You may have heard the term "Open SWOS" mentioned in passing on many websites in the past few months. Indeed it is a term which has been around for a while, and yet, it still seems to be something of an "underground" term that has yet to break into the mainstream

What is Open SWOS?

You may have heard the term "Open SWOS" mentioned in passing on many websites in the past few months. Indeed it is a term which has been around for a while, and yet, it still seems to be something of an "underground" term that has yet to break into the mainstream. Open SWOS doesn't actually exist. It is a concept, a concept that originated, around the times when Sensible Software looked doomed, and it seemed the world would never see another Sensi Soccer game.

Perhaps the arrival, of Sensi Euro Club Edition, and recent rumblings, be they true or not, of Sensible Soccer games to come, are to blame for Open SWOS not really taking off. Anyway, I'm getting off the point here, Open SWOS is a concept based around the idea of Sensible Software releasing the source code of the almighty SWOS to the public, and more specifically, the SWOS community, so that we may tinker with it, and use it, to make new SWOS's based on the ideas already implemented. Whilst the overral gameplay would obviously remain, the opportunity would be there to tweak with the graphics, and sounds to bring them more up to date, and possibly add some new features.

This may be an idea that doesn't necessarily appeal to the mainstream SWOS player, which, perhaps, is another reason why the idea hasn't taken off, but if it is ever to become more than just a concept, support from these mainstream fans will be needed.

Hence, this article was written, in an attempt to bring Open SWOS to the attention of the SWOS public as I believe it is a concept that could have quite some potential.

WIll it ever be more than just a concept?

Personally, I think it is unlikely, if new Sensible Soccers are in the pipeline, as rumoured, then I think Sensible Software, and indeed Codemasters, who I suppose are the ones that own the code now, would be extremely reluctant to release code, which could potentially damage sales of future products, as dated as the code may be. The danger of the code falling into the wrong hands is also a possibilty, and theres always the possibility that Jon Hare doesn't want to reveal the secrets behind the magic!!

Where can I get more info / give my support to the idea?

Well, to be honest, it is difficult to say. The concept was first thought up by Eduardo Sousa of Be Sensible ( http://besensible.cjb.net ), so he may be the man to contact, although he is often busy with other things nowadays. Alternatively, a website has recently been set up for the project, although it is looking a bit empty right now. You can request more information via E-Mail however. The address for this site is : http://swos.gzunda.com . Apart from that, I will try and keep you up to date on developements as much as possible, here at this page.

Open SWOS Ideas



(Please note that some of these ideas are taken from Ed. Sousas Be Sensible site)

Net - SWOS

Personally, I think this would be a top idea. With mainstream interest for SWOS fading and all your mates buggering off to play FIFA, the option to search for people around the world to test your skills against becomes more and more appealing. The game is so simple, with no great fancy graphics, that surely it wouldn't be that difficult to pull off a speedy internet conversion?

Windows SWOS

Playing SWOS in a window.

Super SWOS

With power ups and special moves (anyone remember EMPIRE SOCCER??), different loony pitches (such as the Moon - which has actually already been done), indoor 5-a-side option, Park Soccer option with jumpers for goalposts (isnt it hmmmm), and teams that recruit new members as they walk past, and dog dirt on the pitch, Beach Soccer, oh there's endless possibilities, and if this isn't enough to get you begging Sensi supremo, Jon Hare to release the code, then I don't know what is!!

Have you got any ideas?

The whole idea of Open SWOS is to enhance SWOS, to include features that are wanted by the SWOS gamers, so if you have any ideas, please contact me with them.