Tux with a joystick

Free and Open Source Games

Linux.conf.au 2009 Gaming Miniconf


Playing games

live.linux-gamers.net is a "boot 'n play" DVD providing Linux and a collection of ready-to-play games.

The Linux Game Tome and the Linux Game Database list FOSS games and games that run on FOSS platforms.

Many proprietary games have native Linux ports: First Person Shooter games from id software, Unreal Tournament, many Quake variants, Neverwinter Nights, large catalogues at Tux Games, Linux Game Publishing and various ports by Ryan C. Gordon.

Information on finding, installing and playing games under Linux is available in the Linux Gamers' FAQ including another list of Linux games. PlayDeb.Net makes installing games easy on Ubuntu Linux.

You can also run proprietary games on open source platforms using Wine, Crossover Games, Cedega, ScummVM, DOSBox and many other emulators and game engine recreations.

There are also many Open Source games for Windows.


Developing games

Free and Open Source software has a multitude of applications in game development.

Developing games using open source tools

Open game console hardware

Developing FOSS games for proprietary consoles

devkitPro supports development on GameBoy Advance, GP32, Playstation Portable and GameCube.


Comments and suggestions welcome at games@sericyb.com.au.