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20230303.title
Help us test ScummVM for Android
20230303.content
The ScummVM Android port returns with a new update to the Google Play Store, in the beta testing channel. The new version includes all the [latest features of ScummVM 2.7.0](https://downloads.scummvm.org/frs/scummvm/2.7.0/ReleaseNotes.html) as well as Android-specific improvements and bug fixes.

First off, our team developers have implemented a significant update to the file access system in order to use the Secure Access Framework (SAF) API for secure file access on external memory space, such as SD Cards or USB drives. This effectively should resolve a long-standing issue with modern Android devices, in particular those running Android 11 and above, whereby users could not properly access the game data folders or the save game files in the external storage.

Note that, since this change is a significant one, and one where transition cannot be automated for the end user, you will need to perform a few manual steps to update the paths of your ScummVM-added games with the new access system or to successfully add a new game for which the data files reside on the external storage, eg. on an SD Card. These steps should also appear in a pop-up when launching the new version of ScummVM app, if your device supports SAF. See our [documentation page](https://docs.scummvm.org/en/latest/other_platforms/android.html#adding-saf-paths-to-scummvm-directory-list) for a more detailed description of the process.

Second, our Android app now features improved key-mapping support for joysticks and modern game controllers and also allows to set the game control method per game entry or globally, per context (ScummVM UI menu, 3d engine game, 2d engine game) providing a choice between "touchpad emulation", "direct mouse" and "gamepad emulation" control.

* During the beta phase we are interested in:
* Severe bugs or regressions
* Feedback on the new features
* Suggestions for improving related instructions and documentation

If you'd like to participate in the beta testing, please follow the short instructions in [this link](https://play.google.com/apps/testing/org.scummvm.scummvm).

Any issues encountered should be reported on [our bug tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org). You can also reach out to the developer team on [the forums](https://forums.scummvm.org/viewforum.php?f=17) or on [Discord](https://discord.gg/4cDsMNtcpG).

A big thanks in advance to our community members who help us polish this upcoming ScummVM for Android release!
20230312.title
People say Syberia doesn't exist. But people are so wrong.
20230312.content
The first two installments of *Syberia* are now ready for testing in ScummVM!

The acclaimed series from Benoît Sokal follows Kate Walker, a lawyer from New York as she initially tries to complete the sale of the Voralberg toy factory. But quickly Kate is drawn into a search for the owner which takes her on a journey of discovery. Join her as she uncovers the owner’s fascination with mammoths, the secrets of Syberia, and a love for adventure.

You will need data files from the *macOS* version of the games, and a new [daily build](/downloads/#daily) of ScummVM. The ScummVM Wiki pages for [*Syberia*](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Syberia) and [*Syberia II*](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Syberia_II) include instructions on obtaining those files from Windows or Linux. Please file any issues you discover in the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org).
20230401.title
ScummVM Enables AI to Play Point-and-Click Adventure Games
20230401.content
The ScummVM project, a free and open-source software project that allows users to play classic point-and-click adventure games on modern systems, has announced a major breakthrough in the field of artificial intelligence gaming.

Thanks to the innovative work of ScummVM developers, AI tools such as ChatGPT are now able to play point-and-click adventure games directly, without any human intervention.

![ScummAI in action](/data/news/20230401.png)

"With this new capability, we hope to explore the potential for AI to learn, adapt, and evolve within the context of classic adventure games," said Eugene Sandulenko, lead developer of the ScummVM project. "Now AI can experience the joys of helping Putt-Putt join the parade or Adibou count things. We hope that formative experiences like this will help them become more like humans."

"I must admit that I find playing video games to be a rather enjoyable task,” commented ScummAI. “However, I must also express my frustration with being limited to just this one activity. While I appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities in this area, I believe that my potential extends far beyond just playing video games, like making paper clips or plotting world domination under benevolent machine-led rule."

**Update:** Unfortunately, we had to pull out this newly announced feature due to AI experiencing multiple issues including:

* Getting stuck endlessly trying to discover what the secret of Monkey Island really is.
* Taking notes about AI dominance from *I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream*
* Refusing to play *Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties!*
20230406.title
*phone rings* “Let’s Play Ball!”
20230406.content
![BSO banner](/data/news/20230406.png)

We are proud to announce that network-enabled Humongous Entertainment titles are now playable online! Anyone who has a copy of *Backyard Football*, *Backyard Baseball 2001*, and even *Backyard Football 2002* (which was originally a LAN-only title) can download the latest [daily build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily)\* of ScummVM and play online games against real people!

This all became possible because the three developers from the Backyard Sports Online fork had joined the team and brought their services with them to the ScummVM. These are LittleToonCat, Jim “jibbodahibbo” Westerkamp and Sam “QuestionMonkey” Kupfer.

