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ScummVM

From Alfawiki
ScummVM
Company typeFree software project
IndustrySoftware, Video games
FoundedSeptember 2001; 25 years ago (2001-09)
FounderLudvig Strigeus
Area served
Cross-platform
Key people
James "Ender" Brown (project leader)
ProductsGame engine recreation software
OwnerCommunity-driven project
Websitewww.scummvm.org

Script Creation Utility for Maniac Mansion Virtual Machine (ScummVM) represents a collection of game engine recreation projects. Originally created by Ludvig Strigeus, its purpose was to execute LucasArts adventure games built on the SCUMM engine, and it has since expanded to accommodate a variety of non-SCUMM titles from developers such as Revolution Software and Adventure Soft. ScummVM is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License.

Rather than simulating the original hardware, ScummVM reconstructs the interpreters that define the game environments, allowing compatible games to operate across diverse platforms with minimal resource use and increased stability compared to their native versions. The development team actively maintains the project by addressing bugs, providing translations, and partnering with commercial entities like GOG.com for official re-releases.

Features

Through the use of multiple virtual machine implementations, ScummVM supports a wide range of adventure game engines, enabling players to enjoy their favorite titles on various platforms. It is important to note that ScummVM does not supply original game data; users must legally possess the original game files to utilize the software. The official website hosts several freeware games compatible with ScummVM. Besides ensuring cross-platform compatibility, ScummVM introduces enhancements such as independent save/load states detached from the original game mechanics and control schemes optimized for contemporary hardware including touch-enabled devices.

While bearing resemblance to a game emulator, ScummVM primarily involves rewriting legacy engines in portable C++ rather than emulating hardware directly—except for select audio subsystems. This strategy results in improved efficiency and lower system demands compared to running games through operating system emulators like DOSBox, making ScummVM particularly suitable for devices with constrained resources such as mobile gadgets.

Ports

Portability remains a fundamental objective of the ScummVM project. Official versions are available for major desktop operating systems like Microsoft Windows, macOS, and numerous Unix-like platforms including distributions of Linux (RPM, Debian, source), various BSD flavors (FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, DragonFly BSD), as well as Solaris. The software has also been adapted for less typical personal computer environments such as the Amiga, Atari-FreeMiNT, Haiku-BeOS-ZETA, RISC OS, and OS/2 along with its derivatives like ArcaOS.

ScummVM offers official support on several game console platforms including the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, GameCube, and the Wii. Handheld consoles supported include devices such as the GCW Zero, GP2X, Nintendo DS, Pandora, the PlayStation Portable, and the PS Vita. The scope extends to handheld computing platforms like those running Palm OS (Tapwave Zodiac), Symbian (UIQ platform, Nokia Series 60, 80, and 90 models), Nokia's Internet Tablet OS (as seen in Nokia 770, N800, N810), Apple's iPhone, MotoMAGX, MotoEZX phones, and devices powered by Windows Mobile.

Community-driven efforts have produced unofficial ports for platforms including Microsoft's original Xbox, the BlackBerry PlayBook, Sharp's Zaurus, the discontinued Gizmondo handheld, and the GP32. Additionally, mobile operating systems such as Android, Palm's webOS, and Samsung's bada OS benefit from community-maintained versions of ScummVM.

History

The inception of ScummVM dates back to September 2001, when computer science student Ludvig Strigeus embarked on a project to enable playing Monkey Island 2 on Linux systems. Around the same time, Vincent Hamm was independently exploring the SCUMM engine, and their combined efforts soon broadened the project’s scope to support multiple games. Initial development concentrated on titles from LucasArts, with Strigeus focusing on Monkey Island 2 and Hamm working on Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis.

Following a November 2001 feature on Slashdot, ScummVM attracted additional developers who expanded compatibility beyond SCUMM games to include titles such as Adventure Soft's Simon the Sorcerer. Despite early reservations, the iMUSE audio system was successfully incorporated. After both Strigeus and Hamm left in 2002, James "Ender" Brown assumed leadership, overseeing a transition of the codebase from C to C++ and introducing a graphical user interface.

LucasArts issued a cease and desist notice alleging unauthorized use of proprietary code; however, after four years of legal negotiations under Brown's guidance, an agreement was reached permitting ongoing development. Over time, ScummVM integrated engines from other companies, notably Sierra Online's AGI engine in 2006 through code from the Sarien project, followed by SCI engine support after merging with FreeSCI in 2010.

The addition of new game engines has been cautious and methodical, typically contingent upon source code availability or dedicated developer interest. Initially focused exclusively on 2D engines, ScummVM merged with its counterpart ResidualVM in 2021, thereby extending support to 3D adventure games. The milestone 2.0 release in December 2017 introduced compatibility with full motion video titles and rare games like Full Pipe and Plumbers Don't Wear Ties, expanding the total number of supported engines to 64.

Starting in late 2017, collaboration with original game creators facilitated the inclusion of Macromedia Director support for mid-1990s CD-ROM games such as The Journeyman Project, with initial releases arriving by August 2021.

A short-lived effort in 2004 to add polygon-based game Another World sparked internal debate about ScummVM’s mission focus; ultimately, this initiative was discontinued following a request from creator Éric Chahi.

