[HL1/CS] A3D and EAX not implemented

steamclosed reviewedMOVED: Half-Life 1

ValveSoftware/steam-for-linux#995 · opened 2013-01-28 by AnAkkk · updated 2013-08-19 · 5 comments · github

AAnAkkk 2013-01-28 github

From what I can see, there are sound options for A3D and EAX, but they are not actually implemented under Linux, these options don't do anything.

I'd suggest removing A3D for both Windows and Linux, for the following reasons:

On Windows, the A3D drivers are only compatible with Windows 95/98. Steam dropped support from Windows 95/98 years ago, you can't launch Steam on them.
A3D was only used by exploiters to be able to hear sounds from longer distances than other people

?ghost 2013-01-29 github

DDasani 2013-02-05 github

I have used the EAX features since my first Creative sound card. Calling this an exploit doesn't sound right at all. Sound in HL1 and CS sound so dull now. There is no distinction of where the audio is coming from now and it just sounds like stereo sound coming out all my speakers in my 5.1 setup. I can't believe this sound feature is being called an exploit. Creative still supports EAX features with the Creative Alchemy application. The tram ride in HL1 sounds horrible, as do other big moments in Hl1, and the sounds in CS1.6 are just as dull. Please consider putting this feature back in.

MMrSchism 2013-02-06 github

It was removed from all platforms, largely, for consistency. Thing is that EAX is depreciated and has most of its functions included in OpenAL's EFX

I find it hard to believe that there's much of a difference, as (according to http://connect.creativelabs.com/alchemy/default.aspx) Alchemy really just translates A3D/EAX into OpenAL.

Best bet would be to include EFX in the OpenAL available for the game.

RRichNagel 2013-02-18 github

Agreed 100% with what Dasani replied.

4-channel surround-sound is about as exploitive as me using a 19" CRT monitor... verses all of my buddies having newer flatscreen monitors that are MUCH larger than mine (seriously, that's what I have... an aging Gateway VX900 CRT monitor, in all of it's faded and blurry glory).

I mean, so now we are back to the Wolfenstein 3D 'stereo' days?

MMrSchism 2013-02-18 github

OpenAL does support surround sound, for all it's worth. There's a good walkthrough here: http://www.halfgaar.net/surround-sound-in-linux

Nothing extracted yet.