An open format is a file format for storing digital data, defined by a published specification usually maintained by a standards organization, and which can be used and implemented by anyone. For example, an open format can be implemented by both proprietary and free and open-source software, using the typical software licenses used by each. In contrast to open formats, closed formats are considered trade secrets. Open formats are also called free file formats if they are not encumbered by any copyrights, patents, trademarks or other restrictions (for example, if they are in the public domain) so that anyone may use them at no monetary cost for any desired purpose:
Imaging
- APNG: It allows for animated PNG files that work similarly to animated GIF files.
- AVIF: An image format using AV1 compression.
- FLIF: Free Lossless Image Format.
- GBR: a 2D binary vector image file format, the de facto standard in the printed circuit board (PCB) industry
- GIF: CompuServe's Graphics Interchange Format (openly published specification, but patent-encumbered by a third party; became free when patents expired in 2004)
- JPEG 2000: an image format standardized by ISO/IEC
- MNG: moving pictures, based on PNG
- OpenEXR: a high dynamic range imaging image file format, released as an open standard along with a set of software tools created by Industrial Light and Magic (ILM).
- PNG: a raster image format standardized by ISO/IEC
- SVG: a vector image format standardized by W3C
- WebP: image format developed by Google
- XPM: image file format used by the X Window System
Audio
- ALAC: lossless audio codec, previously a proprietary format of Apple Inc.
- FLAC: lossless audio codec
- DAISY Digital Talking Book: a talking book format
- Musepack: an audio codec
- MP3: lossy audio codec, previously patented
- Ogg: container for Vorbis, FLAC, Speex and Opus (audio formats) & Theora (a video format), each of which is an open format
- Opus: a lossy audio compression format developed by the IETF. Suitable for VoIP, videoconferencing (just audio), music transmission over the Internet and streaming applications (just audio).
- Speex: speech codec
- Vorbis: a lossy audio compression format.
- WavPack: "Hybrid" (lossless/lossy) audio codec
Video
- Dirac: a video compression format supporting both lossless and lossy compression
- Matroska (mkv): container for all type of multimedia formats (audio, video, images, subtitles)
- WebM: a video/audio container format
- Theora: a lossy video compression format.
List of Open-source Codecs
This is a listing of open-source codecs—that is, open-source software implementations of audio or video coding formats.
Audio Codecs
- FLAC: Lossless codec developed by Xiph.Org Foundation.
- LAME: Lossy compression (MP3 format).
- TooLAME/TwoLAME: Lossy compression (MP2 format).
- Musepack: Lossy compression; based on MP2 format, with many improvements.
- Speex: Low bitrate compression, primarily voice; developed by Xiph.Org Foundation. Deprecated in favour of Opus according to www.speex.org.
- CELT: Lossy compression for low-latency audio communication
- libopus: A reference implementation of the Opus format, the IETF standards-track successor to CELT. (Opus support is mandatory for WebRTC implementations.)
- libvorbis: Lossy compression, implementation of the Vorbis format; developed by Xiph.Org Foundation.
- iLBC: Low bitrate compression, primarily voice
- iSAC: Low bitrate compression, primarily voice; (free when using the WebRTC codebase)
- TTA: Lossless compression
- WavPack: Hybrid lossy/lossless
- Bonk: Hybrid lossy/lossless; supported by fre:ac (formerly BonkEnc)
- Apple Lossless: Lossless compression (MP4)
- Fraunhofer FDK AAC: Lossy compression (AAC)
- FFmpeg: codecs in the libavcodec library, e.g. AC-3, AAC, ADPCM, PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, WMA, Vorbis, MP2, etc.
- FAAD2: open-source decoder for Advanced Audio Coding. There is also FAAC, the same project's encoder, but it is proprietary (but still free of charge).
