EA Releases Command & Conquer Source Code as Open-Source

EA has made a surprising move by releasing the source code for four Command & Conquer titles under a general public license (GPL). This decision could be a great opportunity for indie developers to learn and build upon the legacy of the real-time strategy franchise.

The Source Code Release

The source code for Command & Conquer, Red Alert, Command & Conquer: Renegade, and Command & Conquer: Generals has been added to EA’s GitHub page alongside the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection from 2020. The code was recovered and restored by EA technical director Brian Barnes, Respawn producer Jim Vessella, and Luke ‘CCHyper’ Feenan, a Command & Conquer community member who proposed and organized the release.

What This Means for Developers

The availability of the original source code will help modders and restorers keep the games playable and could aid new developers in honing their skills. While fan projects have approximated the code in the past, access to the full original code will enable a deeper understanding of the games’ mechanics and functionality.

Modding Support and Steam Workshop

EA is also introducing Steam Workshop support for newer Command & Conquer titles, along with a modding support pack. This package includes the source XML, Schema, Script, Shader, and map files for all SAGE engine C&C titles, allowing users to create new maps and assets.

C&C Archive Footage

EA has published newly discovered footage from the C&C Archive for C&C Renegade and C&C Generals, featuring alpha gameplay and prototype cinematics. This footage provides a fascinating glimpse into the development process of the games.

Conclusion

The release of the Command & Conquer source code is a significant move by EA, offering a unique opportunity for developers to learn from and build upon the franchise’s legacy. This decision demonstrates the company’s commitment to preserving and sharing its history, making it a positive step for the gaming community.

FAQs

Q: What games are included in the source code release?
A: Command & Conquer, Red Alert, Command & Conquer: Renegade, and Command & Conquer: Generals.

Q: What is the licensing agreement for the source code?
A: The source code is released under a general public license (GPL).

Q: Can I use the source code to create commercial projects?
A: Yes, the GPL allows for commercial use, but be sure to comply with the licensing terms and conditions.

Q: Will the assets and cinematics be made open-source?
A: No, the assets and cinematics have not been made open-source.

The Ford Logo: A Symbol of Iconic Branding with a Hidden Twist

A Curlicue in the Ford Logo?

Few logos carry such weight and history as that belonging to car manufacturer Ford. The logo design is as iconic as the brand itself, and one that is cemented into consumer consciousness. Isn’t it? Actually, the design is currently causing some major head-scratching online, thanks to a viral TikTok that brings attention to a part of the logo many never even noticed was there.

The Wordmark Remains the Same

The Ford logo should be pretty simple to remember since, unlike many car logos, it is basically just a wordmark. There are no leaping animals or abstract shapes here, just the word Ford written in cursive. As presenter Monica states, though the setting of the logo has changed over time, the wordmark itself has always remained the same – meaning you should be able to pick the correct version from a line-up, right? But the question is: does the logo have a curlicue on the F, or doesn’t it? Check out the video below and decide for yourself.

The Curlicue: A Hidden Gem

As you can see from the video, and the logo history graphic below, the Ford logo has indeed always had the curlicue. People can’t believe it in the comments, which is an excellent example of the Mandela effect and a fascinating insight into how people take in and remember logo design. Even those close to the brand got it wrong.

Logo History

[Image: Ford logo history]

Behind the Curlicue

Ford’s own writing reveals that the logo has actually included the curlicue ever since 1912, when it was added into the 1909 version that was created by the company’s first chief engineer, Childe Harold Willis. Since then, it’s had a couple of redesigns – notably one major overhaul by Massimo Vignelli in the 1960s (and it also recently got an upgrade with a slightly larger application of the script with simple white accents). But the overall form has held steady since 1912 – and is so successful it appears on our list of the best 1920s logos and the best cursive logos, too.

Conclusion

In a world of bland car logo redesigns (seriously, flat design really killed this particular area of branding), Ford holds strong in its heritage and personality – and the curlicue has a lot to do with that.

FAQs

Q: Is the curlicue a new addition to the Ford logo?
A: No, the curlicue has been a part of the Ford logo since 1912.

Q: How many redesigns has the Ford logo undergone?
A: The Ford logo has undergone two major redesigns, one in the 1960s and one recently, with a slight upgrade in the script and white accents.

Q: Why is the Ford logo so successful?
A: The Ford logo is successful because it holds strong to its heritage and personality, and the curlicue is a key part of that.

Artist Spotlight: Nicoly Boaventura’s 3D Art of the Week

Meet Nicoly Boaventura, a Freelance Illustrator and 3D Artist from São Paulo, Brazil

Nicoly Boaventura is a talented freelance illustrator and 3D artist from São Paulo, Brazil. Her piece, "Alyssa," is an original character she’s created, which she hopes to develop into a webcomic, as well as making more 3D renders of her. Nicoly used ZBrush for modeling and Blender for the final renders.

Creating Alyssa: A 3D Character

Concept and Modeling

Nicoly began by drawing the concept art for the character, deciding on the pose and details that would compose the base of the figure. She aimed to tell a story with this model, depicting an adventurous character, sitting on a fence at the side of the road, holding a paper that could be a map. The cat is her traveling companion.

Adding Details and Texture

To give the character a more comical touch, Nicoly added a small detail: a scared little mouse hiding behind the fence post, putting his hand over his mouth, worried that the cat would notice him.

ZBrush Modeling and Blender Rending

Nicoly used ZBrush as the main tool for modeling and Blender for the final renders. She tried to add a lot of elements she likes to the character, such as headphones, clothes and accessories related to sports, and the cat, who couldn’t be missing.

