The open source Zircon engine ("DarkPlaces Mark V Project") is a modification DarkPlaces engine with a mouse driven menu everywhere, ALT-ENTER fullscreen/windowed switching and 88 other enhancements to support user/mapper/mod coder ease-of-use and optional conveniences for those interested in a "1996 Quake" experience. "csqc_full_width_height 1" in console when running Arcane Dimensions at this time It is hoped that some/many/all of these enhancements will eventually make it into official DarkPlaces. The Zircon engine seeks to keep full compatibility with DarkPlaces so either engine can be used interchangeably.
A discussion of Q3 map format issues related to making Quake 1 maps and mods using the Quake 3 map format.
upgraded q3 map compiler and q3 map topics for quake maps
A discussion of optional user interface capability and the road to come for Zircon.
"baker ui" - the road to an elite user interface
Rain and sprinkers effects in a materials test map showcasing some material effects that are possible in the DarkPlaces engine. Download the map (.pk3...
rain/sprinklers - darkplaces materials test map by gremlinforester
Zircon #44 has improved video cutscene support, a graphical mouse-driven menu with screenshots for load games, new graphical effect capabilities (and...
zircon release 44 - more effects/video/linux/user interface - much more to come
2024 Quake Omega Effects Challenge Series #1 of 20 is the Intermap Travel Demo now available for download.
2024 quake omega effects challenge series #1 of 20
Discussion of Zero Ping Movement Version 1 -- this is a movement mode available in Zircon that allows smooth gameplay with incredibly bad connections...
zero ping movement version 1 (quake re-release support improved)
The Year Of Our Lord 2024. A discussion of probable upcoming topics. The age of engine stabilization has come to a close, a shift towards using the engine...
december lab report #12 of 12 - journey onward
Zircon now supports protocol 666 and 999, giving it the ability to play demos recorded in Quakespasm, connect to a Quakespasm coop game or host a game...
december lab report #11 of 12 - the future, embracing the past
A discussion of making obj maps in Blender for use in Zircon and DarkPlaces, and a discussion about physics.
november lab report #10 of 12 - making .obj maps / blender
Forged from DarkPlaces Beta, twice as fast as classic DarkPlaces, Zircon Beta Release #1 has 100% of all Zircon features plus new features. Zircon Beta...
november lab report #9 of 12 - zircon beta #1
The Battle of DarkPlaces Beta Has Begun. DarkPlaces Beta -- it is twice as fast as classic DarkPlaces with many improvements. Zircon is based on classic...
october lab report #8 of 12 - the battle of darkplaces beta has begun
How to compile for Android, including the debugging methods I use. How to compile current Zircon for Windows.
october lab report #7 of 12 - compiling android, windows
Zircon now has a Mac and Android build, as polished as possible. A discussion of some long time "DarkPlaces demons" defeated in the latest version of...
october lab report #6 of 12
Discussion of DarkPlaces alternate source codes, Q3 mapping topics like infinite background, DarkPlaces "recall" CTRL-R.
september lab report #5 of 12
Looking at water rendering methods and experiments with monsterclip and r_fakelight 2 plus a quick look at autosprite2.
august lab report #4 of 12
Spotlights explored in detail including all the "too much information" needed to create one. And a discussion of func_video_text.
august lab report #3 of 12
Making impossible geometry, the Pac-Man machine and exploring rendering of 2D and the rendering of "2D" in 3D space.
august lab report #2 of 12
Atmopheric lighting experiments and a discussion of coronas and shaders, including how they work and limitations.
august lab report #1 of 12
This shows how to test a replacement texture in DarkPlaces and how to clear it to normal.
how to test replacement textures in darkplaces
AI upscaling has been an invaluable tool for helping older games like Quake put a facelift on the original skins and textures.
upscaling monster skins, map textures
This is how to record a demo in DarkPlaces or Zircon.
darkplaces/zircon how to record a demo
Here is a visual guide of Zircon modifications. Zircon engine is DarkPlaces with user-interface changes (mouse driven menu, ..). Perhaps some/many/all...
visual guide to engine changes
Quake3_Quake1 playable single player demo available:This Quake 1 single player mod makes DarkPlaces / Zircon feature available for mapping with a QuakeC...
quake3_quake1 playable single player demo release
Something new comes this way within 48 hours or less. There will be a few demonstration singleplayer maps showcasing capabilities.The 2 flagship maps...
48 hour countdown starts now ...
The open source Zircon engine ("DarkPlaces Mark V Project") gains 36 new enhancements/refinements. A mouse-driven menu, selection/cut/copy/paste/undo/redo...
zircon engine gains 36 enhancements
Illustrations of Quake 1 BSP vs. Quake 3 BSP and allusions to the origin of this project.
zircon engine origins
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