- libgsm: Lossy compression (GSM 06.10)
- opencore-amr: Lossy compression (AMR and AMR-WB)
- liba52: a free ATSC A/52 stream decoder (AC-3)
- libdca: a free DTS Coherent Acoustics decoder
- Codec2: Low bitrate compression, primarily voice
Video Codecs
- x264: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC implementation. x264 is not a codec (encoder/decoder); it is just an encoder (it cannot decode video).
- OpenH264: H.264 baseline profile encoding and decoding
- x265: An encoder based on the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC/H.265) standard.
- Xvid: MPEG-4 Part 2 codec, compatible with DivX
- libvpx: VP8 and VP9 implementation; formerly a proprietary codec developed by On2 Technologies, released by Google under a BSD-like license in May 2010.
- FFmpeg codecs: Codecs in the libavcodec library from the FFmpeg project (FFV1, Snow, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 part 2, MSMPEG-4, WMV2, SVQ1, MJPEG, HuffYUV and others). Decoders in the libavcodec (H.264, SVQ3, WMV3, VP3, Theora, Indeo, Dirac, Lagarith and others).
- Lagarith: Video codec designed for strong lossless compression in RGB(A) colorspace (similar to ZIP/RAR/etc.)
- libtheora: A reference implementation of the Theora format, based on VP3, part of the Ogg Project
- Dirac as dirac-research: a wavelet based codec created by the BBC Research, and Schrödinger, an implementation developed by David Schleef.
- Huffyuv: Lossless codec from BenRG
- Daala: Experimental Video codec which was under development by the Xiph.Org Foundation and finally merged into AV1.
- Thor: Experimental royalty free video codec which was under development by Cisco Systems, and merged technologies into AV1.
- Turing: A High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC/H.265) encoder implemented by BBC Research.
- libaom: Reference implementation for the royalty free AV1 video coding format by AOMedia, inheriting technologies from VP9, Daala and Thor.
Gstreamer Overview and Features
GStreamer is an open-source multimedia framework designed to build complex media-handling pipelines. It is widely used for developing media applications such as video editors, streaming media broadcasters, and media players. Here are some key aspects of GStreamer:
Cross-Platform Support:
GStreamer is available on various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, and Android.
Modular Architecture:
It uses a pipeline-based architecture where data flows through a series of processing elements (plugins). This modularity allows for easy extension and customization.
Plugins and Elements:
GStreamer includes a wide range of plugins for different types of media processing, such as encoding, decoding, filtering, muxing, demuxing, and more. Users can also develop custom plugins to extend its functionality.
Pipeline-based Processing:
Media data is processed in pipelines, which can consist of multiple elements chained together. Each element performs a specific function, such as reading data from a file, decoding audio/video, applying filters, or rendering output.
Media Format Support:
It supports a broad array of media formats and codecs, thanks to its extensive plugin ecosystem. This includes popular formats like MP3, AAC, H.264, VP8, AVI, and MP4.
Synchronization and Timing:
GStreamer provides precise control over media synchronization and timing, which is crucial for applications requiring accurate playback, such as live streaming and video conferencing.
High Performance:
It is designed for high performance, capable of handling complex media processing tasks efficiently. GStreamer can leverage hardware acceleration when available to improve performance.
Integration with Other Technologies:
GStreamer can be integrated with other multimedia frameworks and libraries, such as PulseAudio, JACK, and OpenMAX, to enhance its capabilities and performance.
Community and Documentation:
GStreamer has an active community of developers and users, with extensive documentation, tutorials, and support forums available. This helps users to get started and troubleshoot any issues they encounter.
Use Cases:
GStreamer is used in various applications, including media playback, streaming solutions, video editing, multimedia processing, and more. It is employed in both consumer and professional contexts, demonstrating its versatility and reliability.
Overall, GStreamer is a powerful and flexible tool for multimedia development, enabling the creation of sophisticated media applications and services.
