EA has taken a great step towards preserving its classic Command & Conquer franchise, releasing the source code for multiple games to the public. As of now, anyone can visit the official EA GitHub page to download the source code for Command & Conquer (Tiberian Dawn), Red Alert, Renegade, and Generals.
This code has been released under a General Public License (GPL), which gives the public the rights to “run, study, share, or modify” the games, in any way they see fit. For preservationists, it means being able to download and preserve these games in their original format. For modders, it means being able to easy hop into the game files to create more streamlined, compelling mods.
Given the passion that remains around Command & Conquer, there’s no doubt this release will prove to be incredibly popular, particularly for those modders with an eye on expansion content or future improvements.
In addition to releasing the source code, EA has also taken another step towards better supporting its Command & Conquer franchise, with new Steam Workshop functionality for Renegade, Generals, Tiberium Wars, Kane’s Wrath, and Tiberium Twilight. As noted by PC Gamer, EA has “updated all the Mission Editor and World Builder tools so you can publish maps directly to the Steam Workshop.”
Read: The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies – Every major new feature
A new downloadable mod support pack will also provide the “source .xml, schema, script, shader, and map files for all games that use the SAGE engine” which should make modding easier. With this drop, there’s hope for new fan-led projects in the classic Command & Conquer series – although we’ll have to wait to see what’s planned.
Likewise, we’ll have to wait to see whether EA’s renewed attention on Command & Conquer means we can expect any new developments for the franchise. Overall, EA’s decisions to release the source code for the original, still-loved games in the franchise can be seen as a great move for preservation, and a reward for fan loyalty.
But there is a lingering suspicious this could be a precursor to meatier news, as a reminder of the franchise ahead of new developments. That remains pure speculation, and it could just be looking a gift horse in the mouth, but whatever the reason for the source code’s release, it’s great to see it happen.
Those keen to jump in to investigate the source code for the Command & Conquer series can now visit EA’s GitHub page for more.
