Porting 3D Movie Maker to Linux

A developer has successfully ported Microsoft 3D Movie Maker to Linux, making it the first known version of the application to run outside of Windows. This development allows Linux users to create animated movies using a tool that was previously exclusive to Windows, marking a significant breakthrough in software porting and preservation of vintage multimedia applications.

The port was achieved after over 18 months of work on a source port called 3DMMEx, based on the recently released open-source code of 3D Movie Maker, which Microsoft published in May 2022 under an MIT license. The developer collaborated with others, notably Mark Cave-Ayland, to adapt the code for Linux compatibility, addressing issues such as platform-specific dependencies, assembly code, and pointer size assumptions.

The source code of 3DMM, codenamed ‘Socrates,’ was made available by Microsoft, enabling this port. The developer’s efforts included replacing x86 assembly with portable C code, modernizing build systems, and solving compatibility issues related to 64-bit systems and external dependencies like BRender and AudioMan. The port now supports running the application natively on Linux using SDL, a cross-platform multimedia library.

Why It Matters

This development is significant because it preserves a piece of multimedia history and demonstrates the feasibility of porting complex, vintage Windows applications to Linux. It opens possibilities for Linux users to access and create with 3D Movie Maker, a tool that was popular in the 1990s for making animated movies. Additionally, it showcases the potential for open-source collaboration to revive and modernize legacy software.

Background

Microsoft released the full source code of 3D Movie Maker in May 2022, a move that surprised many given the application’s age. The code was well-engineered, facilitating porting efforts. Prior attempts to modernize the software, such as the 3DMMForever project, faced challenges due to platform-specific code and dependencies. The recent collaboration and technical work have finally resulted in a functional Linux port, marking a milestone in software preservation and cross-platform development.

“After extensive work, we can now compile and run 3D Movie Maker on Linux, making it accessible to a new audience.”

— the developer of 3DMMEx

“Porting such an old Windows application to Linux was challenging but rewarding, especially to see it running on a Raspberry Pi.”

— Mark Cave-Ayland

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how stable or fully functional the Linux port is across different distributions or hardware configurations. Compatibility with all features and external dependencies remains to be tested extensively, and ongoing maintenance may be required.

What’s Next

The next steps include thorough testing of the Linux version, gathering user feedback, and potentially releasing a packaged version for broader distribution. Further development may focus on improving performance, compatibility, and user interface adaptations for Linux.

Key Questions

Can I download and run the Linux port of 3D Movie Maker now?

Yes, the developer has announced that the port is now functional, but users should check for the latest release and instructions on how to compile or install it.

What are the system requirements for running 3D Movie Maker on Linux?

The port uses SDL and supports modern Linux distributions. Specific hardware requirements are not yet fully detailed, but it is expected to run on typical Linux PCs and Raspberry Pi devices.

Will there be a graphical installer or pre-built binaries available?

It is not yet confirmed if pre-built binaries will be released; currently, users may need to compile from source, depending on the developer’s future updates.

Does this port support all features of the original Windows version?

Initial reports suggest core functionalities are working, but some advanced features or authoring tools may still require further testing or development.