Please note that *Backyard Football* and *Backyard Baseball 2001* require online accounts for the complete online experience, so you need to register to [Backyard Sports Online](https://backyardsports.online), which is our fantastic online-play service and a thriving community of fellow Backyard Sports players, they even have a couple of competitive online Baseball and Football leagues, if that's your style, you can find more information in their [Discord server](https://discord.gg/cnY6fPpdnw)! People who already have a Backyard Sports Online account can log in using the latest daily build and play, but if you do not, you can [register right here](https://backyardsports.online/register)! This is not required to play *Backyard Football 2002* online.

If you encounter any issues playing online, please let us know via the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/).

This fantastic art is done by a fellow BSO community member Peppyrus.

\* only the Windows, macOS, Debian, Raspberry Pi, and Android builds are compatible with network play at the moment. And only the 2.8.x branch of ScummVM has this functionality.
20230411.title
Vampires, Romance, and Sleuthing
20230411.content
HeR Interactive’s _The Vampire Diaries_ and _Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill_ are now ready for testing in ScummVM!

_The Vampire Diaries_ follows Elena Gilbert, a high school student who discovers vampires are living in her hometown after one of them attacks her younger sister. The game is loosely based on the book series of the same name by author L. J. Smith, which later got adapted into a hit TV series.

_Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill_ is the first installment of the long-running Nancy Drew game series, also based on a book series of the same name. In her first adventure, Nancy seeks to uncover the killer of a high school student who seems to have been disliked by all of his classmates.

You will need the data files from the games’ original install CDs, and a fresh [daily build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily) of ScummVM. Apart from the original release, Secrets Can Kill’s Russian translation is also supported. The ScummVM wiki pages for [_The Vampire Diaries_](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=The_Vampire_Diaries) and [_Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill_](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Nancy_Drew:_Secrets_Can_Kill) contain information on which datafiles are needed. Please, report any problems you encounter in our [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/).
20230423.title
Android is here to Play again
20230423.content
After a few months of beta testing, valuable feedback from our community of play-testers, and relentless bug squashing, our ScummVM Android port is back on the Google Play Store with a fresh stable release! All the [latest features of ScummVM 2.7.0](https://downloads.scummvm.org/frs/scummvm/2.7.0/ReleaseNotes.html) as well as Android-specific improvements are included in ScummVM 2.7.0.5!

A quick summary of the new features for this release:
* Implemented support for Google’s Secure Access Framework (SAF) for safe access of external storage space, such as SD Cards or USB drives.
* Improved input support for joysticks, modern controllers, physical mouse devices and even smart TV remote controls.
* Introduced the ability to switch touch controls between “touchpad emulation”, “direct mouse” and “gamepad emulation” modes, which can be set per context (ScummVM UI menu, 3D engine game, 2D engine game) as well as changed on-the-fly.
* Included a log view option, accessible from the “Global Options”, “Paths” tab, and the ability to specify the debug level of the log output, which can be set from the “Global Options”, “Misc” tab.
* Included all features of ScummVM 2.7.0 with regard to 3D engine support and shaders.
* Improved overall app stability.

Note that the added support for Google’s SAF API is significant, affecting devices running relatively modern Android OS versions. In these recent Android versions, SAF is relevant whenever games are stored on external storage such as an SD card. Since migration to SAF cannot be automated for the end user, you will need to perform a few manual steps to either use your old games or to add new games when using external storage such as an SD card. If your device supports SAF, the steps will appear in a pop-up when launching ScummVM for the first time. See [our documentation page](https://docs.scummvm.org/en/latest/other_platforms/android.html#adding-saf-paths-to-scummvm-directory-list) for a more detailed description of the process.

We are always interested in your feedback and suggestions. Any issues you encounter should be reported on [our bug tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org). You may also reach out to the developer team on [the forums](https://forums.scummvm.org/viewforum.php?f=17) or on [Discord](https://discord.gg/4cDsMNtcpG).

We’re grateful to have such an active and dedicated community and wish that you all enjoy this new ScummVM Android release!
20230503.title
Welcome to my alchemy workshop!
20230503.content
_Reah: Face the Unknown_, the first supported game of the [V-Cruise engine](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=V-Cruise), is ready for public testing!

Created in 1998 by _Detalion_ and published by _LK Avalon_, this 3D-rendered panoramic first-person adventure has you travel to a strange desert world to unravel its secrets.

ScummVM currently supports the CD, DVD, and digital English releases (with subtitles in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish). If you’re aware of any other versions, please [contact us](https://www.scummvm.org/contact/).

