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Most new visitors don’t know about Mrs. Riddenbutter’s, but you should do yourself a favor and enjoy some of her hospitality and a tankard or two of her ale. Double-click on her door to open it, and step inside. Riddenbutter works the bar, and the smart traveler should speak with her. Drop an idea on her to get her chatting. Like most people, she likes to talk about this and that and the other thing, and she’ll also frequently respond with information that’s more local in nature.
Yes, the ScummVM team announces support for _Halls of the Dead: Faery Tale Adventure II_, a marvellous work by our GSoC’21 student Yuri Guimaraes aka a-yyg, who ported the original SAGA2 engine from 1997 by The Dreamers Guild. Please assist us with testing this game. Take your old dusty CD and feed it to the ScummVM. As usual, you will need the [latest daily build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily) of ScummVM. If you encounter any bugs or problems during your gameplay, please file them on our [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/). |
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| 20230124.title | ||
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Let me take you to the time warp!
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| 20230124.content | ||
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More Director games are ready for public testing!
ScummVM has made huge strides in Macromedia Director support. Many Director 3 games are now fully completable, and several Director 4 games are also now playable. 18 new games are officially supported, and we could use your help testing them. We also welcome reports of any other Director games which are fully playable or completable. To test these new games, please use the [latest daily build](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/#daily) of ScummVM. Any bugs or problems can be reported to the [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/). Some highlights from the new list of games include: * <i>Chop Suey</i> by Theresa Duncan, an important classic of "girl games". * <i>Eastern Mind</i>, the cult classic from artist Osamu Kato. * <i>Ganbare! Inuchan</i>, based on the comic by singer Kenso Kato, which was the first Director 4 game to be fully completable. * <i>Over-Ring-Under</i>, by the same developer as <i>Alice: An Interactive Museum</i>. ScummVM's new support for CD audio in Director games lets players enjoy the soundtrack by Carl Stone. * The first five games by Japanese indie developer iTA-Choco Systems. The full list of games for testing is: * <i>The Better Dead Ratification</i> (Mac/Windows) * <i>Chop Suey</i> (Mac, Windows) * <i>Eastern Mind: The Lost Souls of Tong Nou</i> (aka <i>Tong Nou</i>) (Mac/Windows) * <i>Fukuoka Go-Round</i> (Mac/Windows) * <i>Ganbare! Inuchan: Rock'n Roll-hen</i> (Mac/Windows) * <i>Ganbare! Inuchan: Sekai no Tabi-hen</i> (Mac) * <i>Henachoco 01: Henachoco Derby</i> (Windows) * <i>Henachoco 02: Saitei Birds</i> (Windows) * <i>Henachoco 03: Difficult Book Game</i> (Mac/Windows) * <i>Henachoco 04: Ano Subarashii Bento o 1-do 2-do</i> (Mac/Windows) * <i>Henachoco 05: Yaken Rodem</i> (Mac/Windows) * <i>Japan Art Today 07: Takashi Murakami - A Romantic Evening</i> (Mac) * <i>Majestic Part 1: Alien Encounter</i> (Mac/Windows) * <i>Nemurenu Yoru no Chiisana Ohanashi</i> (Pippin) * <i>Over-Ring-Under</i> (Mac) * <i>Pepperon Mura no Shiki</i> (aka <i>Op avontuur in kabouterstad</i> and <i>Valmaison au fil des saisons</i>) (Mac/Windows) * <i>The Seven Colors: Legend of PSY・S City</i> (Mac) * <i>Time Gal</i> (Mac/Windows) |
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| 20230203.title | ||
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ScummVM 2.7.0: Call for testing!
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| 20230203.content | ||
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A few months have passed since we released ScummVM 2.6.1. It's time to prepare for a new release!
Our lovely developers added support, yet again, for a bunch of new ancient games that require testing: * *Soldier Boyz* * *GLK Scott Adams Interactive Fiction games (C64 and ZX Spectrum)* * *GLK Scott Adams adventures 1-12 (TI99/4A format)* * *Obsidian* * *Pink Panther: Passport to Peril* * *Pink Panther: Hokus Pokus Pink* * *Driller/Space Station Oblivion* * *Halls of the Dead: Faery Tale Adventure II* Besides these games, we’d appreciate it if you could check our [release testing list](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Release_Testing/2.7.0). Maybe you’ll even find your favorite game on there that has been sitting on that shelf for way too long - otherwise, there are some demos of these games available on [our website](https://www.scummvm.org). And since ScummVM is about playing games in general, we’ve seen notable changes across many, many engines - so this is the perfect time for giving your favorites another go. As usual, we are not just adding support for new games. We are constantly working on improving the engines we already support and, in particular, we’ve seen some incredible work being done on the SCUMM engine. Yes, there are the usual bug fixes, but this time we are also adding a feature that helps playing the SCUMM games in a truly original fashion: Support for the original loading and saving dialogs within the GUI! Speaking of truly original: Remember those old CRT displays we had back in the day? With ScummVM 2.7.0 you’ll be able to replicate this experience on certain platforms thanks to our new shader-based scalers. Go ahead and give it a try! All testing must be done with [stable builds](https://buildbot.scummvm.org/#/dailybuilds), not development ones. Please report any bugs or oddities on our [issue tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/). A detailed list of all exciting new features and fixes is available in our [NEWS file](https://github.com/scummvm/scummvm/blob/branch-2-7/NEWS.md). Thank you very much for your support! Let’s make ScummVM 2.7.0 a great release - together! |
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| 20230223.title | ||
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ScummVM has been accepted to the Google Summer of Code 2023
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| 20230223.content | ||
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This year our project was accepted to the [Google Summer of Code](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com) program for the eighth year in a row (and 16th time in total).
