Electronic Arts (EA) has made headlines today by releasing the source code for four iconic games from the Command & Conquer series under the General Public License (GPL). This momentous decision allows modders to access the source code for Command & Conquer (also known as Tiberian Dawn), Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals: Zero Hour. With these releases, EA aims to strengthen the community surrounding its long-standing real-time strategy franchise.
The move is not just beneficial for modders but also highlights EA's recognition of the franchise's enduring legacy. Jim Vessella, the producer at EA, remarked on the importance of fostering community engagement after the launch of the Command & Conquer Ultimate Collection last year, which was met with positive feedback from fans. Vessella stated, "We always had the ambition to deliver even more C&C franchise improvements to the community,” showing the company’s commitment to preserving what is considered one of the cornerstones of the real-time strategy (RTS) genre.
Luke “CCHyper” Feenan, a veteran modder and community figure, played a pivotal role in this initiative. Known for his long-standing involvement with C&C modding, Feenan expressed his excitement, saying, "For those of you awesome C&C fans who I have not crossed paths with before, my name is Luke Feenan, aka. ‘CCHyper’. I’m a 20+ year veteran of the C&C Community.” He emphasized the importance of the source code release as it allows the community to adapt and innovate. Access to the original code empowers modders to improve and modernize these timeless games.
The source code is now available on EA’s GitHub page and marks another step forward for video game preservation. This accessibility means enthusiasts can modify and redistribute the games, which is key for keeping the titles playable for future generations. This release follows EA's past efforts, such as the launch of the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection and the opening of additional source code to the community.
Alongside the source code, EA is enriching the modding ecosystem by providing Steam Workshop support for numerous titles, which has long been requested by the community. Titles set to benefit from these enhancements include C&C Generals, C&C Renegade, Tiberium Wars, and Kane's Wrath. A statement from EA confirmed, "We are enabling the Steam Workshop support for more C&C titles to allow users to upload their custom maps!” This is expected to provide modders with resources to share their work effectively, creating more opportunities to generate new content.
EA has also launched updates for its Mission Editor and World Builder tools, making it simpler for users to publish maps directly to the Steam Workshop. This functionality is expected to invigorate the community, allowing for innovative projects and creative experiences within the C&C universe. Feenan acknowledged, "We’re all excited to see what fun and crazy maps you upload.”
The history of Command & Conquer dates back to its establishment by Westwood Studios back in 1995. The franchise has seen numerous iterations, with series including Tiberian, Red Alert, and Generals, exploring various narratives and gameplay mechanics. The recent actions by EA reflect not only the respect for the series’ historical significance but also the engagement it hopes to maintain with its fan base.
Feenan highlighted the community's efforts by referencing collaborations with groups like W3DHub, which have made significant advancements using the C&C Renegade engine over the past two decades. He expressed confidence, stating, "The Command & Conquer community stands to benefit the most from this unexpected windfall.” This collaboration is poised to inspire new passion and creativity among modders, lending fresh life to classic entries of the series.
Despite the waning popularity of the RTS genre, EA’s actions could provide the spark needed to rekindle interest. Video game preservation proponents regard this initiative as a hopeful sign for other gaming franchises, showcasing the benefits of community involvement.
With the future of the Command & Conquer series hanging on the shoulders of its dedicated community, gamers are eager to see what new developments arise. The release of the source code for Command & Conquer and its sequels paves the way for countless possibilities, and one can only hope it leads to revitalized engagement for the beloved franchise.
Indeed, the release of this code may set the stage for future collaborations within the gaming industry, pushing the envelope on how aging game properties can adapt with the times. Feenan remarked, "I know the Generals/ZH community is going to do amazing things with this source code release,” which encapsulates the community’s hope and enthusiasm for what’s to come.
With EA's announcement, followers of C&C can look forward to not just re-experiencing these classics, but potentially reinventing them for new generations. EA's strategic decision to embrace modding and empower the community reflects a positive direction for both players and the industry as a whole.