Zombie apocalypse would end restriction on Amazon Web Service terms of use
Amazon’s terms of service says Lumberyard is not intended for use with “life-critical or safety-critical systems,” except in a zombie apocalypse.
Should the zombie apocalypse come to pass, a tool for developing games and simulators supplied by Amazon Web Services (AWS) can be used in the fight. However, you’ll need to read the fine print, conditions still apply.
AWS recently updated the terms of use for its range of global cloud-based products and services, including Lumberyard, a free, cross-platform, 3D game engine for developing and delivering videogames. The latest version of the service terms has kept a clause in place since its launch in 2016 that could aid mankind in its fight against the undead.
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A certified zombie apocolypse
Whenever you sign up for a service or install a new bit of software you are supposed to read all the clauses in the terms of service agreement. AWS Service Terms don’t allow the use of Lumberyard Materials “with life-critical or safety-critical systems, such as use in operation of medical equipment, automated transportation systems, autonomous vehicles, aircraft or air traffic control, nuclear facilities, manned spacecraft, or military use in connection with live combat.” Developers can use the tool create games and simulations which then run on AWS cloud servers.
Should, however, “a widespread viral infection transmitted via bites or contact with bodily fluids” bring about an army of the undead walking the streets with a healthy appetite for “living human flesh, blood, brain or nerve tissue,” come to pass, clause 42.10 may kick in. But, first you’ll want to make sure that the CDC or its successor, if the zombies have already over run it, has certified the occurrence and it “is likely to result in the fall of organized civilization.”
Pray that AWS servers don’t go down
Just one more catch in the terms of service. Operating Restrictions Clause 42.4 states that you’ll need to get “prior written consent” if you want to run Lumberyard Materials on any alternate web service. So, in the event that AWS servers go down, hopefully the good people at AWS haven’t been devoured or converted themselves should you need get their permission. You wouldn’t want to run afoul of their legal department, who surely had a good laugh while writing up the service terms with the marketing department.