Argax Project: Games

Demeter FAQs

Why do I get a warning from Java when the applet first loads?: When the applet first loads, you will get a warning that the application's signature is unknown or cannot be verified. This is because my digital signature is not officially registered with a certificate signing authority (which costs money). Therefore, Java cannot confirm that the signature is really mine and not from someone trying to impersonate me. If you trust that the applet really is from me (which it is), you can allow it to run.
Why does this application need a signature in the first place?: The Demeter game requires a version of the Glulx virtual machine to run. In order to deliver it over the web to people on various different operating systems, I am using Zag, a Java-based implementation of the Glulx machine. Zag was originally designed as a stand-alone application, allowing you to load and save any number of different interactive fiction games, as well as save your preferences between sessions. To do this, Zag needs permission to access your hard drive.
Although I am not using those features of Zag here while you play Demeter, they are still part of the Zag program. Therefore, Java requires me to digitally sign the program. This way, you know the program has not been tampered with by any 3rd party since I signed it.