LMMS Overview and Features
LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio) is a free, open-source digital audio workstation (DAW) software. It's designed for creating music, producing sound effects, and mixing audio tracks. Here are some key features and details about LMMS:
Platform Support:
LMMS is cross-platform, meaning it works on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
User Interface:
It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes a song editor, beat/bassline editor, piano roll, automation editor, and a virtual mixer.
Instrument and Effect Plugins:
LMMS comes with a variety of built-in instrument and effect plugins. It supports VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugins, allowing users to expand their library with third-party instruments and effects.
MIDI Support:
It supports MIDI input, enabling users to connect MIDI keyboards and other controllers to interact with the software.
Sample Support:
Users can import samples and use them within their projects, supporting various formats like WAV, OGG, and MP3.
Track Editing:
It features tools for track automation, volume, pitch adjustments, and more, facilitating detailed sound design and mixing.
Community and Resources:
As an open-source project, LMMS has a vibrant community contributing to its development. Users can access tutorials, forums, and a repository of shared projects and presets.
Project Compatibility:
LMMS supports project files from other DAWs to some extent, such as FL Studio projects, providing flexibility for users transitioning from other software.
Overall, LMMS is a versatile tool for both amateur and professional musicians, sound designers, and producers, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for creating and manipulating audio.
Video Gaming
WineHQ:
WineHQ is the project and community behind Wine, a compatibility layer that allows users to run Windows applications on Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux and macOS. Here are some key aspects of WineHQ and Wine:
Compatibility Layer:
Wine is not an emulator (Wine stands for "Wine Is Not an Emulator"). Instead, it translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls used by Unix-based systems, allowing Windows applications to run natively on these systems.
ross-Platform Support:
- Wine can be used on various Unix-based systems, including Linux, macOS, and BSD. It enables users of these operating systems to run a wide range of Windows applications and games.
Performance:
Since Wine translates API calls rather than emulating a whole operating system, it often provides better performance compared to traditional emulators or virtual machines.
Development and Community:
WineHQ oversees the development of Wine, maintaining and updating the software. The project is open-source, with contributions from developers worldwide.
The community provides extensive support, including forums, mailing lists, and a detailed Application Database (AppDB), where users can find compatibility information for specific applications.
Wine Staging:
- Wine Staging is a testing ground for experimental features and patches that have not yet been integrated into the main Wine branch. It allows users to try out new improvements and provide feedback.
Commercial Variants:
There are commercial variants of Wine, such as CrossOver by CodeWeavers, which provide additional features, professional support, and enhanced compatibility for specific applications and games.
Usage Scenarios:
Wine is used to run various Windows applications on Unix-based systems, including productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office), development tools, and a wide range of PC games.
Installation and Configuration:
Installing and configuring Wine can vary based on the operating system and the specific application being run. WineHQ provides documentation and resources to help users get started.
Regular Updates:
The Wine project is actively maintained, with regular updates that include bug fixes, performance improvements, and support for new applications and games.
Application Database (AppDB):
The WineHQ AppDB is a comprehensive resource where users can find reports on the compatibility of specific applications, including tips and workarounds for running them successfully.
Overall, WineHQ and Wine provide a valuable solution for users who need to run Windows applications on non-Windows operating systems, enhancing the versatility and functionality of these systems.
PlayOnLinux:
PlayOnLinux is a free, open-source software tool that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for Wine, simplifying the process of installing, configuring, and managing Windows applications and games on Unix-like operating systems, primarily Linux. Here are the key aspects of PlayOnLinux:
User-Friendly Interface:
PlayOnLinux offers an intuitive GUI that makes it easier for users to install and manage Windows applications and games without needing to interact directly with Wine's command-line interface.
Preconfigured Scripts:
It includes a library of preconfigured scripts for installing a wide range of popular Windows applications and games. These scripts automate many of the steps required to get these applications running smoothly on Linux.
Application and Game Support:
PlayOnLinux supports a broad array of software, including office suites (like Microsoft Office), multimedia tools, development software, and numerous PC games. The scripts ensure that each application is set up with optimal settings for performance and compatibility.
