01/Open source
Open by foundation, not by aesthetic.
Everything Protagonist builds—and everything eventually featured in its ecosystem—should be open source.
02/Part of the product
Open source is not a secondary implementation decision. It follows from the same commitment to agency, transparency and freedom from artificial lock-in.
It should feel ordinary and foundational, without hacker mythology or ideology used as decoration.
03/Why it matters
Freedom to inspect, contribute and leave.
- 01
Inspectability
People and contributors can examine how a tool is made and how important behaviour works.
- 02
Accountability
Claims can be compared with implementation, and problems can be discussed in the open.
- 03
Portability
Openness supports meaningful alternatives, migration and the freedom to leave.
- 04
Contribution
People can study, adapt and improve the software rather than remaining passive recipients.
04/Business principle
Compete on craft, not captivity.
A product should not win because leaving is difficult. It should win because leaving is easy and people still choose to return.