# Benno4j: reconstructing a game world from GAM saves and BSH graphics

> Benno4j reconstructs a game world in Java from original save and graphics files for the NINA and History Edition versions. Its readers parse GAM save chunks for islands and ships and BSH image files for rendering; the interface includes ship movement and pathfinding.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Game
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/stwe/Benno4j>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/stwe/Benno4j/blob/ca27a78665b79cd009b9525945c04bb9268505a9/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/benno4j-game-world-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/benno4j-game-world-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/benno4j-game-world-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Original game graphics and paths to the game and save files are required.
- **Limits:** base.json and buildings.json are missing, so the documented build is incomplete.
- **License:** Apache-2.0.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/stwe/Benno4j/blob/ca27a78665b79cd009b9525945c04bb9268505a9/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/stwe/Benno4j/blob/ca27a78665b79cd009b9525945c04bb9268505a9/src/main/java/de/sg/benno/file/BshFile.java>
3. <https://github.com/stwe/Benno4j/blob/ca27a78665b79cd009b9525945c04bb9268505a9/src/main/java/de/sg/benno/file/GamFile.java>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.