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.
Ultima VII: Revisited is a fan-made enhancement project aimed at modernizing and improving the classic RPG Ultima VII: The Black Gate and its expansion, Forge of Virtue. It utilizes the Exult engine to deliver a smoother, more consistent experience with higher resolutions, bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, and optional restored content. The project focuses on refining the existing game rather than radically altering it, aiming to preserve the original feel while making it more accessible and enjoyable for modern players. It features enhanced visuals, UI improvements, modernized controls, and various tweaks to gameplay mechanics.
Hacker News users discussing the Ultima VII: Revisited project generally expressed enthusiasm and nostalgia for the original game. Several commenters praised the improvements offered by the project, particularly the bug fixes, enhanced UI, and higher resolution. Some discussed the technical challenges involved in such an undertaking, with one user detailing the process of reverse-engineering the game's engine. A few expressed skepticism about playing older RPGs, questioning if they hold up to modern standards, but were countered by others who argued for the enduring quality of Ultima VII's story and gameplay. The conversation also touched upon the limitations of the project, including the inability to improve the game's dated pathfinding. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception of the revisited project, viewed as a valuable way to experience a classic RPG.
Filmmaker Patrick Willems explores the phenomenon of movies that, despite being popular and successful upon release, seem to vanish from cultural memory and conversation. He examines potential reasons for this "half-life" effect, including shifts in comedic sensibilities, evolving social and political contexts that render certain jokes or themes problematic, and the oversaturation of media making it harder for any single work to maintain relevance. Willems uses the 2004 comedy "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" as a primary case study, highlighting how its humor, once widely accepted, might be perceived differently today. He concludes that while some films genuinely age poorly, the cultural half-life is a complex interplay of various factors that can lead to even well-regarded movies fading from the spotlight.
HN commenters discuss the lasting impact of Half-Life and its influence on game design. Several highlight its innovative storytelling, seamless integration of narrative and gameplay, and the groundbreaking use of scripted sequences. Some contrast its minimalist approach with more exposition-heavy modern titles, arguing that Half-Life's environmental storytelling allows for greater player immersion and agency. Others note the impact of its physics engine and AI, and its role in popularizing the FPS genre. The modding community's contribution to the game's longevity is also mentioned, with particular emphasis on Counter-Strike. Several users reminisce about their personal experiences playing Half-Life for the first time and the impact it had on them.
Despite Windows 10's approaching end-of-life in October 2025, nearly half of Steam users are still using the operating system, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. While Windows 11 adoption is slowly growing, it still sits significantly behind Windows 10, leaving a large portion of PC gamers potentially facing security risks and a lack of support in the near future.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of nearly half of Steam users still running Windows 10, despite its approaching end-of-life. Some questioned the statistic's accuracy, suggesting the data might include Windows Server instances or older, unsupported Windows builds lumped in with Windows 10. Others pointed out the apathy many users feel towards upgrading, especially gamers who prioritize stable systems over new features. Several commenters mentioned the potential security risks of staying on an unsupported OS, while others downplayed this, arguing that games often run in sandboxed environments. The cost of upgrading, both in terms of hardware and software, was also a recurring theme, with some suggesting Microsoft's aggressive upgrade tactics in the past have led to distrust and reluctance to upgrade. Finally, some users speculated that many "Windows 10" users might actually be running Windows 11 but misreported due to Steam's detection methods.
Reports are surfacing of melting 12VHPWR power connectors on Nvidia's RTX 4090 graphics cards, causing concern among users. While the exact cause remains unclear, Nvidia is actively investigating the issue. Some speculation points towards insufficiently seated connectors or potential manufacturing defects with the adapter or the card itself. Gamers experiencing this problem are encouraged to contact Nvidia support.
Hacker News users discuss potential causes for the melting 12VHPWR connectors on Nvidia's RTX 5090 GPUs. Several commenters suggest improper connector seating as the primary culprit, pointing to the ease with which the connector can appear fully plugged in when it's not. Some highlight Gamers Nexus' investigation, which indicated insufficient contact points due to partially inserted connectors can lead to overheating and melting. Others express skepticism about manufacturing defects being solely responsible, arguing that the high power draw combined with a less robust connector design makes it susceptible to user error. A few commenters also mention the possibility of cable quality issues and the need for more rigorous testing standards for these high-wattage connectors. Some users share personal anecdotes of experiencing the issue or successfully using the card without problems, suggesting individual experiences are varied.
No Man's Sky's "Singularity" update dramatically expands the universe with billions of new stars, planets, and moons within newly generated galaxies. It introduces a new narrative focused on robotic consciousness and the mysteries of the Atlas, along with new robotic companions, enhanced visuals featuring improved lighting and shadows, revamped trading posts and settlements, and a streamlined inventory system. Players can now construct their own robotic bases and explore abandoned derelict freighters. The update also adds new starship technologies and expanded lore related to the game's overarching narrative.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed cautious optimism and some cynicism towards No Man's Sky's "Fractal" update. Several users highlighted the game's history of overpromising and underdelivering at launch, questioning whether this update would genuinely offer substantial new content or simply be another visually impressive but shallow addition. Some praised the developers' perseverance and ongoing support for the game, acknowledging its significant improvements since release. Others debated the technical feasibility and meaningfulness of generating "billions" of planets, with some suggesting it's primarily a marketing tactic. A few users expressed excitement about the prospect of exploring new, more varied planetary environments and the potential for enhanced gameplay. There was also discussion about procedural generation techniques and the limitations inherent in creating truly unique experiences within such a vast, procedurally generated universe.
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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.