# OpenTESArena

> open-source, free-software replacement game engine for The Elder Scrolls: Arena

**Wikidata**: [Q125874153](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125874153)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/opentesarena

## Summary
OpenTESArena is an open-source, free-software replacement game engine for *The Elder Scrolls: Arena*, developed by Afritz1. It allows players to run and modify the classic game on Windows, macOS, and Linux, preserving its original gameplay while enabling community-driven enhancements.

## Key Facts
- **Open-source project** distributed under the MIT License, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.
- **Developed by Afritz1**, with the first stable version (0.1.0) released on October 29, 2016.
- **Cross-platform support** for Windows, macOS, and Linux, using C++17, SDL2, WildMIDI, and OpenAL Soft.
- **Single-player video game** that replicates *The Elder Scrolls: Arena*'s original gameplay.
- **Active development** with releases spanning from 2016 to 2021, including updates like version 0.13.0 (March 28, 2021).
- **Community-driven** with a dedicated subreddit (r/OpenTESArena) and YouTube updates.
- **Copyrighted** but licensed for free redistribution under open-source terms.
- **Mod of** *The Elder Scrolls: Arena*, set in the fictional *The Elder Scrolls* universe.
- **Input devices** supported: computer keyboard and mouse.

## FAQs
### Q: What is OpenTESArena, and how does it differ from the original *The Elder Scrolls: Arena*?
A: OpenTESArena is an open-source replacement engine for *The Elder Scrolls: Arena* that allows players to run and modify the game on modern systems. Unlike the original, it is free software distributed under the MIT License, enabling community-driven enhancements while preserving the original gameplay.

### Q: Which platforms does OpenTESArena support?
A: OpenTESArena supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing cross-platform compatibility for players.

### Q: Who developed OpenTESArena, and when was the first version released?
A: OpenTESArena was developed by Afritz1, with the first stable version (0.1.0) released on October 29, 2016.

### Q: How can I contribute to or modify OpenTESArena?
A: OpenTESArena is open-source, so you can study, modify, and distribute it under the MIT License. The source code is available on GitHub, and the community encourages contributions.

### Q: Are there any official updates or videos about OpenTESArena?
A: Yes, the project has YouTube videos documenting releases, such as the 0.10.0 update (October 6, 2019), and a dedicated subreddit (r/OpenTESArena) for community discussions.

## Why It Matters
OpenTESArena plays a crucial role in preserving and modernizing classic gaming experiences. By providing an open-source engine for *The Elder Scrolls: Arena*, it ensures the game remains accessible on contemporary systems while allowing players to customize and enhance it. The project’s commitment to free software principles democratizes access to a beloved title, fostering a community of developers and enthusiasts who can collaborate on improvements. Its cross-platform support and active development demonstrate the enduring appeal of *The Elder Scrolls* franchise, ensuring its legacy continues to evolve.

## Notable For
- **First stable release** (0.1.0) on October 29, 2016, marking the beginning of a community-driven modernization effort.
- **Cross-platform compatibility** with Windows, macOS, and Linux, expanding the game’s reach beyond its original release.
- **Open-source licensing** under the MIT License, enabling free redistribution and modification.
- **Community engagement** through a dedicated subreddit and YouTube updates, fostering a collaborative development environment.
- **Preservation of original gameplay** while adapting the game for modern systems, balancing nostalgia with innovation.

## Body
### Overview
OpenTESArena is an open-source, free-software replacement engine for *The Elder Scrolls: Arena*, developed by Afritz1. It was created to allow players to run and modify the classic game on modern systems, ensuring its continued accessibility and community-driven enhancements.

### Development and Releases
- **Initial Release**: Version 0.1.0 was released on October 29, 2016.
- **Ongoing Updates**: The project has seen regular releases, with the latest version (0.13.0) released on March 28, 2021.
- **Development Timeline**: Releases occurred from 2016 to 2021, with notable updates including version 0.10.0 (October 6, 2019) and version 0.12.0 (October 11, 2020).

### Technical Specifications
- **Programming Language**: C++17.
- **Libraries and Frameworks**: Uses SDL2 for cross-platform video, WildMIDI for music, and OpenAL Soft for sound and mixing.
- **Platform Support**: Windows, macOS, and Linux.

### Community and Engagement
- **Subreddit**: r/OpenTESArena serves as a community hub for discussions and updates.
- **YouTube Updates**: The project has released videos documenting each major update, such as the 0.5.0 release (August 17, 2017).
- **Wiki Documentation**: The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) provides detailed documentation on OpenTESArena.

### Licensing and Distribution
- **License**: MIT License, allowing free redistribution and modification.
- **Source Code**: Available on GitHub, enabling community contributions.

### Gameplay and Features
- **Single-Player**: Replicates the original *The Elder Scrolls: Arena* gameplay.
- **Input Devices**: Supports computer keyboard and mouse.
- **Fictional Universe**: Set within the *The Elder Scrolls* universe.

OpenTESArena stands as a testament to the power of open-source development in preserving and evolving classic games, ensuring their legacy endures through community-driven innovation.

## References

1. [Release 0.1.0. 2016](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.1.0)
2. [Release 0.2.0. 2017](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.2.0)
3. [Release 0.3.0. 2017](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.3.0)
4. [Release 0.4.0. 2017](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.4.0)
5. [Release 0.5.0. 2017](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.5.0)
6. [Release 0.6.0. 2017](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.6.0)
7. [Release 0.7.0. 2018](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.7.0)
8. [Release 0.8.0. 2018](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.8.0)
9. [Release 0.9.0. 2019](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.9.0)
10. [Release 0.10.0. 2019](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.10.0)
11. [Release 0.11.0. 2020](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.11.0)
12. [Release 0.12.0. 2020](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.12.0)
13. [Release 0.13.0. 2021](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.13.0)
14. [Release 0.14.0. 2021](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.14.0)
15. [Release 0.15.0. 2024](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.15.0)
16. [Release 0.16.0. 2025](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.16.0)
17. [Release 0.17.0. 2025](https://github.com/afritz1/OpenTESArena/releases/tag/opentesarena-0.17.0)
18. [OpenTESArena 0.4.0 Early Development - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btXppkxGrLo)
19. [OpenTESArena 0.5.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw6DMbuJ6ZA)
20. [OpenTESArena 0.6.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SREWBHaL_eA)
21. [OpenTESArena 0.7.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKk18KLYU8k)
22. [OpenTESArena 0.8.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juhCzfCRqaE)
23. [OpenTESArena 0.9.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erflKPFAIOU)
24. [OpenTESArena 0.10.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUfq3Dwiae4)
25. [OpenTESArena 0.11.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXQ7ynQn8Us)
26. [OpenTESArena 0.12.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSadmw4Nj8A)
27. [OpenTESArena 0.13.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfogc-Poy3Q)
28. [OpenTESArena 0.14.0 Release - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP_jO9K70QU)
29. [OpenTESArena](https://www.reddit.com/r/OpenTESArena/)
30. [Arena Mod:OpenTESArena - The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP)](https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Arena_Mod:OpenTESArena)