# openc2e: reimplementing the Creatures game engine

> openc2e reimplements an engine for the Creatures artificial life games and reads their original data directories. It targets Creatures 1–3, Docking Station, Playground and Adventures; agents, biochemistry and sound effects work, while creature support and world saving remain incomplete.

- 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/openc2e/openc2e>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/openc2e/openc2e/blob/dfcd46f2d6748f6fedc8ba61c3269bdf02956786/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/openc2e-creatures-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/openc2e-creatures-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/openc2e-creatures-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** A data directory from a supported Creatures game is required.
- **Prerequisites:** Build dependencies include SDL2, SDL2_mixer, Python and CMake.
- **Limits:** Creatures 1 and 2 creatures do not work; world saving is unfinished.
- **License:** GNU Lesser General Public License version 2.1.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/openc2e/openc2e/blob/dfcd46f2d6748f6fedc8ba61c3269bdf02956786/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/openc2e/openc2e/blob/dfcd46f2d6748f6fedc8ba61c3269bdf02956786/COPYING>

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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.