Tetrinet 2 Shutdown forever
Yesterday was a sad day for the tetris community. A popular multiplayer tetris game, Tetrinet, was shutdown by The Tetris Company. Simultaneously the website and game servers were shutdown with little to no warning. The news is still circulating to game operators and players. This shutdown marks the end of a decade of free multiplayer tetris with unique and challenging game modes. Through the years there were various tetrinet tournaments which included some of the best tetris players in the world. It is believed that the latest attempts to shutdown multiplayer tetris clones is because of The Tetris Company’s first game release, Tetris Splash, which is available for download on Xbox Live Arcade (with a cost of $10).
It is unfortunate that the current owners of the tetris license are attempting these intimidation tactics again. In the 90’s they attempted to remove all free copies of tetris from the internet but were faced with the following challeneges. In the US a game can not be copyrighted. Only the name can be trademarked and the music can be copyrighted. This is effect means that the only thing that can be prevented is the use of a name like tetri* and the distribution of a clone of the original tetris music. I for one hope the tetrinet admins fight this shutdown through the use of a new name and stripping the included game music but at this time it looks doubtful. Lack of time and funding will likely spell the permanent demise of what was once regarded as the greatest multiplayer tetris game ever written.
Dec 5th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
i’m sad for you
(
Dec 5th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
It’s a depressing situation. I hope the legal situation gets resolved and Tetrinet 2 is able to come back under a different name. If not, maybe we will see a clone in the future.
Dec 6th, 2007 at 7:37 am
WHYYYYYYYYYYYWHYWHWYHWYHYWH !?!?!??!??!?!??!! *cries* WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!??!?? BUNCH OF ASSHOLES WHY!??!?!??!
Dec 6th, 2007 at 11:29 am
This sucks! Just because a company couldn’t compete by putting a better game out they have to play dirty(sounds like typical ms to me). The rights of the little guy are certainly fading. Where are the players going? . How can we get a p2p v with a different name going? ( or at least give an existing format the tnet2 controls)
Dec 6th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
ok, im going to be offering a blocktrix solution in the upoming days. Im not sure the best way to go about it other than to have people email a specific address for sharing the new information. I will not be posting the info to the general public but I may very well be putting up a web chat interface to help people *meet* back up. When I have things ready i will be posting the info to this blog with a link for more detailed information.
Apoxx, myself (Schiff(, BrettG and lady01 were playing blocktrix last night and it really is tolerable. The biggest issue is that there is no game system. You need a game master to force the game starts. If we were able to obtain the source code or blocktrix or tetrinet 1.13 myself and Apoxx could likely add in a game system and make improvements to it. If we have to start coding a replacement from scratch it will be sometime before you have anything to play.
If people would like more information you can post your AIM id’s in the comments here (or provide a real email when posting and I can create a mailing list), or check back in the coming days/weeks for more detailed info.
-Schiff
Dec 7th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
Ok blocktrix it is . Im worthless without the correct sensitivity settings so i guess its back to playin like a newb for me.
Dec 7th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Under Misc Settings change to advanced sensitivity controls.
Make the first setting 60 and the second 30.
That should get you pretty close.
Dec 14th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Control settings work pretty well thanks. Any chance i could get you to email me the servers you’ve seen some of the tnet2 folks on?
Dec 14th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
I’ve been playing Cultris (http://cultris.ath.cx/) lately. Schiff hates the way it encourages downstacking but it’s worth a try if you like the game play of tnet2.
Dec 17th, 2007 at 12:51 am
I have to agree with Schiff on the DS aspect. The games emphasis on pure speed makes it rather one dimensional. I miss being able to take down opponents (much) faster than I am using skill and strategy. BUT it sorta scratches the ol tetris n electronica itch and I guess it will have to do. What frustrates me, not being able to code my way out of a paper bag, is the inability to do anything about this KNOWING someone affiliated with the responsible party checks in here for the occasional chuckle. (AAAAAAHHHHHH…. ok im cool no really what are you doing with that needle? AAAAHHH)
Dec 17th, 2007 at 1:13 am
Lol,
I have to be honest here. I am more than willing to run a jetrix server and then people can play tetrifast on it, but im a little skeptical about the legal end. Can I run the freeware server without fear of legal repercussions?
How would I make it easier to “meet” up with tnet players? A real time chat option on schiffner.com? Im open to any suggestions here.
