Is FiveM 100% Open Source?

When it comes to the modding and server-hosting community for Grand Theft Auto V, FiveM is a household name. It’s an essential tool for players and developers who want to create custom multiplayer experiences, run roleplay servers, or simply enjoy mods outside the confines of the official GTA Online platform. But with such a massive following and widespread usage, many people wonder: Is FiveM 100% open source?

The short answer: No is not 100% open source. But let’s dive into the details to uncover the truth.

The History of FiveM

FiveM is a modification framework for GTA V (founded in 2015 by nta), allowing players to join customized multiplayer servers.

The idea behind FiveM is simple—create a better, more open version of GTA V multiplayer where players have more control over how the game is played. However, there are some aspects of FiveM that users often assume are fully open and freely available to everyone. So, is the entire framework really open source?

What Does “Open Source” Mean?

Before diving into whether FiveM is open source or not, let’s clarify what open source means in the context of software. Open source software refers to any software whose source code is made publicly available for anyone to view, use, modify, and distribute. Essentially, anyone can take that code and build upon it, adapt it to their needs, or even contribute improvements to the original project.

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FiveM’s Open Source Components

FiveM is not 100% open source, but certain components of the platform are, allowing developers to access and modify parts of the framework. For example:

• Server Resources: Server-side scripts and resources (such as Lua scripts, scripts for custom game modes, etc.) are open to the public. This means server owners and modders can modify, share, and redistribute their custom scripts. BUT NOT ALL: Escrowed scripts are locked. And it sucks.
• Client-Modding Framework: FiveM provides tools and frameworks for modifying the client-side game experience, including adding custom vehicles, weapons, skins, and more. This section of the platform is also somewhat open and available to modders and developers.

While these aspects of FiveM can be seen as open-source, there is a significant limitation. Let’s look at the other side of the coin.

The Non-Open Source Parts of FiveM

FiveM itself isn’t completely open source. Here are the parts that remain closed off:

• FiveM Core: The core software that powers FiveM is not open source. This includes the essential components of the server-client communication, network code, and the custom engine that makes FiveM’s multiplayer experience work. The core is closed, meaning the underlying mechanics of the FiveM server and client are proprietary.
• Asset Escrow: To “prevent abuse”, FiveM uses an asset escrow system that locks certain assets, scripts, and resources behind a paywall. This means that some premium mods and scripts on FiveM are not fully open to the public, as creators can use the escrow system to protect their work from unauthorized use.
• Server Software: Although server administrators can create and modify their servers using FiveM’s APIs and resources, the core server software is not open source. Only the resources and scripts created by server owners or developers can be modified, while the actual server infrastructure remains protected.

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Why Isn’t FiveM Fully Open Source?

One of the reasons FiveM is not fully open source is to ensure the project remains financially sustainable. By keeping certain components of FiveM proprietary, the developers can protect their work and generate revenue, which in turn supports the continuous development of the platform.

The asset escrow system is another reason for the lack of full open-source access. It provides modders with an incentive to sell their work while protecting it from being illegally distributed. This model allows content creators to earn revenue from their custom scripts and mods, ensuring that they can continue creating new content for the FiveM community.

Additionally, maintaining certain parts of FiveM as closed source ensures a level of quality and consistency. By keeping the core parts of the platform under control, FiveM’s developers can prevent exploits, maintain server stability, and protect the overall integrity of the platform.

The Open-Source Community Around FiveM

While the core of FiveM is closed source, it’s important to note that there is still a thriving open-source community around it. Many developers share their custom scripts, resources, and plugins, and there are forums and GitHub repositories dedicated to FiveM modding. The community-driven nature of these resources allows new modders to learn and contribute to the platform without requiring access to the core code.

The FiveM team also encourages community-driven content, meaning that anyone can contribute by developing new scripts and mods for others to use. Though the server core is protected, the environment around it is incredibly open for innovation and modification.

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Conclusion: Not 100% Open Source, But Still Open

So, is FiveM 100% open source? No, it is not. The platform’s core server software and certain aspects of its asset management system remain proprietary. However, many components, such as server resources and client-side modifications, are open for anyone to use, modify, and share. The open-source community around FiveM remains a driving force behind its success, and the platform offers plenty of opportunities for developers and modders to get involved.

Final words

FiveM is a semi-open source platform. While not fully open, it still offers significant flexibility for modders and server administrators to create, customize, and share their work. The balance between open-source access and proprietary systems helps ensure that FiveM remains sustainable and continues to evolve.

https://vertexmods.com/en/blogwhy-open-source/