# Open Annihilation: a Total Annihilation engine reimplementation

> Open Annihilation reimplements a Total Annihilation game engine in C++20 and runs it with data from the player's copy of the original game. Its source covers the simulation, user interface, multiplayer, mod handling, and platform support, alongside module and file-format documentation.

- 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/open-annihilation/open-annihilation>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/open-annihilation/open-annihilation/blob/cfd76c141bf96b1e69483f473d13dfa5b2c143fd/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/open-annihilation-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/open-annihilation-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/open-annihilation-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Requires an installed Total Annihilation copy with the 3.1 update, or the free demo data.
- **Limits:** Single-player completion and Total Annihilation: Kingdoms support remain on the roadmap.
- **License:** GPL-3.0 license.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/open-annihilation/open-annihilation/blob/cfd76c141bf96b1e69483f473d13dfa5b2c143fd/README.md>

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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.