Electronic Arts has confirmed plans to release the source code for two instalments of its classic real-time strategy (RTS) series, Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert.
"We are proud to announce that alongside the launch of the Remastered Collection, Electronic Arts will be releasing the TiberianDawn.dll and RedAlert.dll and their corresponding source code under the GPL version 3.0 license," said creative director, Jim Vessella.
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By releasing these open-source DLLs, the C&C team hopes that - along with a new map editor - the fan community can "design maps, create custom units, replace art, alter gameplay logic, and edit data" in order to create mods and "fun experiments" by tinkering with the code.
"This is a key moment for Electronic Arts, the C&C community, and the gaming industry, as we believe this will be one of the first major RTS franchises to open source their source code under the GPL," Vessella said in a blog update earlier this week (thanks, VGC).
"It's worth noting this initiative is the direct result of a collaboration between some of the community council members and our teams at EA. After discussing with the council members, we made the decision to go with the GPL license to ensure compatibility with projects like CnCNet and Open RA. Our goal was to deliver the source code in a way that would be truly beneficial for the community, and we hope this will enable amazing community projects for years to come.
"Perhaps we'll even see some new RTS projects now made possible with the source code under the GPL," Vessella concluded.
EA and Westwood Studios recently confirmed the release date for its long-awaited Command & Conquer remaster - 5th June, 2020. The snappily titled Command & Conquer Remastered Collection is bringing back the fan-favourite real-time strategy series for Windows PC via Steam and Origin.
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Featured Image Credit: Electronic ArtsTopics: EA, Electronic Arts