Dec 19th, 2007 at 12:51 am
Ugh I’ve been playing tetrinet2 for like almost 6 years now, I can’t believe this happened. I’ll definitely be checking back here to see if any of you guys can get something working =]
Dec 24th, 2007 at 7:04 am
The chat thing sounds good to me =]
Dec 25th, 2007 at 5:45 am
hi all, i’m very sad about my favorite game
Dec 29th, 2007 at 1:25 am
We have come up with a replacement. More info is available at: http://www.blockaholics.com/
The website has the basic information on it … more will be coming soon.
Dec 31st, 2007 at 1:03 pm
That’s awesome dude. BTW HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Jan 3rd, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Wow. Tetrinet2 is GONE?! Usually it’s a problem with the servers, and it’s not so unexpected, sudden, and unexplained. One day I went to tetrinet2.com and I was redirected to a substandard search engine. That’s how I found out it was down for good. Since St0rmcat is no longer around/interested enough to revive this thing (since I’m sure he’s the only person with the ability to make the necessary changes to the game in order for it to be perceived as “legal” in the eyes of the Goat-mothering Tetris Company), I think we will never see anything that scratches the surface of Tnet2’s gameplay. There’s a reason people have been around for years and remained so loyal, even to this day. I’m very sad about this, it’s quite shocking, and I can’t believe that through all the ups and downs over the past 5+ years, in the end some stupid company came and dismantled our favorite NON-PROFIT game. It’s really just malicious and I don’t see how Tnet2 and its community of less than 100 regular players can be perceived as a threat to “The Tetprick Company”. F*CKING BAST@RDS!! I’m studying computer science and hopefully one day I’ll be skilled enough to create something that comes pretty damn close to Tetrinet2. I’m obviously disconcerted, huh? You all must be like “damn he needs to take a chill pill”. I just hate that we all got robbed for no good reason at all, it’s not fair. =(
Jan 6th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
hi all !
I’m so happy to see blocktrix !!!
fabulous work, i hope everyone will be back
peace and f*** the t cie
Jan 17th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I’ve been real busy with work lately, and haven’t had a chance to check out what you guys have done yet, but will be sure to do so this weekend. I miss you all so much!! I downloaded cultris the other day..it is decent but I won’t last much longer without my T, and also idk german or whatever they speak so I have trouble ranting there lol. Anyways, keep it up Schiff and everyone else!
Jan 17th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Dont forget to thank Apoxx!
Jan 20th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
never thought i would miss a bunch of relative strangers so much!
thanks for setting up the new site Apoxx (but i’m the only one online dammit!)
and as for those tetris corporate bastards…
fuckinggoddamnsonsoffuckingdiseasedwhorebitchesmotherlessgoatfuckersasslickingtwitbrainlessshitlickingassholes
someone should give THOSE whores 1 cup.
heh
hope to be playing with not-myself soon.
cheers
BN
Jan 25th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Hey any chance you can get listed @ http://en.tetrinet.no/tetrinet-servers-listing-links-1.php
? Are there any better places to list at?
Might draw in more folks.
Jan 26th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
All other version of tetris are awful compared to tnet2
Jan 26th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Sadly its obvious you have not tried our version of blocktris.
Feb 11th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
omg I’ve been looking for a new tetris client even since tetris net shut down…I’m moose878 if anyone remembers, i use to love this game so much =(, can any provide with info on blocktrix or how to play? Thanks soo much
Feb 11th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
my e mail is the_moose5@hotmail.com if you want to email me anything, any info would be greatly appreciated
Mar 2nd, 2008 at 4:58 am
Great to finally hear the full story on this nonsense.
Anyhow, as for all of you people complaining that cultris requires no skill are all out of your minds.
I’ve seen some slower players that hold their own with the fast players just fine.
You just need to pick up your game.
Mar 7th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
As I’ve played more cultris I’ve come to see that you’re right. I’m starting to take down some of the 120 – 130 ppm players while posting 80-90 ppm but not very consistently. When the 140ppm+ folks log on its hopeless.
Jul 30th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Bitches, I’m a long time player and when I tried to get on and it was down, boy was it a sad day. There are definitely some people that deserved a few punches to the face of the years and years I played, but then plenty others that deserve a “thank you” or two.
I miss ApoXX out of everyone actually. BrettG always creeped me out big time. Hope shit gets back up and running eventually. I miss you all guys.
