Electronic Arts (EA) has made a significant contribution to the gaming community by releasing the source code for four classic Command & Conquer titles: Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals (including its expansion, Zero Hour). This release, under the General Public License (GPL), empowers developers and enthusiasts to study, modify, and enhance these iconic real-time strategy (RTS) games.
Empowering the Modding Community
By open-sourcing these titles, EA aims to foster creativity and innovation within the modding community. Modders now have the tools to create new content, fix bugs, and adapt the games for modern systems. This initiative not only preserves the legacy of the Command & Conquer series but also encourages the development of new RTS experiences inspired by these classics.
Enhanced Support and Resources
In addition to releasing the source code, EA has introduced Steam Workshop support for several Command & Conquer titles, including Renegade, Generals, Tiberium Wars, Kane’s Wrath, Red Alert 3, and Tiberian Twilight. This integration allows players to easily share and access user-generated content, such as custom maps and mods, thereby enriching the gaming experience.
To further assist modders, EA has provided a “C&C Modding Support” pack. This comprehensive resource includes source files, scripts, shaders, and maps for games utilizing the SAGE engine, streamlining the mod development process.
A Collaborative Effort
The restoration and release of the source code were achieved through the collaborative efforts of EA’s technical director Brian Barnes, producer Jim Vessella, and community veteran Luke “CCHyper” Feenan. Their dedication underscores EA’s commitment to engaging with the gaming community and supporting fan-driven projects.
Preserving Gaming History
This open-source release is a milestone in video game preservation, ensuring that these seminal titles remain accessible and adaptable for future generations. It reflects a growing trend in the industry to recognize the importance of preserving and revitalizing classic games through community involvement and transparency.
