Introducing
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An open source re-implementation of the C&C Red Alert engine. Written from scratch in C++.
www.openredalert.org www.twitter.com/OpenRedAlert
![]()
OpenRedAlert is a project to create an accurate reimplementation of the game engine used for the classic Westwood Studios RTS, Command & Conquer: Red Alert in C++.
The team developing this are fans of the game who want to see it preserved and ensure it can be enjoyed properly on modern platforms. They do not have access to any of the original source code, and the project is being developed from scratch through careful examination and comparison to the original. This is to ensure that the new engine is as true to the original engine as possible, guarantee an authentically retro gaming experience. The project is not endorsed, sponsored or in any other way connected to EA/Electronic Arts and and has no intention to profit from the endeavour.
In the coming months, we will be posting regular updates and working towards a public release in the near future.
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- Utilises the latest open source graphic and audio libraries (SDL, OpenGL and OpenAL). -
- Fully compatable with the original game, allowing you to run the compiled binary as a direct replacement of your original installation. -
- Fixes bugs that appear in the original game, without losing gameplay authenticity. -
- Built on years of thorough research into core gameplay dynamics to deliver a genuine experience. -
- Allows you to continue playing your favourite RTS on a device of your choice. -
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Q: Why develop another Red Alert engine from scratch, if we already have FreeRA, FreeCNC and OpenRA...
A: FreeRA and FreeCNC are far from complete and appear to be abandoned while OpenRA is focusing on reimagining the classic Westwood RTS titles with modern era twists such as features found later Command and Conquer titles or other RTS games. Our focus is on a classic recreation with great attention to detail on the core mechanics, more akin to OpenDUNE, hence the new project.
Q: Why is it called OpenRedAlert, wasn't there already existing project called OpenRedAlert?
A: Correct, but the project has been inactive for some years now. We approched the creator, Damien some time ago now and asked the status of the project, and if it was currently inactive, could we use the name OpenRedAlert. Damien's project is still being developed in private and he has given us permission to use the name and hopfully in the future we can bring him on board to help with development.
Q: Where to download latest version of OpenRedAlert?
A: At the moment, OpenRedAlert is being developed in private so we can ensure the basic engine works as required. Once we are happy with the state of the engine, we will release a public build and also create a public repository on GitHub.
Q: What do I need to run OpenRedAlert?
A: It's simple! - All you will need is a installation of the original C&C Red Alert (patched to 3.03), and a compiled binary from the OpenRedAlert source code, be that from a preview build or from the public repository yourself. EA released C&C Red Alert as Freeware in celebration of the release of Red Alert 3 and it is now possible to legally download a copy from the EA servers or official mirrors.
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CCHyper
Core Engine Programmer
- C&C Engine Researcher -
OmniBlade
Core Engine Programmer
- SDL and OpenGL -
- Cryptography & Algorithms -
- Cross Platform Deployment -
Additional Contributions
tomsons26 - Branding Artwork and Design
Tore - Web Technical Support
Grant - Web Technical Support
CNCNet Network - Website Hosting
![]()
If you are a fan of using social media, you can also![]()
or ![]()
for updates and other information.
An open source re-implementation of the C&C Red Alert engine. Written from scratch in C++.
www.openredalert.org www.twitter.com/OpenRedAlert
OpenRedAlert is a project to create an accurate reimplementation of the game engine used for the classic Westwood Studios RTS, Command & Conquer: Red Alert in C++.
The team developing this are fans of the game who want to see it preserved and ensure it can be enjoyed properly on modern platforms. They do not have access to any of the original source code, and the project is being developed from scratch through careful examination and comparison to the original. This is to ensure that the new engine is as true to the original engine as possible, guarantee an authentically retro gaming experience. The project is not endorsed, sponsored or in any other way connected to EA/Electronic Arts and and has no intention to profit from the endeavour.
In the coming months, we will be posting regular updates and working towards a public release in the near future.
- Utilises the latest open source graphic and audio libraries (SDL, OpenGL and OpenAL). -
- Fully compatable with the original game, allowing you to run the compiled binary as a direct replacement of your original installation. -
- Fixes bugs that appear in the original game, without losing gameplay authenticity. -
- Built on years of thorough research into core gameplay dynamics to deliver a genuine experience. -
- Allows you to continue playing your favourite RTS on a device of your choice. -
Q: Why develop another Red Alert engine from scratch, if we already have FreeRA, FreeCNC and OpenRA...
A: FreeRA and FreeCNC are far from complete and appear to be abandoned while OpenRA is focusing on reimagining the classic Westwood RTS titles with modern era twists such as features found later Command and Conquer titles or other RTS games. Our focus is on a classic recreation with great attention to detail on the core mechanics, more akin to OpenDUNE, hence the new project.
Q: Why is it called OpenRedAlert, wasn't there already existing project called OpenRedAlert?
A: Correct, but the project has been inactive for some years now. We approched the creator, Damien some time ago now and asked the status of the project, and if it was currently inactive, could we use the name OpenRedAlert. Damien's project is still being developed in private and he has given us permission to use the name and hopfully in the future we can bring him on board to help with development.
Q: Where to download latest version of OpenRedAlert?
A: At the moment, OpenRedAlert is being developed in private so we can ensure the basic engine works as required. Once we are happy with the state of the engine, we will release a public build and also create a public repository on GitHub.
Q: What do I need to run OpenRedAlert?
A: It's simple! - All you will need is a installation of the original C&C Red Alert (patched to 3.03), and a compiled binary from the OpenRedAlert source code, be that from a preview build or from the public repository yourself. EA released C&C Red Alert as Freeware in celebration of the release of Red Alert 3 and it is now possible to legally download a copy from the EA servers or official mirrors.
CCHyper
Core Engine Programmer
- C&C Engine Researcher -
OmniBlade
Core Engine Programmer
- SDL and OpenGL -
- Cryptography & Algorithms -
- Cross Platform Deployment -
Additional Contributions
tomsons26 - Branding Artwork and Design
Tore - Web Technical Support
Grant - Web Technical Support
CNCNet Network - Website Hosting
If you are a fan of using social media, you can also
or 
for updates and other information.