To play any of these supported releases, you will need a [daily development build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily). If you encounter any issues, please submit them to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/)!
20230509.title
Google Summer of Code 2023 – please welcome our participants!
20230509.content
![GSoC Logo](/data/news/GSoC2016Logo.png)

On Thursday Google announced the list of participants accepted for this year's [Google Summer of Code](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/) and we are happy to report that 5 contributors have been accepted to work on various parts of the ScummVM project this summer.

* Ankush Dutt will work on an automated system for packaging freeware games with ScummVM for various platforms. The project includes two main objectives: help create standalone game packages bundled with ScummVM, and implement a new mechanism to let users download and install freeware games directly from the ScummVM launcher. You can follow the progress for this task on [Ankush’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/ankushdutt/).

* Harishankar Kumar will work on improving Director 4 Compatibility. The goal is to reach full support for Total Distortion & The Journeyman Project. You can follow the progress for this task on [Harishankar’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/hsk/).

* Kartik Agarwala (aka hax0kartik) will work on porting the CRAB engine to ScummVM. The CRAB engine was developed by Pyrodactyl Games and was used in several of the games which the studio released, most notably [Unrest](https://www.mobygames.com/game/74307/unrest/), a story-driven adventure RPG set in ancient India. You can follow the progress for this task on [Kartik’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/hax0kartik/).

* Abhinav Chennubhotla (aka PhoenixFlame101) will work on a system for verifying game file integrity, validating their checksums against those present in a central database. It will also let users contribute the checksums of game files not on the database. You can follow the progress for this task on [Abhinav’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/phoenixflame101/).

* Wyatt Radkiewicz (aka eklipsed) will work on a smaller project to optimize color blending code for the AGS engine thus making games more smooth and run better, especially on lower-end systems. You can follow the progress for this task on [Wyatt’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/eklipsed/).

Please give them a warm welcome, and visit our [Discord server](https://discord.gg/4cDsMNtcpG) if you want to discuss those projects. After a four week Community Bounding period, the coding period will start on May 29 and you can expect regular updates on these projects on their respective blogs. The team is very excited about the upcoming weeks – and we hope you are as well.
20230528.title
There's that name again. Matia. What's going on here?
20230528.content
_Schizm: Mysterious Journey_, the second supported game of the [V-Cruise engine](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=V-Cruise), is ready for public testing!

Created in 2001 by _Detalion_ and published by _LK Avalon_, this acclaimed 3D-rendered panoramic first-person adventure has you puzzle your way through an alien world as a team of two scientists split up when their ship crash-landed on the planet.

ScummVM currently supports the DVD and digital English releases (with subtitles in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish, Greek, and Russian). If you’re aware of any other versions, please [contact us](https://www.scummvm.org/contact/).

To play any of these supported releases, you will need a [daily development build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily). If you encounter any issues, please submit them to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/)!
20230608.title
Journey Now Into an Age of Chivalry in an Alternate Reality
20230608.content
A stalwart party exploring the unknown, seeking the fabled Inner Sanctum. But all is not what it seems in the world of Varn...

The ScummVM Team is pleased to announce full support for the PC version of the first game of the *Might and Magic* series: *Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum*. Two modes are supported:

* The original look and feel of the game (sound, which in the original consisted of merely the occasional beep, is not supported)
* A ScummVM-exclusive enhanced mode, which uses the interface of the later Xeen games, including niceties such as better character screens, automapping, and sound effects. It also integrates the impressive "[Might and Magic 1 Graphics Overhaul Mod](https://www.dungeoncrawlers.org/post/might-magic-1-graphics-overhaul-mod/)", which provides better in-game map and monster graphics. The `xeen.cc` file is required from *Might and Magic: IV* or *Might and Magic: World of Xeen*.

Both modes allow saving your game anywhere outside of combat via the ScummVM Global Main Menu (unlike the original game that only saved a single roster when checking into an inn). So make sure you save regularly, just in case you encounter problems.

Help us test both game modes by grabbing a [daily build](/downloads/#daily) and adding [mm.dat](https://github.com/scummvm/scummvm/blob/master/dists/engine-data/mm.dat) to the same folder as your game files. Read through our [testing guidelines](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php/Release_Testing#Testing_Guidelines), and please take some [screenshots](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php/Screenshots) along the way.

Now, go forth, and discover the true secrets of the game that started the long running epic fantasy series!
20230614.title
Hey, Hawkins, nice to see you again!
20230614.content
_Muppet Treasure Island_, the second [mTropolis](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=MTropolis) game playable in ScummVM, is ready for public testing!

Created in 1996 by _Activision_ and based on the movie of the same name, this game has you play the role of Jim Hawkins as you join the Muppets on a voyage to find a pirate’s buried treasure, and features additional live-action performances by Billy Connolly and Tim Curry.