Sep 2nd, 2008 at 6:08 am
Damn. I just turned 20 the other day. Finished my first year of college, majoring CS…3.9gpa. A lot of things have changed in my life, and only recently have I felt like things are really going my way. I’m an OSU student (not a beavers fan). Anyway I find it surprising that even after all these years, here I am checking up on tnet2 “just in case” somehow, SOMEWAY… the server was magically back up and running. Makes me feel childish really. But, I have to admit, it put a smile on my face that I’m not the only one =) July 30th was like, a month ago. I don’t know, but maybe we can set something up. Who’s still alive?
Sep 30th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I am!
nice to know i’m not alone too. =)
Oct 3rd, 2008 at 10:11 am
I have been playing since the 90’s when we met on irc #tetrinet(undernet) when casper was around.
it’s a shame that this is over! at one point me Apoxx and dodd try to come up with a dot net version but that fell through.
oh well.
Nov 3rd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I’M ALIVE!
ahahahah aw, hii guys!
I miss all of you!
Howw has everyone been?
Nov 4th, 2008 at 7:16 am
hello there?
Nov 4th, 2008 at 10:11 am
OREOOO!!!
I keep hoping Tnet is going to pop back up one day. Unfortunately that never happens. If only the source had been released – there would have been no easy way to shut it down.
Blocktrix reached a stable release sometime in the last couple of months. I think myself and Apoxx are going to see about getting a btrix server up and running again. I’ll keep ya posted.
Dec 8th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
For a trademark to be valid, it has to be the sole employer of such a word/mark in the industry specified.
This is not necessarily the case for the word TETRIS and the Tetris Company. Some argue that TETRIS has become generically associated with the GENRE of tetromino/falling block/”tetris” games (http://domains.adrforum.com/domains/decisions/1030720.htm)
TetriNet might not even have to change its name if it could get a good IP lawyer to argue the above. I will be releasing a network tetromino game on the iPhone shortly, and in anticipation of any dispute with the Tetris Company have found an IP lawyer through the EFF who is willing to help out free of charge.
Also, I’m writing a blog covering the Tetris Company, Intellectual Property Law, and the iPhone: http://desiree47.wordpress.com/2008/12/07/the-tetris-company-and-the-iphone/
Jan 20th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
i just want to get it in here that i loved tnet and grew up with it (from angsty teen to jaded mum). such a shame tnet2 is gone, it was the best version!!!!
Feb 13th, 2009 at 2:53 am
i’ve left the tnet icon on my desktop forever…..today i clicked it and thought maybe…..then i googled tnet2 and found this…
i started tnet in 97….nothing beat tnet2 though it was so nice
dont have as much time to play it now anyway, but i do miss it when im bored
Feb 15th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Nice article Desiree, very informative. So all us tnet2 fans need is for st0rmcat to get in contact with your IP lawyer (or for me to win the lottery and buy both the source code and pay for a good lawyer ).
Feb 19th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Still missing tnet 2…
Mar 25th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
http://www.tetrinet.us
The game is still alive
Apr 8th, 2009 at 1:55 am
Miss you TNET2.
May 4th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
waaaaaah. TNET2 come backkk T_T
May 5th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
OMG where is tnet? where is sharon and lydia. i miss u guys. Email me jane.mun@gmail.com LOL (i doubt u guys still play)
May 6th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
spring is in the air, and i have a hankering….
for tetris….
go figure.
is it possible for someone to run tnet 2 on a private server so noone can see us?
i’d put in a few bucks to set that shit up
bn
May 8th, 2009 at 2:52 am
I find it amusing…Tnet2 was such a great game that everyone seems to have a hard time forgetting it/letting it go. Good times.
May 10th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
poor tnet
rip!
May 11th, 2009 at 7:48 am
sigh…i miss tnet2 so much… I just got a Mac and the only tetris game i can play is Quinn..which is a FAR cry from tnet 2.
May 18th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
bignasty:
I’d pay 50 bucks to do the same. Sign me up!
Nero Dragon:
As you can see I definitely haven’t let it go. Every time I see a computer I miss tnet2
May 24th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Courtney_Cake says Hi
How can we get a private server going? I am so totally in if we can get this set up!
There’s a lot of us still missing this game
May 26th, 2009 at 5:36 am
I’m trying to revive the tetrinet community also. But I’m little concerned with these take down notices.
Click on nick for game website. check it out.
May 26th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Ok, Tetorikkusu is freaking hot! I need someone to test the network play with.
