Command & Conquer: Generals — Zero Hour Update

[AKU9992 1]

Hi everyone, I'm developing an updated version of Generals.
**Command & Conquer: Generals — Zero Hour: Modernizing a Classic**

I’m developing a modern Zero Hour game client. The project aims to combine **x64, native DirectX 12, DLAA anti-aliasing, widescreen support, improved Windows 11 compatibility, and more reliable multiplayer**, while preserving the original assets, atmosphere, and familiar gameplay.

The client is built from source using Reforged as its technical foundation, with selected original gameplay rules restored.

**What has already been completed**

• - A working **64-bit client using DirectX 11**.
• - Separate rendering and simulation rates: higher rendering FPS preserves the game’s simulation speed of approximately 30 updates per second.
• - Tested menus, original map loading, construction, unit production, resource gathering, movement, and combat.
• - Tested new saves and loading them after restarting the client.
• - Restored some original AI, movement, command-processing, and experience-awarding algorithms.
• - Revised Russian localization based on the English original, preserving the existing voice acting.
• - Prepared an installer, a ZIP package, and launch through a standard shortcut.

**What is currently in development**

The game renderer is being ported to **native DirectX 12**. The experimental build already includes terrain, standard models, worker and infantry animations, transparent-object sorting, wind-animated vegetation, water, reflections, some shadows, and the interface.

Particles are already rendering. Their associated shadow and smoke resources, along with the remaining effects, are still being completed. The full standard DX12 menu and complete gameplay matches still need to be finished and verified.

**What the final version will include**

 

• - **Native DirectX 12** for all required menu and gameplay rendering.
• - **DLAA** as the priority high-quality anti-aliasing option.
• - **Support for 16:9, 21:9, and 32:9 displays:** correct proportions, camera behavior, interface layout, cursor positioning, and clickable areas.
• - **Improved Windows 11 compatibility:** verified DPI scaling, windowed and fullscreen modes, Alt+Tab, and multiple-monitor behavior.
• - **Networking improvements:** fixes for identified connection and synchronization problems, disconnect diagnostics, and extended multiplayer testing.
• - **60 FPS by default**, additional modes up to the monitor’s refresh rate, and a target of stable 120 FPS on suitable hardware—without accelerating the simulation.
• - An updated interface and more detailed game icons.

The current working foundation is the **x64/DX11 client**. Full DX12 support, DLAA, widescreen adaptation, and networking improvements remain goals for the final version, with results to be confirmed through actual gameplay testing. DLSS is being considered as a possible addition after the core work is complete.
I will answer your questions whenever possible and, in general, listen to your ideas.

Edited October 12 by AKU9992