The latest release of the project OpenMW 0.51 has been introduced, which is a free implementation of the engine for the popular role-playing game The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind. In comparison to the original engine, OpenMW comes with a modernized user interface, improved graphics, and its own editor called OpenMW-CS for creating new games and mods. It utilizes the Bullet physical process simulation engine, includes support for macOS and Linux platforms, and has enhanced the behavior of bots.
The project is coded in C++ and is distributed under the GPLv3 license. The interface of the OpenMW-CS editor and launcher utilizes Qt, while the in-game interface employs MyGUI. SDL is used for input devices, and OpenAL for audio output. Ready-made builds for Linux (flatpak), Windows, and macOS are available. Users need the original Morrowind game files or can install an alternative set of resources to run the game.
In the new version, mod developers have the ability to create magical effects using the scripting API. The content editor now supports vertex painting on 3D meshes, enabling the creation of realistic landscapes. Additionally, support for MRK files has been added for localizing keywords in the Russian-language version of Morrowind. Other enhancements include improved gameplay sounds, support for additional buttons on game controllers, and increased realism in sun ray visualization. The launcher now automatically detects installations from Steam and GOG Galaxy, while old rendering modes and lighting calculations have been removed.