Your least favorite company just did something AMAZING

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6 Mar 202504:19

Summary

TLDREA has taken a surprising step in the gaming world by releasing the source code for several classic Command and Conquer titles, including Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals, along with the Zero Hour expansion. The release is under the GPL license and available on EA's GitHub page, which also includes modding support for multiple Command and Conquer games. This move, paired with Steam Workshop integration, marks a major win for game preservation. Despite skepticism from some, this is hailed as a great step for preserving gaming history and offering future generations access to these iconic games.

Takeaways

😀 EA has released the source code for multiple Command and Conquer games, including Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, Renegade, Generals, and the Zero Hour expansion.
😀 The release is under the GPL license, and the code is available on EA's GitHub page.
😀 Steam Workshop support will be enabled for Renegade, Generals, and the Zero Hour expansion.
😀 Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars and its Kane's Wrath expansion are also getting modding support, along with Command and Conquer 4: Tiberium Twilight.
😀 EA has released a modding support pack that includes source XML schema, shader, and map files for all games using the Sage strategy game engine.
😀 This release is considered a major move for game preservation, enabling future generations to experience these classic titles.
😀 Despite skepticism about EA's intentions, there is currently no apparent catch to the release.
😀 EA's release of the Command and Conquer source code is a significant milestone in preserving gaming history.
😀 The release follows Valve's recent positive moves for Team Fortress 2, creating an interesting trend in the gaming industry.
😀 The Command and Conquer series, including Red Alert, had a massive cultural impact, and this release is seen as a win for the gaming community.

Q & A

What is the significance of EA releasing the source code for Command and Conquer games?
-EA releasing the source code for Command and Conquer games is significant for game preservation and modding. It allows fans and developers to explore, modify, and keep these classic games alive for future generations.
Which Command and Conquer games are included in this release?
-The release includes the source code for Command and Conquer Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, Renegade, Generals, and its Zero Hour expansion.
What is the GPL license, and why is it important for this release?
-The GPL (General Public License) allows anyone to modify and distribute the software. It’s important because it promotes open-source development and ensures the community can continue to innovate and preserve the games.
What additional modding support is provided for these games?
-EA is also enabling Steam Workshop support for Renegade, Generals, and its Zero Hour expansion, and has released a modding support pack containing XML schemas, shaders, and map files.
What is the Sage strategy game engine, and why is it relevant here?
-The Sage strategy game engine is the game engine used by Command and Conquer games. It’s relevant because the modding support pack released by EA includes tools and files for this engine, enabling users to modify and create custom content for these games.
How does this release contribute to game preservation?
-By releasing the source code and supporting modding, EA helps preserve these classic games. It ensures that future generations can still experience and enjoy them, even as the original servers and services may disappear over time.
How did the speaker feel about EA releasing the source code?
-The speaker was surprised and impressed by EA’s decision, given the company’s history. They saw it as a rare positive move and appreciated the potential for game preservation.
What does the speaker think about EA's role in this release compared to other companies like Valve?
-The speaker was amazed that EA, traditionally seen as a more corporate entity, took such a forward-thinking approach, especially after seeing Valve’s positive actions with TF2. They felt it was an unexpected but welcome move from EA.
Why does the speaker reference the Destiny 2 lawsuit?
-The Destiny 2 lawsuit is mentioned to highlight how live service games evolve over time, causing some content to be lost permanently. The speaker contrasts this with the preservation efforts shown by EA's release, which helps avoid such loss.
What impact did Command and Conquer and Red Alert have on the gaming community?
-Command and Conquer and Red Alert were major titles that influenced real-time strategy (RTS) games and gaming culture. These franchises were huge in their time and are still fondly remembered by many gamers.