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EA Open Sources Command and Conquer: Red Alert, along with other games (github.com)

1262 points by Klaster_1 · 522 days ago · 325 comments on HN

Article summary

Electronic Arts (EA) has open-sourced the source code for several Command and Conquer games, including Red Alert, Tiberian Dawn, and Renegade. The code is available on GitHub, but it does not fully compile and requires some effort to restore. The release is for preservation purposes only and does not include support. The games' original build environment and dependencies are also provided.

Main themes

  • Open-source game development
  • Command and Conquer series
  • Game preservation
  • EA's open-source initiative
  • Gaming community
  • Game development history

What commenters say

  • The loss of the original source code for Red Alert 2 and Tiberian Sun is a significant issue that may hinder potential remakes or updates.
  • The open-sourcing of Command and Conquer games is a positive step towards preserving gaming history and allowing the community to modify and improve the games.
  • Some commenters are disappointed that the open-sourced code does not include the original DOS version of Tiberian Dawn, but rather the Windows version.
  • The community is exploring alternative solutions, such as fan-made remakes and mods, to play and enjoy the games on modern systems.
  • There is a desire for EA to open-source other classic games, such as Emperor: Battle for Dune, and for the company to provide more support for the open-source initiative.
  • The open-sourcing of the games has sparked nostalgia and discussion about the series' history and impact on the gaming industry.
  • Some commenters are skeptical about the possibility of EA's dang being notified of every mention of his name in the comments, citing the high volume of posts on the site.