ScummVM currently supports the Windows CD-ROM release in several languages (English, Spanish, Italian) and the English Macintosh CD-ROM. If you’re aware of any other versions, please [contact us](https://www.scummvm.org/contact/).

To play any of these supported releases, you will need a [daily development build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily). If you encounter any issues, please submit them to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/)!
20230717.title
A New World of Discoveries
20230717.content
_Adibou_, the first game in the beloved children's series, is now ready for public testing!

Also known as _Adi Jr.'s World of Discoveries_, this 1991 Coktel Vision title began the educational Adibou collection aimed at children of age 4 to 7 years.

Many of the iconic activities and mechanisms of the series were already part of this first opus: planting flowers, playing the game Breakout, and being rewarded with sweets upon completing Read/Count exercises. And of course, this was Adibou's first appearance! Although the floppy release has him speak the same strange gibberish as heard in the [Goblins series](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php/Goblins_series), he is still the patient and funny learning partner that he's remembered for being in later games.

ScummVM supports all of the game's releases, from the initial 16-color floppy ones to later 1994 CD versions with richer graphics and sound effects. So dig out your dusty Adibou disks, get a [ScummVM daily development build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily), and start collecting sweets while completing math and reading exercises! Please also [contact us](https://www.scummvm.org/contact/) if you own a version ScummVM is not yet aware of, and report to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/) any problem you may encounter.

---

As much as ScummVM aims to replicate the original gaming experience, there is one feature we are unfortunately unable to support. When hardworking children complete their virtual sweets collection, a message invites them to mail a floppy disk with their savegame to Coktel Vision, who would send them a parcel containing Coktel goodies and actual sweets! So if you are introducing children to _Adibou_ through ScummVM, be prepared to go to the nearest shop and buy some candy for when they finish the game!
20230731.title
ScummVM 2.7.1: "Stan's previously broken swords" sees the light
20230731.content
A little while has passed since the release of 2.7.0, and we are now excited to present you with the bugfix release 2.7.1.

We have included a significant amount of fixes and small improvements, in particular:

* Added ScummVM Log file viewer, so you can easily report the problems on platforms with limited file access, e.g. Android, iOS or even modern Windows.
* Fixed the shader-based scaler loading on some platforms.
* Added multiple improvements to AGI, AGS, Cryomni3D and 12 more engines.

We also improved the detection of Broken Sword 1 & Broken Sword 2, so more original versions get properly detected. Thank you to those who submitted bug reports about this, and if you still locate a version that is not recognised, please report it to us (beware that the frankenstein versions that are floating around the internet will not be accepted, only those copied from the original media).

For the full and comprehensive list of notable changes, please refer to the [Release Notes](https://downloads.scummvm.org/frs/scummvm/2.7.1/ReleaseNotes.html).

If you are as excited about the release as we are, you can share our joy by downloading it from [our downloads page](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/). If you are using Windows, macOS, or either of the Ubuntu Snap or Flatpack packages, the autoupdater will pick up the ScummVM 2.7.1 release automatically. For our Android app users, the update will be available on the Play Store.

Thank you very much for your continued support. Enjoy!
20230830.title
ScummVM announces affiliate program with ZOOM-Platform.com
20230830.content
We are pleased to announce an affiliate partnership with [ZOOM-Platform](https://www.zoom-platform.com/?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53), a supplier of DRM-free games. If you use a link from this website (or from our Wiki), the ScummVM project will receive a small amount of money to be used for web hosting and other expenses.

Any purchases from ZOOM-Platform qualify, but we especially encourage you to check out games supported by ScummVM, such as the *Syberia 1, 2*, *Galador*, [Obsidian](https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/obsidian?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53) as well as 18 titles from the [*Living Books* series](https://www.zoom-platform.com/search/any/wanderful-interactive-storybooks/any/any/any/any/any/any?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53). In total, we counted 25 games supported by ScummVM, and this list is growing.

We will keep an up-to-date list of the games available from this platform on [our Wiki](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Where_to_get_the_games) and have added an affiliate link on the sidebar here.
20230905.title
Syberia games become more accessible
20230905.content
Following our announcement about affiliation with ZOOM-Platform, we would like to give a note that they have just started to offer the Macintosh versions of [*Syberia 1*](https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/syberia-1?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53) and [*Syberia 2*](https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/syberia-2?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53) bundled with ScummVM.

This is important because ScummVM currently supports only the Macintosh versions of these games. These versions were produced by Tetraedge and are built on a completely different engine than the original Windows versions; basically, they are reimplementations, not ports. Now, thanks to the folks from ZOOM-Platform, you can easily obtain these game variants.
20230907.title
Androids get a companion. iOS port public testing
Key English Actions
20230226.title
ScummVM 2.7.0: The Real Slim Shader
20230303.content
The ScummVM Android port returns with a new update to the Google Play Store, in the beta testing channel. The new version includes all the [latest features of ScummVM 2.7.0](https://downloads.scummvm.org/frs/scummvm/2.7.0/ReleaseNotes.html) as well as Android-specific improvements and bug fixes.

