Some information just to clarify some things.
This may be updated as more misinformation is spread.
Q: What is it?
A: OpenMoHAA is a project of creating a free (as in speech, not as in beer), open-source
game engine capable of running Medal of Honor: Allied Assault content (in much the same way that
OpenTTD runs Transport Tycoon Deluxe or
Free in the Dark runs Alone in the Dark), technically superior to the original one by improving security, stability and adding features, like PK3 downloading and extended mod support (actually, rolling back to many of the features that were there in Quake III but didn't make it to MoHAA).
It should be noted OpenMoHAA is not a patch - it's a completely separate, stand-alone project, based upon
ioquake3.
Q: Will it be compatible with the original game?
A: While it's not a priority, at least at the initial development stages, it definitely is something we will be striving for in the future. To put it simply, it probably will, at some point in time.
Q: Will it support the Spearhead and Breakthrough expansion packs?
A: It possibly will, when we're satisfied with all the other features of the engine. However, this may introduce some serious issues concerning CD key checking, as OMoHAA SH/BT support would allow players with pirated copies of the game to play online, which could awaken EA's legal demons. We'll think of it later on when vanilla AA is fully supported.
Q: Will OpenMoHAA contain new maps, skins, sounds etc.?
A: OpenMoHAA is not a mod. Therefore, the project is not intended to produce any media assets (i.e. maps, models, sounds, textures, etc.). The answer is simply - no.
Q: Does this mean I will be able to get MoHAA for free?
A: No. While the OpenMoHAA engine will be free and open-source, the original game assets are not, they're part of a commercial product, propertiary. This means that
you will need a legal, legitimate copy of Medal of Honor: Allied Assault in order to use OpenMoHAA.
Q: Will it feature advanced graphics/audio effects or a physics engine?
A: We'll definitely try to improve the quality of audio and video rendering, as far as that's possible without additional media assets. So that's a yes. However, as for a physics simulation engine, there's no application for it (MoHAA prospers without one).
Q: Will DMW support OpenMoHAA?
A: Possibly. We had an unofficial word from a DMW representative that once the project is mature enough, they can't see a reason why it shouldn't be supported. We'll get back at it in due time.
Q: Will OMoHAA support singleplayer?
A: It is not planned at the current stage. The entire SP gameplay relies on the Actor class - the AI. It is by far one the most complex module of the game and rewriting it is a task we cannot tackle without serious support. We believe a better engine is required more badly by the multiplayer component, and thus we focus our efforts on online play. So unless an AI guru strolls up and offers his services in writing an AI module for us, there will be no singleplayer in OMoHAA.
UPDATE: Apparently, an AI programmer did stroll up, so there is hope actors will be supported.