Despite some resistance from developers, integration of the popular indie-oriented Adventure Game Studio (AGS) engine progressed after AGS became open source in 2010. By October 2021, games built on AGS version 2.5 and later were supported, coinciding with ScummVM’s twentieth anniversary.

ScummVM has participated almost every year in Google Summer of Code since 2007, excluding 2015. The ResidualVM project—which concentrates on 3D adventure games such as Grim Fandango and Myst III: Exile—officially merged back into ScummVM by late 2020, culminating in release version 2.5 alongside the anniversary celebrations.

Developer support

Sandulenko describes developer cooperation as "ad-hoc," involving outreach to original creators of targeted titles to obtain source code where possible, allowing development to proceed at a self-directed pace.

With growing visibility, ScummVM secured positive arrangements with various adventure game developers to incorporate their games or gain access to source code and media assets. Revolution Software contributed source code and technical guidance for its Virtual Theatre engine; they also released Lure of the Temptress and Beneath a Steel Sky as freeware, along with open media assets from early Broken Sword titles. This collaboration revitalized interest that led Revolution to develop two additional Broken Sword installments. Other notable partners include:

Digital distribution platform GOG.com, known for classic game offerings, supports ScummVM by selling games bundled with its engine. Additionally, Disney, holding rights to LucasArts adventure titles, released Maniac Mansion on Steam, running through ScummVM.

Development

Support for Operation Stealth and Future Wars was incorporated by adding another independent recreation of their engine called cinE. Additionally, TrollVM was merged into ScummVM, enabling compatibility with three pre-AGI titles: Mickey's Space Adventure, Troll's Tale, and Winnie the Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood.

Mistic's GPL violations

ScummVM is released as free software under the GPL-2.0-or-later, permitting its use as a game engine. For example, Revolution Software utilized ScummVM’s sword1 and sword2 engines to repackage their Broken Sword series for DVD editions, ensuring support on modern systems.

In December 2008, the ScummVM team uncovered that Wii versions of three Humongous Entertainment Junior Adventure games (Freddi Fish and the Case of the Missing Kelp Seeds, Pajama Sam: No Need to Hide When It's Dark Outside, and Spy Fox: Dry Cereal) employed ScummVM without appropriate acknowledgment. These titles were released in August 2008 by Majesco Entertainment at Atari’s request, with Mistic Software responsible for the ports. Mistic incorporated ScummVM but neglected to credit its developers. While seeking legal counsel from gpl-violations.org, Atari threatened litigation against ScummVM due to Nintendo Wii development kit restrictions on open-source software like the GPL. A 2009 agreement compelled ScummVM to cease further action; Mistic consented to sell off or destroy all copies violating the GPL, contribute to the Free Software Foundation, and cover associated legal costs.

ResidualVM

ResidualVM (initially named Residual) is a cross-platform application that recreates 3D game engines within a unified graphical interface. It supports titles such as Grim Fandango, Myst III: Exile, and The Longest Journey. In October 2020, ResidualVM was merged into ScummVM.

Originally created to run LucasArts adventure games powered by the GrimE engine, ResidualVM later expanded its compatibility. Similar to ScummVM, "VM" denotes virtual machine; however, instead of hardware emulation, ResidualVM reimplements scripting interpreters via reverse engineering, enabling these games to function on contemporary platforms beyond their original scope.

The project’s name reflects its focus on LucasArts’ remaining 3D adventure games not covered by ScummVM, with a play on words referencing "GrimE," the Lua-based engine used by LucasArts. Founded by former ScummVM lead James Brown, ResidualVM’s first public release occurred on August 15, 2003. Development progressed gradually, with Grim Fandango becoming playable by April 2011.

In December 2011, ResidualVM launched its own website and rebranded from Residual to ResidualVM, updating its logo in January 2012 accordingly. The first stable release was issued nearly nine years after inception, on December 21, 2012. The project reintegrated with ScummVM in October 2020 to consolidate preservation efforts for classic adventure games.

Support

ResidualVM officially supports multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, AmigaOS 4, and IRIX. An Android port exists within the source code repository, with unofficial builds available. There are also unofficial ports for the Pandora handheld and FreeBSD, though these have not been merged into the mainline branch.

As interest increased, ResidualVM secured collaborations with adventure game developers to integrate their titles. Notably, Cyan Worlds partnered to release Myst III: Exile on digital platforms. The digital retailer GOG.com, specializing in classic games, distributes Myst III: Exile bundled with the ResidualVM engine.

Games supported by ResidualVM

The stable version currently offers compatibility with Grim Fandango and Myst III: Exile, both of which can be completed despite minor imperfections.

The development branch extends support to Escape from Monkey Island, which is playable though with some issues, as well as The Longest Journey, which functions but lacks certain features.

Similar to ScummVM, ResidualVM implements corrections for bugs found in the original game executables. The development team fixed a major dialogue-related error in Grim Fandango along with resolving more than a dozen additional problems. Moreover, the Grim Mouse variant allows users to experience Grim Fandango entirely through mouse controls, transforming it into a classic point-and-click adventure and improving overall accessibility.

