Stories with Tag Command & Conquer

• EA Open Sources Command and Conquer: Red Alert, along with other games

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  Posted: 2025-02-27 18:42:01

  Verbose tl;dr

  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.

  • Electronic Arts
  • EA
  • Command & Conquer
  • Red Alert
  • Open Source
  • Game Development
  • RTS
  • Real Time Strategy
  • Source Code
  • Gaming
  • PC Gaming
  • Retro Gaming
  • C&C Remastered
  • Tiberian Dawn
  • CNC
  • Video Games

  Summary of Comments ( 270 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43197131

  Verbose tl;dr

  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.

• OpenRA – Classic strategy games rebuilt for the modern era

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  Posted: 2025-01-25 18:55:07

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  OpenRA is a free and open-source real-time strategy game engine that recreates classic RTS titles like Command & Conquer, Red Alert, and Dune 2000. It modernizes these games with features like improved UI, gameplay enhancements, network multiplayer, and cross-platform compatibility. While remaining faithful to the original gameplay, OpenRA adds quality-of-life improvements, bug fixes, and even new content, providing a refreshed experience for veterans and newcomers alike. The project is actively developed and encourages community contributions.

  OpenRA, an open-source project meticulously resurrected from the digital graveyard of classic real-time strategy (RTS) games, offers a revitalized and enhanced gaming experience for aficionados of Westwood Studios' iconic titles. It breathes new life into beloved classics such as Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn, Command & Conquer: Red Alert, and Dune 2000, painstakingly recreating their core gameplay while simultaneously addressing the limitations and frustrations that often plagued the original releases. Rather than simply emulating the original games, OpenRA has undertaken a complete reimplementation using a modern codebase, resulting in cross-platform compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems. This allows players, regardless of their preferred operating system, to once again engage in strategic battles for global domination or Arrakis' precious spice.

  This project goes beyond mere nostalgia, however. OpenRA significantly enhances the gameplay experience by incorporating contemporary quality-of-life improvements. Features such as a refined user interface, fog-of-war enhancements, improved unit pathfinding, and an integrated replay system modernize the gameplay without sacrificing the core elements that defined the original titles. Furthermore, OpenRA fosters a vibrant online multiplayer community, facilitating online play through dedicated servers and a sophisticated matchmaking system. This eliminates the dependence on often unreliable peer-to-peer connections that characterized the online experience of the original games, enabling smoother and more reliable online skirmishes.

  The open-source nature of the project further enhances its appeal. By providing access to the source code, OpenRA encourages community involvement and contribution. This collaborative environment allows for continuous improvement, bug fixes, and even the potential for community-driven expansion of the game through mods and additional features. In essence, OpenRA doesn't just revive classic RTS games; it empowers a community to maintain, enhance, and potentially even reshape these beloved titles for years to come. It represents a testament to the enduring appeal of classic RTS gameplay, offering a polished and updated experience while staying true to the spirit of the games that inspired it. This makes OpenRA not merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but a vibrant and evolving platform for strategic gameplay.

  • OpenRA
  • RTS
  • Real-time Strategy
  • Gaming
  • Open Source
  • Game Engine
  • Red Alert
  • Tiberian Sun
  • Dune 2000
  • Command & Conquer
  • Retro Gaming
  • Modernized Classics
  • Community Project
  • Cross-Platform

  Summary of Comments ( 10 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42823667

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users generally praise OpenRA's quality, noting its improved netcode, cross-platform compatibility, and active development. Several commenters share fond memories of playing the original games, and express appreciation for OpenRA's ability to revive these classics with modern conveniences. Some discuss specific features, like improved pathfinding and observer mode, while others highlight the challenges of balancing gameplay changes with nostalgia. The dedicated community and open-source nature of the project are also commended, with some users mentioning their own contributions. A few commenters mention alternative projects or express interest in seeing support for other classic RTS games.

  The Hacker News post about OpenRA, a project that rebuilds classic strategy games like Command & Conquer and Dune 2000, has generated several interesting comments. Many commenters express nostalgia for the original games and praise OpenRA for revitalizing them with modern features.

  A recurring theme is appreciation for OpenRA's quality-of-life improvements. Commenters specifically mention features like improved pathfinding, which addresses the frustrating "traffic jams" of unit movement in the original games. The ability to issue commands while paused, the enhanced multiplayer experience with features like replays and spectator mode, and the overall improved UI/UX are also frequently lauded. Some appreciate the cross-platform compatibility, allowing them to play with friends on different operating systems.

  Several comments discuss the balance changes introduced by OpenRA. While some appreciate the rebalancing efforts, others express a preference for the original game mechanics and balance. This leads to some discussion about the inherent challenges of modifying classic games and the potential for alienating purists.

  The open-source nature of the project is also a point of discussion, with commenters praising the community-driven development model and the ability to contribute to the project. Some commenters share their personal experiences with the game, recounting memories of playing the originals and expressing excitement about revisiting them through OpenRA.

  A few commenters mention specific features they enjoy, such as the "tiberium flower" visual effect in the Command & Conquer reimplementation. Others express interest in the inclusion of Dune 2000, a game they consider a classic.

  Some technical aspects are touched upon, including discussions about the game engine and the challenges of reverse-engineering the original games. One commenter mentions using OpenRA as a platform for learning C#, highlighting the educational value of the open-source project.

  Overall, the comments reflect a positive sentiment towards OpenRA. Commenters appreciate the project's dedication to preserving and enhancing classic RTS games, providing a modern and improved gaming experience while retaining the core elements that made the originals so beloved.