Virtual Drives:
PlayOnLinux uses virtual drives (Wine prefixes) to isolate different Windows applications. This means each application can have its own separate environment, with specific Wine versions and settings, reducing conflicts and improving stability.
Wine Version Management:
Users can install and manage multiple versions of Wine, selecting the most compatible version for each application. PlayOnLinux makes it easy to switch between Wine versions without affecting the overall system.
Community Contributions:
The PlayOnLinux community contributes scripts and configurations to the software's repository. Users can share their experiences and solutions, helping others to get their applications working.
Cross-Platform:
Although primarily developed for Linux, PlayOnLinux also works on macOS through a similar project called PlayOnMac, providing the same ease of use for Mac users.
Integration with Wine:
PlayOnLinux leverages Wine's compatibility layer but enhances it with additional tools and scripts to manage applications more effectively. It integrates tightly with Wine, taking advantage of its capabilities while providing additional user-friendly features.
Customization and Flexibility:
Advanced users can customize the scripts and settings for each application, providing flexibility for troubleshooting and optimizing performance.
Active Development:
PlayOnLinux is actively developed and maintained, with regular updates that include new features, improved compatibility, and support for more applications and games.
Overall, PlayOnLinux simplifies the process of running Windows applications and games on Linux by providing an easy-to-use interface, preconfigured scripts, and robust management tools, enhancing the usability and functionality of Wine.
Pars Enterprise encourage Its users to play around with Pars Enterprise Platforms to enjoy the taste of Open-source gaming as both online and offline mode.
There are many benefits by playing with Pars Enterprise Platforms:
- Available latest Intel – Radeon – Nvidia Open-source drivers or firmwares via package management.
- Supporting NVIDIA optimus technology for discrete graphic cards to manage power usage.
- Configured gaming utilities and application such as voice system, steam and a package contains of most popular Open-source video games.
Mumble:
Mumble is an open-source, low-latency, high-quality voice chat software primarily used by gamers but suitable for various online communities needing voice communication. Here are the key features and aspects of Mumble:
Low Latency:
Mumble is designed to offer minimal delay in voice communication, making it ideal for real-time interactions such as gaming, where low latency is crucial.
High-Quality Audio:
It provides high-quality voice transmission using advanced audio codecs, ensuring clear and crisp communication.
Open Source:
Mumble is free and open-source, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute the software. Its source code is available for review and contribution on platforms like GitHub.
Cross-Platform:
Mumble is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS. There are also third-party clients available for Android.
Server-Client Architecture:
Mumble operates on a server-client model. The server component is called Murmur, which hosts the voice chat channels, while the Mumble client is used by the participants to connect to these channels.
Security:
Mumble offers strong encryption for voice data, ensuring secure communication. It uses SSL/TLS for server-client communication and AES for voice data encryption.
Positional Audio:
One of Mumble's unique features is positional audio, which can be used in compatible games to provide a spatial audio experience. This means the direction and distance of the sound sources are adjusted based on the in-game location of the speakers.
Access Control:
It includes robust user management and access control features, allowing administrators to manage permissions and roles for users and channels effectively.
Customization and Plugins:
Mumble supports various plugins and skins, allowing users to customize their experience. Plugins can extend Mumble's functionality, integrating it with games or other applications.
Overlay Feature:
Mumble offers an in-game overlay that shows who is speaking without needing to switch away from the game. This is particularly useful for gamers who need to keep track of their teammates during gameplay.
Channel Hierarchy:
Mumble allows for a hierarchical channel structure, enabling the creation of sub-channels within channels. This is useful for organizing large groups into smaller, manageable sections.
Recording:
Users can record conversations directly from the Mumble client, which can be useful for podcasts, meetings, or reviewing gaming sessions.
Overall, Mumble is a robust and versatile voice communication tool favored by many gaming communities and other groups requiring reliable and secure voice chat.
