SF meanwhile asking them about selling SE1-3 - to Technical Support, asking to forward it to Sales or Marketing (didn't find another way of contacting them).

greywolf · Space Emperor Joined: Jul 16, 2007

Update: No reply from Strategy First for more than two weeks.