id Software has this week announced that they have now released the Doom BFG 3 source code, which contains only the game’s source, without any game data or assets, which are still covered by the original EULA.
New Features and Enhancements
As well as the release of the game’s source code, id Software has also released a new patch for the game which brings with it a number of new features. One of the most notable improvements is the inclusion of anti-aliasing up to 16x on Nvidia hardware, which significantly enhances the visual quality of the game by smoothing out jagged edges. However, it’s important to note that the AMD/Intel cap is set at 8x, which means that users with these types of hardware will not be able to achieve the same level of anti-aliasing as those with Nvidia hardware.
The Doom 3 BFG source code does not include functionality for rendering Bink Video, or functionality to enable rendering of stencil shadows via the “depth fail” method, a functionality commonly known as “Carmack’s Reverse”, the Zenimax-based studio states. This means that while the source code is available, certain graphical features that were present in the original game will not be available in this release.
Limitations and Exclusions
“The Doom 3 BFG Edition GPL Source Code release does not include functionality for integrating with Steam,” the release notes state. “This includes roaming profiles, achievements, leaderboards, matchmaking, the overlay, or any other Steam features.” This is a significant limitation for those who are used to the convenience and community features provided by Steam. However, the open-source nature of the release means that developers and enthusiasts can potentially add these features themselves if they have the necessary skills and resources.
Another important aspect to consider is that the source code release is covered by the GNU General Public License (GPL). This means that while the code is free to download and use, any modifications or derivative works must also be released under the same license. This encourages a collaborative and open development environment, but it also means that any commercial use of the code must comply with the GPL’s requirements.
Doom 3’s BFG open-source game can now be downloaded via GitHub, and it’s free to download and use, being covered by the GNU General Public License. This is a fantastic opportunity for developers and modders to explore the inner workings of a classic game and potentially create new and exciting modifications.
The release of the Doom 3 BFG source code is a significant event in the gaming community. It not only allows for greater transparency and understanding of the game’s mechanics but also opens up new possibilities for innovation and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a curious gamer, this release offers a unique opportunity to delve into the code of one of the most iconic games in history.
Source: Toms Hardware
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