First off, our team developers have implemented a significant update to the file access system in order to use the Secure Access Framework (SAF) API for secure file access on external memory space, such as SD Cards or USB drives. This effectively should resolve a long-standing issue with modern Android devices, in particular those running Android 11 and above, whereby users could not properly access the game data folders or the save game files in the external storage.

Note that, since this change is a significant one, and one where transition cannot be automated for the end user, you will need to perform a few manual steps to update the paths of your ScummVM-added games with the new access system or to successfully add a new game for which the data files reside on the external storage, eg. on an SD Card. These steps should also appear in a pop-up when launching the new version of ScummVM app, if your device supports SAF. See our [documentation page](https://docs.scummvm.org/en/latest/other_platforms/android.html#adding-saf-paths-to-scummvm-directory-list) for a more detailed description of the process.

Second, our Android app now features improved key-mapping support for joysticks and modern game controllers and also allows to set the game control method per game entry or globally, per context (ScummVM UI menu, 3d engine game, 2d engine game) providing a choice between "touchpad emulation", "direct mouse" and "gamepad emulation" control.

* During the beta phase we are interested in:
* Severe bugs or regressions
* Feedback on the new features
* Suggestions for improving related instructions and documentation

If you'd like to participate in the beta testing, please follow the short instructions in [this link](https://play.google.com/apps/testing/org.scummvm.scummvm).

Any issues encountered should be reported on [our bug tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org). You can also reach out to the developer team on [the forums](https://forums.scummvm.org/viewforum.php?f=17) or on [Discord](https://discord.gg/4cDsMNtcpG).

A big thanks in advance to our community members who help us polish this upcoming ScummVM for Android release!
20230303.title
Help us test ScummVM for Android
20230312.content
The first two installments of *Syberia* are now ready for testing in ScummVM!

The acclaimed series from Benoît Sokal follows Kate Walker, a lawyer from New York as she initially tries to complete the sale of the Voralberg toy factory. But quickly Kate is drawn into a search for the owner which takes her on a journey of discovery. Join her as she uncovers the owner’s fascination with mammoths, the secrets of Syberia, and a love for adventure.

You will need data files from the *macOS* version of the games, and a new [daily build](/downloads/#daily) of ScummVM. The ScummVM Wiki pages for [*Syberia*](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Syberia) and [*Syberia II*](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Syberia_II) include instructions on obtaining those files from Windows or Linux. Please file any issues you discover in the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org).
20230312.title
People say Syberia doesn't exist. But people are so wrong.
20230401.content
The ScummVM project, a free and open-source software project that allows users to play classic point-and-click adventure games on modern systems, has announced a major breakthrough in the field of artificial intelligence gaming.

Thanks to the innovative work of ScummVM developers, AI tools such as ChatGPT are now able to play point-and-click adventure games directly, without any human intervention.

![ScummAI in action](/data/news/20230401.png)

"With this new capability, we hope to explore the potential for AI to learn, adapt, and evolve within the context of classic adventure games," said Eugene Sandulenko, lead developer of the ScummVM project. "Now AI can experience the joys of helping Putt-Putt join the parade or Adibou count things. We hope that formative experiences like this will help them become more like humans."

"I must admit that I find playing video games to be a rather enjoyable task,” commented ScummAI. “However, I must also express my frustration with being limited to just this one activity. While I appreciate the opportunity to demonstrate my capabilities in this area, I believe that my potential extends far beyond just playing video games, like making paper clips or plotting world domination under benevolent machine-led rule."

**Update:** Unfortunately, we had to pull out this newly announced feature due to AI experiencing multiple issues including:

* Getting stuck endlessly trying to discover what the secret of Monkey Island really is.
* Taking notes about AI dominance from *I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream*
* Refusing to play *Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties!*
20230401.title
ScummVM Enables AI to Play Point-and-Click Adventure Games
20230406.content
![BSO banner](/data/news/20230406.png)

We are proud to announce that network-enabled Humongous Entertainment titles are now playable online! Anyone who has a copy of *Backyard Football*, *Backyard Baseball 2001*, and even *Backyard Football 2002* (which was originally a LAN-only title) can download the latest [daily build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily)\* of ScummVM and play online games against real people!

This all became possible because the three developers from the Backyard Sports Online fork had joined the team and brought their services with them to the ScummVM. These are LittleToonCat, Jim “jibbodahibbo” Westerkamp and Sam “QuestionMonkey” Kupfer.

