The source code from Windows game development between 1995 and 2003 holds some fascinating insights. One modder shared a quirky detail on Bluesky. He posted a “HACK ALERT!” message added just to stop the Watcom IDE from crashing due to a glitch. “Who knows why, but it works,” he humorously reported.
A standout moment appears in the RampOptions.cpp file of Generals, credited to John K. McDonald Jr. It shows a coder’s worry about a feature called “TheRampOptions”:
if (TheRampOptions) {// oh shit.return;}
The GPL-licensed source code not only aids modders but also helps preserve these classic games for future platforms. Projects like OpenRA and OpenSAGE have already begun reworking these games’ code. Luke “CCHyper” Feenan, a veteran in the C&C community, collaborated with EA to bring the code up to date, making it easier to patch the classic games later on.
As a bonus, the Command & Conquer team released 35 minutes of archival footage. This footage includes alpha versions of Generals and Renegade, providing a nostalgic glimpse into the game’s development process.
Archival footage from alpha versions of Command & Conquer: Generals and Renegade, released by EA as part of their source code release.
It’s exciting to see how dedicated teams can breathe new life into classic games, ensuring they remain relevant and enjoyed by new players.
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