Conclusion

The whole piece was a challenging project, but it provided a lot of learning opportunities and a rewarding result. Nicoly is grateful for everything she learned during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What inspired Nicoly to create Alyssa?
A: Nicoly was inspired to create Alyssa as a final project for a 3D course for collectibles she was taking at the time.

Q: What software did Nicoly use to create Alyssa?
A: Nicoly used ZBrush for modeling and Blender for the final renders.

Q: What is Nicoly’s plan for Alyssa?
A: Nicoly hopes to develop Alyssa into a webcomic, as well as making more 3D renders of her.

Shrek 5: A Bittersweet Reboot of the Beloved Franchise

A New Era for Shrek?

Yesterday, we were blessed with an unexpected teaser for the new Shrek 5 movie, but it seems things are looking a little different and fans (including myself) aren’t happy. Since the original film’s release in 2001, the franchise’s character design has remained fairly unchanged – until now.

A Drastic Animation Style Change

The new trailer is rather short and littered with TikTok brain rot, but it’s hard to ignore the blaring character design changes. Remember when Shrek was supposed to be a fierce ogre? Those days are gone. Not only does the overall animation style have a cleaner feel, but it seems DreamWorks has opted for a more cartoony style, with rounded shapes and bigger eyes creating a juvenile look.

Fan Backlash

A lot of fans have theorized that the new animation style is an effort to appeal to a young audience, particularly when paired with the inclusion of "memes" such as the now-stale twerking Shrek filter that was popular on TikTok. "Oh god, the Shrek universe has become aware of its meme status, that’s gonna be insufferable," one user wrote on the r/movies subreddit. "Bro….. are they pulling a Sonic PR stunt? There’s no way someone greenlit this new look," another added.

A Change in Character Design Philosophy

To me, DreamWorks has always felt like it had a one-up on Disney and Pixar, taking a more realism-led approach to animation that felt more "grown up". Perhaps that’s why it’s sad to see an iconic franchise like Shrek get watered down for a more "cute" childlike appeal. Whatever the reason behind the new animation style, it’s certainly going to take a lot more than a twerking Shrek meme to convert me from hater back to fan.

Conclusion

While it’s premature to make a final judgment without a full trailer, it’s clear that the character design changes have sparked a strong reaction among fans. As we await more information on the new Shrek 5, one thing is certain – the franchise’s new direction will require a different approach to win back the hearts of fans.

FAQs

Q: What is the reason behind the new animation style?
A: The reason behind the new animation style is unclear, but fans speculate it’s an effort to appeal to a young audience.

Q: Will the new design be a hit with fans?
A: The initial reaction from fans is overwhelmingly negative, with many feeling the character design changes water down the franchise’s appeal.

Q: Will this affect the overall quality of the movie?
A: Only time will tell, but the early signs suggest that the character design changes may be a step in the wrong direction.

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Boulies EP200: A Hybrid Office Chair for Comfort and Support

As someone who spends countless hours parked in front of a computer, I know the importance of having a good office chair. A bad chair can mean poor posture, back pain, and decreased productivity. So, when I had the chance to try out the Boulies EP200 office chair, I jumped at it.

Design & Assembly

The Boulies EP200 arrived in a large, heavy box, and despite its size, I managed to move it from room to room without much trouble. The base and backrest come already assembled, and while there is some assembly required, even I, a flat-pack avoider, managed to put it together without much hassle. It took me around 40 minutes to get it all together, and while it was easy enough to do the bulk of it on my own, I did need to call in help when it came to attaching the seat and armrests. Everything you need is in the box, including the tools, so you don’t need any extra equipment.

Features & Comfort

The one thing this chair does well is encourage good posture. If you’re anything like me and find yourself becoming more slumped and sloth-like over the working day, having exceptional lumbar support can make a huge difference. The backrest has integrated lumbar support that can be fully adjusted by twisting the knob on the back of the chair until you reach your optimum comfort level – it’s placed centrally at the back but it’s easy enough to reach and twist without dislocating your arm.

The actual seat itself is also made from a mesh – you can get a soft foam version if you prefer something a little more plush – but the mesh is surprisingly comfortable, and the depth and height can both be adjusted. The 3D armrests are designed to be adjustable, and you can twist them so they’re forward, to the left or to the right. I have to be honest, I didn’t really like the armrests. They feel clunky and large, and I’d have much preferred them to have lifted so I could push the chair neatly underneath my desk.

Price

The RRP of the Boulies EP200 is £279/$299, but discounts are sometimes available, so it’s worth shopping around to make sure you’re getting the best price.

Who’s it for?

The Boulies EP200 is an excellent all-rounder that promises comfort and support without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a new chair to improve your work-from-home setup, something for the office, or a chair that you can kick back and game late into the night in, this chair will fit the bill.

Buy it if…

• You need good lumbar support
• If you prefer a mesh back design for better airflow
• You want a chair with adjustable elements

Don’t buy it if…

• You’re on a tight budget
• You’re a gamer and prefer the classic racing seat design
• You need armrests that fold up

Conclusion

The Boulies EP200 is a great option for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive office chair that won’t break the bank. Its adjustable features and mesh design make it perfect for those who need a chair that can accommodate their specific needs. While it may not be the best option for gamers or those on a tight budget, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable office chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Boulies EP200 a good chair for gaming?
A: While the Boulies EP200 is a great chair, it’s not specifically designed for gaming. If you’re a gamer, you may want to look for a chair with a more aggressive design and features specifically tailored for gaming.

Q: Is the chair easy to assemble?
A: Yes, the chair is relatively easy to assemble, but you may need some help with attaching the seat and armrests.

Q: Is the chair comfortable for long periods of use?
A: Yes, the chair is designed for comfort and support, making it perfect for long periods of use.

Q: Is the chair worth the price?
A: The chair is a great value for the price, offering excellent comfort and support without breaking the bank.