NVIDIA Optimus Support
Bumblebee is an effort to make NVIDIA Optimus enabled laptops work in GNU/Linux systems. These laptops are built in such a way that the NVIDIA graphics card can be used on demand so that battery life is improved and temperature is kept low.
It disables the discrete graphics card if no client is detected, and starts an X server making use of NVIDIA card if requested then let software GL implementations (such as VirtualGL) copy frames to the visible display that runs on the integrated graphics. The ability to use discrete graphics depends on the driver: open source nouveau and proprietary nvidia.
Primus is a shared library that provides OpenGL and GLX APIs and implements low-overhead local-only client-side OpenGL offloading via GLX forking, similar to VirtualGL. It intercepts GLX calls and redirects GL rendering to a secondary X display, presumably driven by a faster GPU. On swapping buffers, rendered contents are read back using a PBO and copied onto the drawable it was supposed to be rendered on in the first place.
Primus is currently intended to be used alongside Bumblebee and provides a drop-in replacement for optirun (i.e. "primusrun").
Diagnostic tools to manage graphic cards:
-
sudo lspci | grep VGA (Detect Multiple Graphics Cards) -
sudo nvidia-xconfig (X Configure for NVIDIA Driver) -
sudo optirun glxgears info (Testing Command for Bumblebee) -
sudo cat /proc/acpi/bbswitch (Checking Status) -
sudo tee /proc/acpi/bbswitch
NVIDIA Settings Panel:
The `nvidia-settings` utility is a graphical configuration tool for managing NVIDIA graphics cards on Unix-like operating systems, such as Linux. This utility allows users to control various aspects of their NVIDIA GPU's settings and performance. Here are some key features and aspects of the `nvidia-settings` utility:
Graphical User Interface (GUI):
Provides an intuitive GUI for configuring and optimizing NVIDIA graphics cards, making it accessible for users who may not be comfortable with command-line tools.
Configuration of Display Settings:
Allows users to adjust screen resolution, refresh rate, and orientation for multiple monitors. Users can configure their multi-monitor setup, including TwinView, Xinerama, and separate X screens.
GPU Performance and Power Management:
Offers control over various GPU performance settings, including clock speeds, fan speeds, and power management options. Users can monitor GPU temperature, usage, and other performance metrics.
OpenGL Settings:
Enables users to configure OpenGL settings, such as antialiasing, anisotropic filtering, and vertical sync. This can help optimize graphics performance for specific applications and games.
Application Profiles:
Users can create and manage application profiles to apply specific settings for individual applications or games. This allows for tailored optimizations based on the software being used.
Color Correction:
Provides tools for adjusting color settings, including brightness, contrast, and gamma correction for each connected display. This is useful for achieving accurate color representation and improving visual quality.
Stereoscopic 3D Settings:
If the NVIDIA GPU supports stereoscopic 3D, the utility allows users to configure and enable 3D settings for compatible displays and applications.
X Server Configuration:
nvidia-settings` can be used to configure the X server settings, including setting up multiple X screens, configuring Xinerama, and editing the X configuration file (`xorg.conf`).
Persistence and Command Line Interface (CLI):
- The utility can save configuration settings to the X configuration file, ensuring that changes persist across reboots.
- It also includes a CLI, allowing advanced users to script and automate GPU settings changes without using the GUI.
Dynamic and Real-Time Adjustments:
Changes made using `nvidia-settings` are applied in real-time, allowing users to immediately see the impact of their adjustments without needing to restart the system.
Integration with NVIDIA Drivers:
The utility is tightly integrated with NVIDIA's proprietary drivers, ensuring compatibility and access to all driver-supported features and settings.
Overall, the `nvidia-settings` utility is a powerful tool for managing and optimizing NVIDIA graphics cards on Unix-like systems, providing both graphical and command-line interfaces to cater to a wide range of user needs.
