EA Makes Complete Source Code Available For Several Command & Conquer Games

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EA Releases Source Code for Classic Command & Conquer Games

Exciting News for Command & Conquer Fans

The Command & Conquer (C&C) community is buzzing with excitement as Electronic Arts (EA) has made a significant announcement. They have released the source code for four beloved C&C games, added support for Steam Workshop, and introduced new tools for modding. This is great news for both old fans and new players who want to dive into the world of C&C.

What Games Are Included?

EA, in collaboration with community creator Luke "CCHyper" Feenan, has provided the source code for several classic titles in the franchise, including:

Command & Conquer (Tiberian Dawn)
C&C Red Alert
C&C Renegade
C&C Generals, along with its expansion pack, Zero Hour

This source code is now available on EA’s GitHub page under a GNU General Public License (GPL). This means that users are allowed to run, study, share, and modify the software without any restrictions.

Behind the Scenes Collaboration

Luke "CCHyper" Feenan expressed his enthusiasm about the release. He said, “Over the past year, I have been collaborating with the amazing C&C stakeholders at EA to restore the Perforce source code archives for the C&C games. This now allows us to patch these classic games in more meaningful ways.”

As someone who has been deep into game modding, CCHyper found it rewarding to explore the ins and outs of the source code for these iconic games. This recovery effort is crucial for video game preservation and will enable fan communities to keep these games accessible for future generations.

Enhanced Modding Support

Not only has EA released the source code, but they have also introduced further support for modders. This includes Steam Workshop support for many C&C titles. Here’s a brief list of the games that support this new feature:

C&C Renegade
C&C Generals & Zero Hour
C&C 3 Tiberium Wars & Kane’s Wrath
C&C Red Alert 3 & Uprising
C&C 4 Tiberian Twilight

With this Steam Workshop support, players can easily publish maps and other mods directly through the Mission Editor and World Builder tools. This will make it smoother for gamers to share their creations and enhance the gameplay experience for everyone.

C&C Modding Support Pack

As part of the modding initiative, there is also a C&C Modding Support Pack available. This pack includes essential files such as:

Source XML
Schema files
Scripts
Shaders
Map files for all C&C titles using the SAGE engine

These resources will empower modders by providing them with the tools they need to create and customize their own gaming experiences.

A Gift for C&C Historians

In addition to all these wonderful updates, EA has released a special treat for C&C historians. They have made available 30 minutes of archive footage from the development of C&C Renegade and C&C Generals. This footage includes technology demos and concept videos from these classic games. For fans interested in how the games were created, this is a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Community Response

The community has responded positively to these developments. Many fans see this as a step towards revitalizing the C&C franchise and a chance for the community to thrive through user-generated content. Modding allows players to try new gameplay ideas, develop creative scenarios, and rekindle interest in these enduring titles.

These recent announcements mark an exciting time for Command & Conquer fans old and new, bringing a blend of nostalgia and fresh opportunities for creativity and gameplay. By giving fans access to the source code and modding tools, EA shows it values its community and is committed to ensuring these beloved games remain relevant for years to come.

With the tools now in their hands, modders can help to create new content, fix bugs, and improve upon existing games. This collaborative effort between EA and the community may very well lead to a resurgence of interest in the Command & Conquer series, breathing new life into a gaming legacy that has stood the test of time.

As fans dive into the source code and exploration of the C&C universe, the possibilities are endless. The release of these classic games and their accompanying tools opens the door for fresh experiences and adventures in the world of Command & Conquer.