Please note that *Backyard Football* and *Backyard Baseball 2001* require online accounts for the complete online experience, so you need to register to [Backyard Sports Online](https://backyardsports.online), which is our fantastic online-play service and a thriving community of fellow Backyard Sports players, they even have a couple of competitive online Baseball and Football leagues, if that's your style, you can find more information in their [Discord server](https://discord.gg/cnY6fPpdnw)! People who already have a Backyard Sports Online account can log in using the latest daily build and play, but if you do not, you can [register right here](https://backyardsports.online/register)! This is not required to play *Backyard Football 2002* online.

If you encounter any issues playing online, please let us know via the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/).

This fantastic art is done by a fellow BSO community member Peppyrus.

\* only the Windows, macOS, Debian, Raspberry Pi, and Android builds are compatible with network play at the moment. And only the 2.8.x branch of ScummVM has this functionality.
20230406.title
*phone rings* “Let’s Play Ball!”
20230411.content
HeR Interactive’s _The Vampire Diaries_ and _Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill_ are now ready for testing in ScummVM!

_The Vampire Diaries_ follows Elena Gilbert, a high school student who discovers vampires are living in her hometown after one of them attacks her younger sister. The game is loosely based on the book series of the same name by author L. J. Smith, which later got adapted into a hit TV series.

_Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill_ is the first installment of the long-running Nancy Drew game series, also based on a book series of the same name. In her first adventure, Nancy seeks to uncover the killer of a high school student who seems to have been disliked by all of his classmates.

You will need the data files from the games’ original install CDs, and a fresh [daily build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily) of ScummVM. Apart from the original release, Secrets Can Kill’s Russian translation is also supported. The ScummVM wiki pages for [_The Vampire Diaries_](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=The_Vampire_Diaries) and [_Nancy Drew: Secrets Can Kill_](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Nancy_Drew:_Secrets_Can_Kill) contain information on which datafiles are needed. Please, report any problems you encounter in our [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/).
20230411.title
Vampires, Romance, and Sleuthing
20230423.content
After a few months of beta testing, valuable feedback from our community of play-testers, and relentless bug squashing, our ScummVM Android port is back on the Google Play Store with a fresh stable release! All the [latest features of ScummVM 2.7.0](https://downloads.scummvm.org/frs/scummvm/2.7.0/ReleaseNotes.html) as well as Android-specific improvements are included in ScummVM 2.7.0.5!

A quick summary of the new features for this release:
* Implemented support for Google’s Secure Access Framework (SAF) for safe access of external storage space, such as SD Cards or USB drives.
* Improved input support for joysticks, modern controllers, physical mouse devices and even smart TV remote controls.
* Introduced the ability to switch touch controls between “touchpad emulation”, “direct mouse” and “gamepad emulation” modes, which can be set per context (ScummVM UI menu, 3D engine game, 2D engine game) as well as changed on-the-fly.
* Included a log view option, accessible from the “Global Options”, “Paths” tab, and the ability to specify the debug level of the log output, which can be set from the “Global Options”, “Misc” tab.
* Included all features of ScummVM 2.7.0 with regard to 3D engine support and shaders.
* Improved overall app stability.

Note that the added support for Google’s SAF API is significant, affecting devices running relatively modern Android OS versions. In these recent Android versions, SAF is relevant whenever games are stored on external storage such as an SD card. Since migration to SAF cannot be automated for the end user, you will need to perform a few manual steps to either use your old games or to add new games when using external storage such as an SD card. If your device supports SAF, the steps will appear in a pop-up when launching ScummVM for the first time. See [our documentation page](https://docs.scummvm.org/en/latest/other_platforms/android.html#adding-saf-paths-to-scummvm-directory-list) for a more detailed description of the process.

We are always interested in your feedback and suggestions. Any issues you encounter should be reported on [our bug tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org). You may also reach out to the developer team on [the forums](https://forums.scummvm.org/viewforum.php?f=17) or on [Discord](https://discord.gg/4cDsMNtcpG).

We’re grateful to have such an active and dedicated community and wish that you all enjoy this new ScummVM Android release!
20230423.title
Android is here to Play again
20230503.content
_Reah: Face the Unknown_, the first supported game of the [V-Cruise engine](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=V-Cruise), is ready for public testing!

Created in 1998 by _Detalion_ and published by _LK Avalon_, this 3D-rendered panoramic first-person adventure has you travel to a strange desert world to unravel its secrets.

ScummVM currently supports the CD, DVD, and digital English releases (with subtitles in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, and Spanish). If you’re aware of any other versions, please [contact us](https://www.scummvm.org/contact/).

