Open Source Questions and Ramblings. Baldur's Gate Source Code Open Source, anyone?

What chances would there be of Bioware releasing the Baldur's Gate source code under the GPL? It is a wicked game that should still live on, even over 7 years after its original release?

On another note: why do commerical companies (like ID software) release their source code under an open-source (or "free", however you like it) licence?

Id makes most of its money by licensing the engine, with its games acting as a 'proof of concept' and maintaining their credibility (and recognition) by releasing subsequent titles. Once the game engine's life is over, as in its too dated to be used for future (commercial) game projects, they release the source. This builds good will, gets some free press, and helps train hobby game developers on Id technologies. It all makes sense from a strategic point of view.

Other game companies only make money by developing and selling the game, and once the game's life is over (as in to old for fresh buyers) then there is little incentive to release the code. While it might build good will, its costly to ensure the code doesn't have embaracing comments or work arounds for 3rd party proprietary libraries. It also might give an excuse for past customers to hold off buying their next generation game, because there is still life in the older version. Thus, there is no business incentive to release those titles.