Create an indie games studio with free software
Game Kitchen
Open source software can provide every tool you need to create an independent game.
Ever considered making your own indie game and releasing it for the world to play? Earlier generations of game developers were faced with the high cost of the software they needed to make games. However, whether you're working on your own or as part of a small team, it is now possible to put together an entire game development studio with free software.
Apart from being free, many open source applications have an advantage when it comes to community support, and of course, open source tends to offer many alternative options for you to try. Graphics and source code editors, music programs and entire game engines – pro-level tools are there for the taking if you know what to install. Bit by bit, you can piece together a workflow that suits you.
Choose a Game Engine
The first decision you have to make when developing a game is whether to use a full game engine or stick with a lighter framework. Game engines implement a lot of the logic of a game. Apart from drawing the graphics and playing back audio, they also handle the input devices, such as keyboard, mouse, or controller. In other words, a fully featured game engine can implement an entire game, minus the assets you create. These assets are the graphics, levels, and sound effects, along with the game code that describes how your game behaves.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Mint 22.3 Now Available with New Tools
Linux Mint 22.3 has been released with a pair of new tools for system admins and some pretty cool new features.
-
New Linux Malware Targets Cloud-Based Linux Installations
VoidLink, a new Linux malware, should be of real concern because of its stealth and customization.
-
Say Goodbye to Middle-Mouse Paste
Both Gnome and Firefox have proposed getting rid of a long-time favorite Linux feature.
-
Manjaro 26.0 Primary Desktop Environments Default to Wayland
If you want to stick with X.Org, you'll be limited to the desktop environments you can choose.
-
Mozilla Plans to AI-ify Firefox
With a new CEO in control, Mozilla is doubling down on a strategy of trust, all the while leaning into AI.
-
Gnome Says No to AI-Generated Extensions
If you're a developer wanting to create a new Gnome extension, you'd best set aside that AI code generator, because the extension team will have none of that.
-
Parrot OS Switches to KDE Plasma Desktop
Yet another distro is making the move to the KDE Plasma desktop.
-
TUXEDO Announces Gemini 17
TUXEDO Computers has released the fourth generation of its Gemini laptop with plenty of updates.
-
Two New Distros Adopt Enlightenment
MX Moksha and AV Linux 25 join ranks with Bodhi Linux and embrace the Enlightenment desktop.
-
Solus Linux 4.8 Removes Python 2
Solus Linux 4.8 has been released with the latest Linux kernel, updated desktops, and a key removal.