May 30th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Well i’ve been searching for interest around the web. it seems interest for an alternative tetris networking game is quite low right now.
I’ll keep looking but without the people. My game can only go so far and i’ll just have to put the development on halt. I’ll just have to keep searching.
Jun 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
japan0708,
I just tried out monster trickles and I thought it was great. Seeing those trick icons pop up got me all warm and fuzzy. I see a ton of potential here and I hope to see development completed. Multiplayer tetris is my heroin and cultris, as fun as it is, only serves as methadone.
Have you tried stopping by the forum @ tetrisconcept.com? I’m guessing that several of the blockheads there would be pretty excited about this. Are there any plans to add speed and delay adjustments to the controls section?
Jun 17th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Been playing Blockles lately over at omgpop.com
At least you can use items that are similar to what Tnet2 had, but…it still doesn’t fill the void =’(
Jun 17th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
yeah, I’ve been playing blockles lately too!
It’s not the same but the items are somewhat alike.
Jun 20th, 2009 at 7:18 am
hey everyone, try out http://www.blockboxgame.com
a lot of tetrinet2 players are playing there now. it’s a lot better than blockles: double rotate, responsive controls, lots of game modes
Jun 22nd, 2009 at 11:25 am
I miss Tnet 2 as well…the other tetris games out there just aren’t the same. I miss being bored and just thinking like “hey its time for a quick game on tnet” =(
- A depressed Tnet fan
Jun 23rd, 2009 at 8:32 am
I miss tnet2 too…
Jul 11th, 2009 at 1:26 am
I want tnet2 backkkkkkkkkkkkkk~!!!! <3333333333333333333333 comeee back to me to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jul 11th, 2009 at 1:37 am
By the way is there any other tetris games similar to tnet?? aim me: aznnhypergix2 or msn me: twigxster@hotmail.com !! keep me updated!! I’ve also been playing blockles on omgpop.com – it’s similar but still lacks tnet feel!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aug 5th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Every now and then, I’ll google tnet2, hoping to find some kind of news. I guess I just got so used to the master server disappearing over the years that I just can’t believe it’s really, *really* gone.
Anybody go back to 1.13, and if so, are there any servers where one’s likely to find a specials game? Every place I’ve looked has been pretty much dead.
Sep 7th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Ah I miss TetriNet 2…wish it could come back somehow.
Sep 9th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Come back T-net!!!
Dec 11th, 2009 at 4:13 am
Holy spit. It’s been a long time and for some reason terinet2 just popped in my head. I miss that game!!
Jan 15th, 2010 at 1:27 am
Haha, first to post here in 2010!! Woohoo!!
We still miss you Tnet2!!
(I still see some of you on AIM…right now as I type this!!)
Jan 22nd, 2010 at 2:43 am
Man, i haven’t been on tnet2 in forever since i converted to a mac. been maybe 6 yrs for me sadly. But i’m looking at all these old players and reminiscing about the old days. I remember Corrosive, Fern, RiotKittie, Egghead. The greats. I not only miss the game but all the great times i had with the regulars on the servers. I suppose its impossible to pull any of our old stats from the server since it is down, eh? Well, hopefully someday tnet2 or it’s equivalent will be back. It has to! well if any of you old timers wanna catch up, you can email me at phrequency37@gmail.com
Feb 1st, 2010 at 9:56 am
tetrinet2 is on again!!
:)
Feb 1st, 2010 at 11:05 am
Chelle011,
Can you provide a link and more details? I havent been able to find anymore information…
Feb 1st, 2010 at 5:26 pm
we’re working on it. be patient.
Feb 1st, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Let me know as soon as you have info — this has been one one place most tnet2 players have checked back to. I’ll throw up a new post with whatever info you provide and link to it from this post — and of course a link to the website once avail. You have no idea how excited I am to hear tnet2 is coming back!
Feb 4th, 2010 at 6:47 am
new installer…
http://www.mediafire.com/?mgmffnzyz4f
Or if u have installed tnet2
1)right click on tetrinet.exe then click create shortcut.
2) right click on the shortcut and click properties
3) remove the quotes around the target add -ms 72.92.211.149 in the target
Cya soon!
Feb 10th, 2010 at 12:26 am
ignore the above. instead, go to http://www.tnet2.org.
thanks and happy gaming
atsuro
Feb 10th, 2010 at 12:27 am
and if all of you could, please refer to it from now on as “tnet2″. no sense in bringing the legal hounds back on our trail. thanks