EA just released source code for a bunch of old Command and Conquer games

Wow

Kyle S

Electronic Arts (EA) has made a significant contribution to the gaming community (Very unlike them) by releasing the source code for four classic Command & Conquer titles:

  • Command & Conquer (1995)
  • Command & Conquer: Red Alert
  • Command & Conquer: Renegade
  • Command & Conquer: Generals

This move, is a substantial step in video game preservation and offers developers and enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and build upon these foundational real-time strategy (RTS) games.

Availability and Licensing

The source code for these titles is now accessible to the public under the GNU General Public License (GPL). This licensing choice encourages open-source development and allows for community-driven enhancements and modifications.

Community and Modding Support

In addition to releasing the source code, EA has introduced Steam Workshop support for several contemporary Command & Conquer games, including:

  • Command & Conquer: Renegade
  • Command & Conquer: Generals and Zero Hour
  • Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars and Kane’s Wrath
  • Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 and Uprising
  • Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight

This integration enables players to create, share, and download custom maps and mods directly through the Steam platform, fostering a vibrant modding community.

Modding Support Pack

To further assist modders, EA has released a comprehensive “C&C Modding Support” pack. This package includes source XML, schema, script, shader, and map files for all games utilizing the SAGE engine, providing the necessary tools for creating and implementing custom content.

Archival Footage

As part of this initiative, EA has also released a 35-minute video featuring alpha gameplay and previously unused archival footage from Command & Conquer: Generals and Renegade. This content offers valuable insights into the development process and the evolution of the series.

Impact on Game Preservation

By releasing the source code and supporting modding efforts, EA has made a significant contribution to the preservation of classic RTS games. This initiative not only honors the legacy of the Command & Conquer series but also empowers the community to innovate and keep these games alive for future generations.

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One response to “EA just released source code for a bunch of old Command and Conquer games”

  1. avja MASH avatar
    avja MASH

    I really wish this would give us a clue want their intent is with my beloved C&C franchise. I.E. does this mean they haven’t forgotten about it, and still want to support the C&C community, or does it mean they don’t care anymore, won’t do anymore remasters, and are just letting it go? C&C and Red Alert 1 already had an amazing remaster, fans are waiting for C&C2 (Tiberian Sun) and Red Alert 2 remasters (notably absent from this source code release), Generals probably wouldn’t get remastered because of it controversial faction stereotypes, and renegade wasn’t popular enough, despite a full Renegade X project openly filling in it’s multiplayer gap (no single player). In Command and Conquer’s 30th anniversary year, we need, and I need, to see something special, a Tiberian Sun remaster or remaster volume two with that and Red Alert 2. then, finally, eventually, and update to C&C3 so it can play online again.

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