The intention of the program is to bring new contributors to open source projects, and the eligibility rules for participants are the same as last year, with both students and non-students welcome to participate. Check the [Google Summer of Code](https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com) website for details of eligibility. Participants can apply for either short tasks (about 175 hours) or long tasks (about 350 hours). The coding period typically runs from the start of June to the end of August, but there is some flexibility and the participants can opt to use a longer coding period if they are not available to work full time on the project during the summer. ScummVM is looking for applicants! A list of suggested projects can be found on [this page](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Summer_of_Code/GSoC_Ideas_2023), but we’re open to your own ideas too. Please make sure you provide the [required information in your application](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=GSoC_Application) before submitting. We also strongly encourage you to join our [Discord server](https://discord.gg/4cDsMNtcpG) and follow the #scummvm-gsoc channel where you can engage with our mentors and the rest of the team, and get advice and help on getting started with the project and writing your application. We have gathered some information to guide you, based on our previous 15 years of experience in the program. You may start your exploration from our [Google Summer of Code miniportal](https://wiki.scummvm.org/index.php?title=Summer_of_Code). We are looking forward to your application and participation! |
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| 20230226.title | ||
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ScummVM 2.7.0: The Real Slim Shader
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| 20230226.content | ||
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_May I have your attention, please? May I have your attention, please?_
We are proud to announce the first release of the year 2023. Please welcome ScummVM 2.7.0 – "The Real Slim Shader". ## New games Once again, the number of available games increased substantially thanks to new engines, as well as incredible improvements across older engines. With ScummVM 2.7.0, we officially announce support for the following games: * _Soldier Boyz_ * _Obsidian_ * _Pink Panther: Passport to Peril_ * _Pink Panther: Hokus Pokus Pink_ * _Adibou 2 "Environment"_, _"Read/Count 4 & 5"_ and _"Read/Count 6 & 7"_ * _Driller/Space Station Oblivion_ * _Halls of the Dead: Faery Tale Adventure II_ * _Chop Suey_, _Eastern Mind_, and 16 other Director 3 and Director 4 titles ## Improved support for _Broken Sword_ series We vastly improved the detection method used for the _Broken Sword_ series as well. Compared to the old detection method, this allows a much higher level of granularity, so we are now able to detect even the slightest differences between all the supported versions. We tried our very best to add all available game versions, but we need your help. If you notice that your version of _Broken Sword 1_ or _2_ is not properly detected in ScummVM 2.7.0, please get in touch with us and report your version to our [Bug Tracker](https://bugs.scummvm.org/)! ## New localizations One of our goals is to support as many localized game versions as possible, so people can enjoy the games in their native language. This time, we added support for the Chinese, Japanese and Korean versions of many games, including _Beneath a Steel Sky_, _Inherit the Earth_ and _I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream_. ## New and revived platforms Additionally, we proved ScummVM’s portability again by adding (or bringing back) support for numerous new platforms and devices: * RetroMini RS90 (using [OpenDingux](https://github.com/OpenDingux/)) * 1st generation Miyoo (New BittBoy, Pocket Go and PowKiddy Q90-V90-Q20) with TriForceX MiyooCFW * Miyoo Mini * KolibriOS * 26-bit versions of RISC OS * Nintendo 3DS Of course, stable platforms deserve some love as well! We are very proud to announce that support for iOS and Android devices got vastly improved for 2.7.0! We don’t want to spoil everything that we have in mind for the future with these platforms, but stay tuned — it will be awesome. ## Shader-based scalers Ah, yes, the release codename. Glad you asked. The new release provides a way to run your games with visual accuracy like you've never seen before. Do you remember the warm glow of CRTs shining on your face? Get that experience back thanks to the introduction of shader-based scalers! ScummVM 2.7.0 already ships with a curated set of shaders we carefully hand-picked from LibRetro’s shader collection. A more comprehensive set is available as an additional download from within the application itself. ## Pre-defined random number seeds Our speedrun community can now take advantage of a new feature that allows setting a predefined seed for ScummVM’s internal random number generator. Using a predefined seed now provides the ability to have reproducible runs over and over again. Pick a seed, set your route and you are good to go! ---- Check out the full [Release Notes](https://downloads.scummvm.org/frs/scummvm/2.7.0/ReleaseNotes.html) for a comprehensive summary of how our developers managed to create yet another amazing ScummVM release! You can find all of this goodness available for a number of platforms on [our downloads page](https://www.scummvm.org/downloads/). If you are using Windows, macOS, or either the Ubuntu Snap or Flatpack packages, the autoupdater will assist you in updating to ScummVM 2.7.0. As always, thank you for your continued support and happy adventuring! |
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| 20230303.title | ||
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Help us test ScummVM for Android
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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! |
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| 20230312.title | ||
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People say Syberia doesn't exist. But people are so wrong.
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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). |
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| 20230401.title | ||
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ScummVM Enables AI to Play Point-and-Click Adventure Games
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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.  "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!* |
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| 20230406.title | ||
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*phone rings* “Let’s Play Ball!”
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| 20230406.content | ||
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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. |
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| 20230411.title | ||
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Vampires, Romance, and Sleuthing
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| 20230411.content | ||
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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/). |
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| 20230423.title | ||
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Android is here to Play again
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