# openQ4: replacing the Quake 4 engine and game binaries

> openQ4 replaces the Quake 4 engine and game binaries with a GPL engine and SDK-licensed game modules that use the player's retail game assets. The source adds modern display, audio and controller support, with experimental multiplayer and Vulkan rendering.

- 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/themuffinator/openQ4>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/themuffinator/openQ4/blob/8250fb46d60330697747ba64da9b02136a821707/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/openq4-quake-4-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/openq4-quake-4-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/openq4-quake-4-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** A legitimate Quake 4 installation and its retail assets are required.
- **Prerequisites:** A matching 64-bit platform package and OpenGL-compatible graphics driver are required.
- **Limits:** The project is in beta; Vulkan and multiplayer are experimental.
- **License:** The engine LICENSE file is GPL-3.0; game modules have separate SDK terms.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/themuffinator/openQ4/blob/8250fb46d60330697747ba64da9b02136a821707/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/themuffinator/openQ4/blob/8250fb46d60330697747ba64da9b02136a821707/docs/user/getting-started.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.