Activision releases open source data for one of Call of Duty: Warzone’s biggest maps — here’s why it matters

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What you need to know

  • Caldera is a map that used to be available in Call of Duty: Warzone before being removed on Sep. 21, 2023. 
  • Activision is sharing an open source data set for Caldera, allowing fans and game developers alike to study the map in details. 
  • The data is available on Github as an open source repository.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the gaming world, I find myself utterly thrilled by Activision’s decision to share the open source data set for Caldera. With a career that spans decades and a heart that beats for all things game development, I can’t help but marvel at the impact this move will have on the industry.

Game researchers, both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners, possess an abundance of fresh map information to explore thoroughly.

Activision Blizzard, publisher of Call of Duty, announced on Tuesday that they’re making the vast Caldera map, introduced in 2021 for the original Call of Duty: Warzone, available as an open-source dataset. Sadly, this map is no longer playable because the entire original Call of Duty: Warzone was deactivated in September 2023 to make room for Warzone 2.0’s launch.

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The open-source dataset related to Caldera has been made accessible through GitHub. This collection encompasses mesh data, character movement patterns, and additional elements. As stated in a press release, Pixar’s chief technology officer, Steve May, emphasized that this data release represents a “notable achievement” for the industry. He also mentioned that it opens up opportunities for collaborative research focusing on environmental geometry.

Warzone’ gives developers like Mark Elendt, a mathematician at SideFX, unprecedented access to high-quality, complex data. This data will help them refine their software so it can handle demanding and intricate projects. In turn, this collaboration could lead to significant advancements in the field of game development.

Open source tech helps drive the gaming industry forward

Open-source tools and datasets play a crucial role in the gaming and animation sectors because they enable experts from large corporations to collaborate with hobbyists and amateurs, fostering shared learning and innovation. The open-source launch of id Tech code for DOOM (1993) and other early id Software projects, such as Quake, has significantly influenced various game engines, including the initial versions of Call of Duty’s engine, which was initially built using id Tech 3.

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Although it’s disappointing that Caldera is no longer accessible for gameplay, it’s commendable that Activision shares such data publicly. I’m eager to see the insights and discoveries that will emerge as tech analysts delve into this information.

Moving forward, it’s wonderful to envision a scenario where this action serves as a model for the wider gaming community, inspiring developers and distributors to share tools and information related to abandoned or inaccessible games and maps.

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2024-07-30 23:09