Top Stealth Game of the Year Releases Source Code
▼ Summary
– Blendo Games released the source code of its game *Skin Deep* to encourage developers to create more stealth games or explore its modified idTech4 engine.
– The idTech4 engine, originally from *Doom 3* (2004), required significant updates to meet modern game expectations, as noted by Blendo.
– The GitHub release allows free use of the source code for personal or commercial projects, provided any modifications are publicly shared, though game assets remain proprietary.
– Blendo Games, known for supporting indie development, also released example maps to help modders understand *Skin Deep*’s mechanics and create their own content.
– *Skin Deep* is available on Steam for $20, currently discounted by 20% during the Steam Summer Sale.
The source code for the critically acclaimed stealth game Skin Deep has been made publicly available, offering developers a rare glimpse into its modified idTech4 engine. Blendo Games, the studio behind the title, announced the release on GitHub, allowing others to explore and build upon its foundation, with the condition that any modifications are also shared openly.
Originally developed in 2004, idTech4 powered Doom 3, but Blendo heavily adapted it to meet modern gaming expectations. “We had to overhaul a significant portion of the engine to align with Skin Deep‘s unique mechanics,” the studio explained. The gameplay diverges sharply from Doom 3‘s horror-shooter roots, focusing instead on stealth and systemic interactions.
While the source code is now accessible, Blendo clarified that assets like art, audio, and level designs remain proprietary. This distinction ensures the game itself isn’t fully open-source, though the underlying technology is free for both personal and commercial use. The move aligns with Blendo’s history of supporting indie development, dating back to cult hits like Atom Zombie Smasher.
To further assist modders and aspiring developers, the studio also released a collection of example maps this week. Each one highlights specific mechanics, providing a hands-on tutorial for those looking to create custom content or simply understand the game’s inner workings. These resources complement an earlier “mod museum” map, which breaks down Skin Deep’s systems in an interactive format.
Currently, the game is discounted by 20% during Steam’s Summer Sale, making it an ideal time for players to experience its innovative stealth gameplay firsthand. Whether you’re a developer eager to dissect its code or a fan of immersive sims, Skin Deep’s open-source pivot marks an exciting opportunity for the gaming community.
(Source: PC Gamer)