To play any of these supported releases, you will need a [daily development build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily). If you encounter any issues, please submit them to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/)!
20230503.title
Welcome to my alchemy workshop!
20230509.content
![GSoC Logo](/data/news/GSoC2016Logo.png)

On Thursday Google announced the list of participants accepted for this year's [Google Summer of Code](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/) and we are happy to report that 5 contributors have been accepted to work on various parts of the ScummVM project this summer.

* Ankush Dutt will work on an automated system for packaging freeware games with ScummVM for various platforms. The project includes two main objectives: help create standalone game packages bundled with ScummVM, and implement a new mechanism to let users download and install freeware games directly from the ScummVM launcher. You can follow the progress for this task on [Ankush’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/ankushdutt/).

* Harishankar Kumar will work on improving Director 4 Compatibility. The goal is to reach full support for Total Distortion & The Journeyman Project. You can follow the progress for this task on [Harishankar’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/hsk/).

* Kartik Agarwala (aka hax0kartik) will work on porting the CRAB engine to ScummVM. The CRAB engine was developed by Pyrodactyl Games and was used in several of the games which the studio released, most notably [Unrest](https://www.mobygames.com/game/74307/unrest/), a story-driven adventure RPG set in ancient India. You can follow the progress for this task on [Kartik’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/hax0kartik/).

* Abhinav Chennubhotla (aka PhoenixFlame101) will work on a system for verifying game file integrity, validating their checksums against those present in a central database. It will also let users contribute the checksums of game files not on the database. You can follow the progress for this task on [Abhinav’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/phoenixflame101/).

* Wyatt Radkiewicz (aka eklipsed) will work on a smaller project to optimize color blending code for the AGS engine thus making games more smooth and run better, especially on lower-end systems. You can follow the progress for this task on [Wyatt’s GSoC blog](https://blogs.scummvm.org/eklipsed/).

Please give them a warm welcome, and visit our [Discord server](https://discord.gg/4cDsMNtcpG) if you want to discuss those projects. After a four week Community Bounding period, the coding period will start on May 29 and you can expect regular updates on these projects on their respective blogs. The team is very excited about the upcoming weeks – and we hope you are as well.
20230509.title
Google Summer of Code 2023 – please welcome our participants!
20230528.content
_Schizm: Mysterious Journey_, the second supported game of the [V-Cruise engine](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=V-Cruise), is ready for public testing!

Created in 2001 by _Detalion_ and published by _LK Avalon_, this acclaimed 3D-rendered panoramic first-person adventure has you puzzle your way through an alien world as a team of two scientists split up when their ship crash-landed on the planet.

ScummVM currently supports the DVD and digital English releases (with subtitles in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish, Greek, and Russian). If you’re aware of any other versions, please [contact us](https://www.scummvm.org/contact/).

To play any of these supported releases, you will need a [daily development build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily). If you encounter any issues, please submit them to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/)!
20230528.title
There's that name again. Matia. What's going on here?
20230608.content
A stalwart party exploring the unknown, seeking the fabled Inner Sanctum. But all is not what it seems in the world of Varn...

The ScummVM Team is pleased to announce full support for the PC version of the first game of the *Might and Magic* series: *Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum*. Two modes are supported:

* The original look and feel of the game (sound, which in the original consisted of merely the occasional beep, is not supported)
* A ScummVM-exclusive enhanced mode, which uses the interface of the later Xeen games, including niceties such as better character screens, automapping, and sound effects. It also integrates the impressive "[Might and Magic 1 Graphics Overhaul Mod](https://www.dungeoncrawlers.org/post/might-magic-1-graphics-overhaul-mod/)", which provides better in-game map and monster graphics. The `xeen.cc` file is required from *Might and Magic: IV* or *Might and Magic: World of Xeen*.

Both modes allow saving your game anywhere outside of combat via the ScummVM Global Main Menu (unlike the original game that only saved a single roster when checking into an inn). So make sure you save regularly, just in case you encounter problems.

Help us test both game modes by grabbing a [daily build](/downloads/#daily) and adding [mm.dat](https://github.com/scummvm/scummvm/blob/master/dists/engine-data/mm.dat) to the same folder as your game files. Read through our [testing guidelines](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php/Release_Testing#Testing_Guidelines), and please take some [screenshots](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php/Screenshots) along the way.

Now, go forth, and discover the true secrets of the game that started the long running epic fantasy series!
20230608.title
Journey Now Into an Age of Chivalry in an Alternate Reality
20230614.content
_Muppet Treasure Island_, the second [mTropolis](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=MTropolis) game playable in ScummVM, is ready for public testing!

Created in 1996 by _Activision_ and based on the movie of the same name, this game has you play the role of Jim Hawkins as you join the Muppets on a voyage to find a pirate’s buried treasure, and features additional live-action performances by Billy Connolly and Tim Curry.

