Electronic Arts has open-sourced the source code for Command & Conquer: Red Alert, along with its expansion Tiberian Dawn, on GitHub. This release includes the original game's source code for both the DOS and Windows 95 versions, allowing modders and community developers to explore, modify, and enhance the classic RTS title. While the game data itself remains proprietary and requires ownership of the original game, this open-sourcing facilitates easier creation and compatibility of mods, potentially leading to enhanced versions, bug fixes, and new content for the classic games.
Electronic Arts (EA), a prominent video game publisher, has magnanimously released the source code for several classic Command & Conquer titles, most notably Command & Conquer: Red Alert, under the GPL version 3.0 license. This generous act of open-sourcing provides the gaming community, including hobbyist programmers, modders, and enthusiasts of retro gaming, with unprecedented access to the inner workings of these beloved real-time strategy (RTS) games. Specifically, the released code encompasses the entirety of the source code for both the original Red Alert game and its expansion, Counterstrike, along with the source code for Tiberian Dawn. This includes the core game logic, artificial intelligence routines, graphical rendering systems, and other foundational elements that constituted these landmark titles within the RTS genre.
The availability of this source code is anticipated to facilitate a resurgence of community-driven development, potentially leading to the creation of fan-made patches, modifications (mods), and entirely new content built upon the existing framework. This could translate into enhanced compatibility with modern operating systems, bug fixes for long-standing issues, improved graphical fidelity through community-developed rendering enhancements, and even entirely new gameplay experiences tailored to the desires of the dedicated Command & Conquer fanbase. The open-source nature of the release ensures transparency and encourages collaboration, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for continued development and preservation of these classic games. This allows for the deeper exploration of game mechanics, potentially unlocking hidden features or enabling the development of tools for in-depth analysis and modification.
Furthermore, this release represents a significant contribution to the preservation of video game history, providing invaluable insight into the development practices and technical underpinnings of games from a bygone era. Researchers, historians, and students of game development can now dissect the codebase, studying the architectural choices and programming techniques employed in the creation of these influential titles. This availability contributes to a broader understanding of the evolution of the RTS genre and the advancements in game technology over time. By making the source code publicly accessible, EA has effectively ensured the longevity and continued relevance of these classic games for generations to come.
Summary of Comments ( 270 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43197131
HN commenters largely expressed excitement about EA open-sourcing the Red Alert source code, anticipating the possibility of community-driven bug fixes, mods, and engine updates. Some expressed skepticism about the quality and completeness of the released code, pointing to potential issues with missing assets and the use of a pre-remaster version. Others discussed the historical significance of the release and reminisced about their experiences playing the game. Several commenters also delved into the technical details, analyzing the code structure and discussing potential improvements and porting opportunities. A few expressed disappointment that Tiberian Sun wasn't included in the release, while others hoped this open-sourcing would pave the way for future community-driven projects for other classic C&C titles.
The Hacker News post discussing EA open-sourcing the Command and Conquer: Red Alert source code generated a significant number of comments, many expressing excitement and nostalgia for the game. A dominant theme revolves around the potential this offers for modders and the community to revitalize and expand upon the classic game. Several commenters recall fond memories of playing Red Alert, highlighting its unique gameplay mechanics and enduring appeal.
Many comments focus on the technical aspects of the release. Some discuss the implications of the GPL license, pondering the possibilities it opens for derivative works and community contributions. Others delve into the specifics of the source code release, noting the inclusion of both Red Alert and its expansion, Counterstrike, as well as the absence of the original Tiberian Dawn source code. There's also discussion about the game's age and the challenges involved in compiling and running it on modern systems, with some commenters sharing their experiences and tips.
A few comments express skepticism about EA's motivations, questioning whether this move is genuinely for the benefit of the community or simply a way for EA to offload maintenance responsibilities. However, these comments are generally outnumbered by those expressing optimism and appreciation for the release.
Several commenters delve into specific modding ideas, ranging from bug fixes and performance improvements to entirely new units, maps, and game modes. The possibility of bringing Red Alert to new platforms is also discussed, with some mentioning mobile ports or browser-based versions.
Some of the most compelling comments include detailed explanations of the game's technical inner workings, insightful comparisons to other open-source game projects, and nostalgic anecdotes about playing Red Alert in its heyday. There's a palpable sense of community and shared enthusiasm in the comments, with many users expressing eagerness to explore the source code and contribute to the game's continued legacy.
A few comments also touch upon the legal implications of using assets from other C&C games in Red Alert mods, highlighting the complexities of copyright law in the context of fan-created content. The overall sentiment, however, remains overwhelmingly positive, with the open-sourcing of Red Alert being seen as a valuable opportunity for preservation, modification, and continued enjoyment of a beloved classic.