FreeBSD Graphics Driver
So how do you identify your processor?
If you don't know your processors name, run the following command:
% dmesg | grep CPU:
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4600U CPU @ 2.10GHz (2693.83-MHz K8-class CPU)Decide Which Driver to Use
The numbering in the table below shows the Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 family of processors, including it's mobile and desktop parts:
2xxx Sandy Bridge (i915kms.ko in base)
3xxx Ivy Bridge (i915kms.ko in base)
4xxx Haswell (i915kms.ko in base)
5xxx Broadwell (i915kms.ko from ports graphics/drm-next-kmod)
6xxx Skylake (i915kms.ko from ports graphics/drm-next-kmod)
7xxx Kaby Lake (i915kms.ko from ports graphics/drm-next-kmod)
(I'm going a little deeper into, how you identify your Pentium, Celeron or Xeon processor in a minute)
First, for those who got one of the above processors and can't wait...
If your processor is supported by the i915kms.ko driver in the base system, add the following lines to /etc/rc.conf
kld_list="i915kms"In case you have created a xorg.conf, remove it and reboot. That's it. or...
If your processor is supported by the i915kms.ko driver from the ports, add the following lines to /etc/rc.conf
kld_list="/boot/modules/i915kms.ko"In case you have created a xorg.conf, remove it and reboot. That's it.
Example Configuration For Post Broadwell System
A common configuration is a user who has an Intel laptop with a Kabylake Intel i915 HD Graphics chip. To enable the chipset one would follow these instructions:
Install the drm-kmod package
# sudo pkg install drm-kmodTake note of the post-install package message as it contains important information - specifically add this to your /etc/rc.conf or /etc/rc.conf.d/intel file:
kld_list="/boot/modules/i915kms.ko"Ensure your UID is a member of the "video" group.
Restart your system; you should see the i915kms.ko get loaded and a flash on your console as we switch over to the new display driver.
Start Xorg via your usual method (i.e. startx, GDM, etc.)
Note: For systems that are able to take advantage of this updated DRM code you should not have to prepare an xorg.conf configuration file, nor should you install xf86-video-intel port. Our Xorg should autodetect the driver, and utilize the modesetting Xorg driver and glamor driver.
AMD Graphics
AMD based GPUs are also supported using the drm-kmod port or package. Unlike the i915 Intel graphics driver there are two separate modules available for AMD devices based on their generation. The modules are named:
- amdgpu
- radeonkms
To view the AMD graphics support matrix view this page. The Xorg project also has a great resource on decoding AMD marketing names to engineering friendly names here.
It is important to note that there is currently a conflict with both AMD drivers and the EFI frambuffer. The current workaround, when booting via UEFI on these systems, is to disable the framebuffer via /boot/loader.conf:
hw.syscons.disable=1This will have the side effect of there being no console output until either the amdgpu or radeonkms kernel driver is loaded. Please see this Github issue for more context.
One final note - there is a patch available here that will allow you to use Vulkan, OpenCL, Xwayland and OpenMW when using Wayland.
AMD GPU
AMD GPU is the kernel module that can be used to support post-HD7000 or Tahiti GPUs. To enable graphics on these systems you would do the following:
Install the drm-kmod package
# sudo pkg install drm-kmodTake note of the post-install package message as it contains important information - specifically add this to your /etc/rc.conf or /etc/rc.conf.d/amd file:
kld_list="/boot/modules/amdgpu.ko"Ensure that your UID is a member of the "video" group.
Restart your system; you should see the amdgpu.ko get loaded and a flash on your console as we switch over to the new display driver.
Start Xorg via your usual method (i.e. startx, GDM, etc.)
Radeon KMS
Radeon KMS is a distinct driver intended for older AMD based GPUs that are available in pre-HD7000 or Tahiti GPUs. To enable graphics on systems with these GPUs you would do the following:
Install the drm-kmod package
# sudo pkg install drm-kmodTake note of the post-install package message as it contains important information - specifically add this to your /etc/rc.conf or /etc/rc.conf.d/radeon file:
kld_list="/boot/modules/radeonkms.ko"Ensure that your UID is a member of the "video" group.