Supported games

The latest ScummVM release incorporates native support for a wide array of renowned adventure titles.

LucasArts games

Presented in order of release:

Sierra On-Line games

Coktel Vision titles


Adventuresoft-Horrorsoft selections


Humongous Entertainment releases

A significant number of titles developed by Humongous Entertainment, utilizing the SCUMM engine, are supported by ScummVM:


  • Backyard Baseball, including editions from 2001 and 2003
  • Backyard Basketball
  • Backyard Football along with its 2002 version
  • Big Thinkers! First Grade and Kindergarten editions
  • Educational titles related to Blue's Clues such as Blue's 123 Time Activities
  • Both Fatty Bear's Birthday Surprise and its Fun Pack
  • The entire Freddi Fish collection, encompassing various mystery games and related spin-offs
  • The Junior Field Trips series starring Buzzy exploring diverse environments
  • Moonbase Commander
  • The three installments of the Pajama Sam series plus additional Pajama Sam games
  • Numerous entries from the Putt-Putt franchise, including racing, circus, parade, zoo, and time-travel adventures
  • The three-part saga of the Spy Fox series alongside associated spin-offs


Titles from other developers

ScummVM extends compatibility beyond LucasArts SCUMM games by supporting a wide variety of non-SCUMM adventure titles:


  • 3 Skulls of the Toltecs
  • The 7th Guest
  • The 11th Hour
  • The Adventures of the Good Soldier Schweik
  • Alice: An Interactive Museum
  • Amazon: Guardians of Eden
  • Ape Odyssey No. 2001
  • Beavis and Butt-Head in Virtual Stupidity
  • Beneath a Steel Sky
  • Blade Runner
  • Blazing Dragons
  • Blue Force
  • The Broken Sword series, including the original and sequels
  • Bud Tucker in Double Trouble
  • Castle Master
  • Chewy: Esc from F5
  • Chivalry is Not Dead
  • Clandestiny
  • Classical Cats
  • The Crimson Crown – Further Adventures in Transylvania
  • Cruise for a Corpse
  • Crusader: No Remorse
  • The Cute Machine
  • Darby the Dragon
  • The Dark Eye
  • Dark Side
  • Discworld series
  • Dragon History
  • Dráscula: The Vampire Strikes Back
  • DreamWeb
  • Driller
  • Duckman: The Graphic Adventures of a Private Dick
  • Escape from Hell
  • Eye of the Beholder series
  • Faery Tale Adventure II: Halls of the Dead
  • Flight of the Amazon Queen
  • Full Pipe
  • Future Wars
  • Gadget: Invention, Travel, & Adventure
  • Gregory and the Hot Air Balloon
  • The Griffon Legend
  • Hades Challenge
  • Hopkins FBI
  • Hugo series comprising House of Horrors, Whodunit?, Jungle of Doom!
  • Hyperspace Delivery Boy!
  • I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
  • Inherit the Earth: Quest for the Orb
  • Journeyman Project series
  • Kingdom: The Far Reaches
  • Labyrinth of Time
  • Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos
  • Leather Goddesses of Phobos 2
  • Legend of Kyrandia series
  • Little Big Adventure
  • Living Books series up to Stellaluna
  • Longest Journey
  • Lost Files of Sherlock Holmes titles
  • Lure of the Temptress

  * L-Zone   * Magic Tales series   * Manhole   * Marvellous Mice Adventures titles   * Mask Show   * Might and Magic titles including Book One, IV, V, and Swords of Xeen   * Mission Supernova Parts 1 & 2   * Mortville Manor   * Muppet Treasure Island   * Myst and Myst III: Exile   * Nancy Drew series with multiple entries   * Neverhood   * Nightlong: Union City Conspiracy   * Nippon Safes Inc.   * Obsidian (1997)   * Oo-Topos   * Operation Stealth   * Orion Burger   * Pink Panther games such as Hokus Pokus Pink and Passport to Peril   * Plumbers Don't Wear Ties   * Prince and the Coward   * Private Eye (1996)   * Reah: Face the Unknown   * Red Comrades Save the Galaxy and its sequel   * Return to Ringworld   * Return to Zork   * Rex Nebular and the Cosmic Gender Bender   * Ringworld: Revenge of the Patriarch   * Rise of the Dragon   * Riven   * Rodney's Funscreen   * Sanitarium   * Schizm: Mysterious Journey   * Sfinx   * Soldier Boyz   * Sołtys   * Space Bar   * Spaceship Warlock   * Spider-Man: The Sinister Six   * Starship Titanic   * Syberia series   * Teenagent   * Tender Loving Care   * Thimbleweed Park   * Tony Tough and the Night of Roasted Moths   * Toonstruck

...alongside numerous others such as Total Eclipse I & II, Touché, Transylvania, U.F.O.s, Ultima IV, VI, VIII, Uncle Henry's Playhouse, Unrest, Vampire Diaries game, Versailles 1685, Voyeur, Wetlands, Wrath of the Gods, Zork titles plus various games created with Adventure Game Studio and interactive fiction engines.

See also

External links

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