OpenRCT2

Lore & Background

Development of OpenRCT2 began on April 2, 2014, by Ted "IntelOrca" John, and was continued by over 250 other contributors. The game requires a copy of the original RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 or the "Classic" re-release to be installed. In 2019, modder rsn8887 brought the game to custom firmware Nintendo Switch systems as a homebrew game, including touchscreen support. A major update in 2022 allowed the game to use RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic as a base install path.

Reader's Guide

OpenRCT2 is significant as a free and open-source re-implementation that preserves and expands RollerCoaster Tycoon 2, allowing it to run on modern systems with high-definition resolutions and higher framerates. It adds multiplayer support, fast-forward mode, support for content from the original RollerCoaster Tycoon, increased software limits on parks, and options to exceed restrictions like height clearance. The project also improved pathfinding AI and added cheats. Reception from outlets such as PC Gamer, Vice, and Kotaku highlighted the increased creative freedom and ability to run the classic game on modern hardware. In 2020, Nerdist suggested OpenRCT2 as a stress-relieving game during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its legacy includes weakening the incentive to purchase the later released RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic, as noted by Kotaku.

Did You Know?

• In 2019, the game was brought to Nintendo Switch systems as a homebrew game by modder rsn8887.
• Allister Brimble, composer for the first two RollerCoaster Tycoon games, composed a new theme song for OpenRCT2 in 2023.