Restart your system; you should see the radeonkms.ko get loaded and a flash on your console as we switch over to the new display driver.
Start Xorg via your usual method (i.e. startx, GDM, etc.)
FreeBSD Xorg Configs
Editing /usr/local/etc/X11/xorg.conf with Administration Privilege to:
In case of failures at boot to start graphical environment the following parameters can be helpful for the most built-in GPU Intel processors.
Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "X.org Configured"
Screen 0 "Screen0" 0 0
EndSectionSection "Files"
ModulePath "/usr/local/lib/xorg/modules"
FontPath "/usr/local/lib/X11/fonts/misc/"
FontPath "/usr/local/lib/X11/fonts/TTF/"
FontPath "/usr/local/lib/X11/fonts/OTF/"
FontPath "/usr/local/lib/X11/fonts/Type1/"
FontPath "/usr/local/lib/X11/fonts/100dpi/"
FontPath "/usr/local/lib/X11/fonts/75dpi/"
EndSectionSection "Monitor"
Identifier "Monitor0"
VendorName "Monitor Vendor"
ModelName "Monitor Model"
EndSectionSection "Device"
Identifier "Card0"
Driver "intel"
BusID "PCI:0:2:0"
EndSectionSection "Screen"
Identifier "Screen0"
Device "Card0"
Monitor "Monitor0"
DefaultDepth 24
Option "TwinView" "0"
Option "SWCursor" "on"
Option "HWCursor" "off"
SubSection "Display"
Option "DynamicTwinView" "false"
Depth 24
EndSubSection
EndSectionSection "Extensions"
Option "Composite" "Disable"
EndSectionWhat is 0 A.D.?
0 A.D. (pronounced "zero A.D.") is a free, open-source, historical real-time strategy (RTS) game that focuses on the ancient era. It is developed by Wildfire Games and is notable for its emphasis on historical accuracy and attention to detail in the depiction of ancient civilizations. Here are some key features and aspects of 0 A.D:
Historical Setting:
The game is set in the ancient world, spanning from approximately 500 B.C. to 500 A.D. It features various civilizations from different regions, including Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Civilizations:
Players can choose from a range of historical civilizations, each with its own unique units, buildings, and technologies. These civilizations include the Romans, Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, and many others.
Real-Time Strategy Gameplay:
As an RTS game, 0 A.D. involves resource management, building construction, unit production, and combat. Players gather resources, build and upgrade structures, and command armies to achieve their objectives.
Historical Accuracy:
The developers emphasize historical accuracy in the game's art, architecture, and units. The game includes detailed recreations of historical buildings and units, as well as historically inspired gameplay elements.
Graphics and Art:
0 A.D. features high-quality 3D graphics and a realistic art style. The game's visuals are designed to reflect the ancient world accurately, including historically inspired architecture and landscapes.
Open-Source Development:
The game is developed under an open-source license, allowing anyone to contribute to its development. This means that the game is constantly evolving based on community feedback and contributions.
Multiplayer and Single-Player Modes:
0 A.D. offers both single-player and multiplayer modes. Players can compete against AI opponents or other players in online matches.
Modding Support:
The game supports modding, allowing players to create and share custom content, including new civilizations, maps, and game modes. This extends the replayability and variety of the game.
Educational Value:
The game's focus on historical accuracy and detail provides an educational aspect, offering players insights into ancient civilizations and historical events.
Community and Development:
0 A.D. has an active community of players and developers who contribute to its ongoing development. The game's forums and website offer resources, updates, and community support.
Overall,0 A.D. is praised for its commitment to historical authenticity, detailed graphics, and open-source development model. It provides a rich and immersive experience for fans of historical RTS games.