ScummVM currently supports the Windows CD-ROM release in several languages (English, Spanish, Italian) and the English Macintosh CD-ROM. If you’re aware of any other versions, please [contact us](https://www.scummvm.org/contact/).

To play any of these supported releases, you will need a [daily development build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily). If you encounter any issues, please submit them to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/)!
20230614.title
Hey, Hawkins, nice to see you again!
20230717.content
_Adibou_, the first game in the beloved children's series, is now ready for public testing!

Also known as _Adi Jr.'s World of Discoveries_, this 1991 Coktel Vision title began the educational Adibou collection aimed at children of age 4 to 7 years.

Many of the iconic activities and mechanisms of the series were already part of this first opus: planting flowers, playing the game Breakout, and being rewarded with sweets upon completing Read/Count exercises. And of course, this was Adibou's first appearance! Although the floppy release has him speak the same strange gibberish as heard in the [Goblins series](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php/Goblins_series), he is still the patient and funny learning partner that he's remembered for being in later games.

ScummVM supports all of the game's releases, from the initial 16-color floppy ones to later 1994 CD versions with richer graphics and sound effects. So dig out your dusty Adibou disks, get a [ScummVM daily development build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily), and start collecting sweets while completing math and reading exercises! Please also [contact us](https://www.scummvm.org/contact/) if you own a version ScummVM is not yet aware of, and report to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/) any problem you may encounter.

---

As much as ScummVM aims to replicate the original gaming experience, there is one feature we are unfortunately unable to support. When hardworking children complete their virtual sweets collection, a message invites them to mail a floppy disk with their savegame to Coktel Vision, who would send them a parcel containing Coktel goodies and actual sweets! So if you are introducing children to _Adibou_ through ScummVM, be prepared to go to the nearest shop and buy some candy for when they finish the game!
20230717.title
A New World of Discoveries
20230731.content
A little while has passed since the release of 2.7.0, and we are now excited to present you with the bugfix release 2.7.1.

We have included a significant amount of fixes and small improvements, in particular:

* Added ScummVM Log file viewer, so you can easily report the problems on platforms with limited file access, e.g. Android, iOS or even modern Windows.
* Fixed the shader-based scaler loading on some platforms.
* Added multiple improvements to AGI, AGS, Cryomni3D and 12 more engines.

We also improved the detection of Broken Sword 1 & Broken Sword 2, so more original versions get properly detected. Thank you to those who submitted bug reports about this, and if you still locate a version that is not recognised, please report it to us (beware that the frankenstein versions that are floating around the internet will not be accepted, only those copied from the original media).

For the full and comprehensive list of notable changes, please refer to the [Release Notes](https://downloads.scummvm.org/frs/scummvm/2.7.1/ReleaseNotes.html).

If you are as excited about the release as we are, you can share our joy by downloading it from [our downloads page](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/). If you are using Windows, macOS, or either of the Ubuntu Snap or Flatpack packages, the autoupdater will pick up the ScummVM 2.7.1 release automatically. For our Android app users, the update will be available on the Play Store.

Thank you very much for your continued support. Enjoy!
20230731.title
ScummVM 2.7.1: "Stan's previously broken swords" sees the light
20230830.content
We are pleased to announce an affiliate partnership with [ZOOM-Platform](https://www.zoom-platform.com/?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53), a supplier of DRM-free games. If you use a link from this website (or from our Wiki), the ScummVM project will receive a small amount of money to be used for web hosting and other expenses.

Any purchases from ZOOM-Platform qualify, but we especially encourage you to check out games supported by ScummVM, such as the *Syberia 1, 2*, *Galador*, [Obsidian](https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/obsidian?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53) as well as 18 titles from the [*Living Books* series](https://www.zoom-platform.com/search/any/wanderful-interactive-storybooks/any/any/any/any/any/any?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53). In total, we counted 25 games supported by ScummVM, and this list is growing.

We will keep an up-to-date list of the games available from this platform on [our Wiki](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Where_to_get_the_games) and have added an affiliate link on the sidebar here.
20230830.title
ScummVM announces affiliate program with ZOOM-Platform.com
20230905.content
Following our announcement about affiliation with ZOOM-Platform, we would like to give a note that they have just started to offer the Macintosh versions of [*Syberia 1*](https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/syberia-1?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53) and [*Syberia 2*](https://www.zoom-platform.com/product/syberia-2?affiliate=c049516c-9c4c-42d6-8649-92ed870e8b53) bundled with ScummVM.

This is important because ScummVM currently supports only the Macintosh versions of these games. These versions were produced by Tetraedge and are built on a completely different engine than the original Windows versions; basically, they are reimplementations, not ports. Now, thanks to the folks from ZOOM-Platform, you can easily obtain these game variants.

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