Tag Archives: Gaming Preservation

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

Surprising Command & Conquer move by Electronic Arts

In a groundbreaking move that has thrilled gamers and developers alike, Electronic Arts has released the source code for several classic titles in the Command & Conquer series. This decision marks a significant milestone in the history of gaming, as it not only preserves the legacy of these iconic real-time strategy (RTS) games but also empowers the community to breathe new life into them.

The Command & Conquer series, often abbreviated as C&C, debuted in 1995 with Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn. Developed by Westwood Studios, the game was a pioneer in the RTS genre, introducing players to a world of strategic warfare, resource management, and gripping narratives. The series quickly gained a cult following, with subsequent titles like Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals cementing its place in gaming history.

Over the years, the franchise faced challenges, including the closure of Westwood Studios in 2003 and mixed reception to later entries. Despite these hurdles, the C&C community remained passionate, keeping the spirit of the games alive through mods, fan projects, and online forums.

The Road to Open Source

EA’s decision to release the source code for Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals under the GNU General Public License (GPL) is a testament to the enduring legacy of the series. This initiative builds on the success of the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection, released in 2020, which included remastered versions of Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert. The remastered collection was praised for its faithful recreation of the originals and its inclusion of modding tools.

The journey to open source was spearheaded by Luke “CCHyper” Feenan, a veteran of the C&C community and a key figure in the development of the remastered collection. Over the past year, Feenan worked closely with EA to restore the original source code archives to a buildable state. This meticulous process involved recovering and organizing decades-old files, ensuring that the code could be used effectively by the community.

What This Means for the Community

The release of the source code is a game-changer for the C&C community. Modders and developers now have unprecedented access to the inner workings of these classic games, enabling them to create new content, fix bugs, and even develop entirely new experiences. EA has also introduced Steam Workshop support for several titles, making it easier than ever for players to share and discover mods.

This move is not just about preserving the past; it’s about inspiring the future. By opening up the source code, EA has given the community the tools to innovate and expand upon the foundations laid by Westwood Studios. Whether it’s creating new campaigns, enhancing graphics, or experimenting with gameplay mechanics, the possibilities are endless.

The release of the source code is a bold step that underscores EA’s commitment to the C&C franchise and its fans. It acknowledges the importance of community-driven creativity and the role it plays in keeping classic games relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the Command & Conquer series is far from over. With the passion and ingenuity of its community, these games will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

GOG wants you to help them deciding their next game to land the GOG Preservation Program

GOG, the renowned digital storefront known for its commitment to DRM-free gaming, has recently unveiled an exciting update to its platform: the Dreamlist. This revamped feature, previously known as the Community Wishlist, is designed to empower gamers to influence which classic games are brought back to life.

The Dreamlist serves as a community-driven tool where gamers can vote for their favorite games that they want to see available on GOG. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about preserving gaming history and making beloved titles accessible to new generations. Each game on the Dreamlist has its own dedicated page, complete with detailed descriptions, screenshots, and trailers. Gamers can also share their personal stories and memories associated with these games, adding a heartfelt touch to their votes.

How Does it Work?

GOG has made it incredibly easy for gamers to participate in the Dreamlist. The interface has been overhauled to provide enhanced browsing and filtering options, making it simple to find and vote for games. The Dreamlist also features a “Staff Picks” section, where GOG highlights games that they believe deserve attention.

This not only helps guide the community but also showcases GOG’s dedication to bringing quality games to its platform.

The Dreamlist has already proven its worth. One notable success story is the revival of Dino Crisis 1 and 2, which were brought back to life thanks to the overwhelming community support on the Dreamlist. These games were remastered to ensure compatibility with modern systems, preserving their original content while enhancing their playability.

Looking ahead, GOG has ambitious plans for the Dreamlist. Games like Freelancer, Resident Evil Code: Veronica X, and the original Final Fantasy VII are among the titles that GOG and its community are eager to see revived. The Dreamlist is not just a wishlist; it’s a powerful tool for gamers to influence the gaming industry and ensure that their favorite titles are not forgotten.

In an industry where many classic games are no longer available, GOG’s Dreamlist is a beacon of hope for game preservation. According to GOG, 87% of games released prior to 2010 are no longer accessible, making the Dreamlist an essential initiative for keeping gaming history alive. By voting on the Dreamlist, gamers are not only expressing their preferences but also contributing to the preservation of gaming culture.

GOG invites all gamers to explore the Dreamlist, cast their votes, and share their memories. Whether it’s a childhood favorite or a game you’ve always wanted to play DRM-free, your vote matters. Together, we can ensure that these classic games find a new home on GOG and continue to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.

And from my part… I made some votes already and I want to highlight this one:

DO NOT CHANGE MY MIND!!!

Featured, Games, Gaming, News

GOG step up for gaming preservation without marketing stunts

The preservation for video games is a hot topic and not a topic where gaming companies, fans and historians sees a happy-medium. Nevertheless, there is always a chance that some of the gaming industry can share their grain of salt for the good of it.

Enters Good Old Game or GOG, the Projekt Red’s own PC gaming storefront focusing on recent a past released made and announcement this month.

The GOG Preservation Program ensures classic games remain playable on modern systems, even after their developers stopped supporting them. By maintaining these iconic titles, GOG helps you protect and relive the memories that shaped you, DRM-free and with dedicated tech support.

With GOG Preservation Program, GOG intentions are that classical games remain playable for modern system as technically as possible and with this, a proper marketing and selling of the game without string attached or bracing for a remaster of a remake.

The context behind this move, is that as per Video Game History Foundation, which claims that 87% of games created before 2010 are inaccessible today, a HORRIBLE number in days that there is an increase of kids not respecting where gaming came from at all.

GOG already included and re-developed games from Resident Evil, Warcraft, Dragon Age, Fallout, System Shock, Diablo, Heroes of Might and Magic, Dungeon Keeper, The Witcher, and Monkey Island franchises and of course, plans to keep adding more games to the Preservation Program over time.