The Almost of ZZT

About

This repository preserves a near-complete, authentic snapshot of an actual ZZT development build from June 12–19, 1991, close to ZZT 3.0 — the author stresses it is not a decompilation, but real development-era Pascal source, with only files suspected of containing third-party-copyrighted material removed or altered (and clearly marked where that happened). It targets DOS and is released under the MIT license.

How it differs from the original

A handful of the original .PAS files were altered from the 1991 build because they were suspected to contain third-party-copyrighted components; where the change couldn't be reverted without losing historical accuracy, it's marked with a 'REMOVED - Suspected third-party copyright' annotation. Several other files are stated to be untouched and fully authentic to the original code.

Getting started

This repository is presented as a historical record rather than a ready-to-build release; the author explicitly recommends a separate 'Reconstruction of ZZT' project instead for source that is complete, buildable, and clear of copyright concerns.

History

The source dates to an actual ZZT development build from June 12–19, 1991, close to ZZT 3.0, and was released under the MIT license after the author obtained Epic Games' permission, with specific thanks credited to Tim Sweeney for supporting the ZZT community.

Known issues & limitations

• completeness: This is a near-complete but not exact copy; components suspected to be third-party copyright have been removed.

Credits & contributing

• The related 'Museum of ZZT' site documents the community's history through the 2010s and offers recommendations of modern ZZT-made games.