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From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

List of open-source video games

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Summary

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This is a list of notable open-source video games. Open-source video games are assembled from and are themselves open-source software, including public domain games with public domain source code. This list also includes games in which the engine is open-source but other data (such as art and music) is under a more restrictive license. This is not an exhaustive directory, and it is not meant to be. Games listed must verify their notability. This should usually be done by at least making a stub article and showing where the game has received extensive coverage.

Games should only appear in the first table if their game engine uses an open-source license (public domain, GPL, CC, BSD, MIT, Artistic etc.). Just having source code available does not suffice; the content must be free as well. Many games have source code available but do not use an open-source license; for instance, the license may prohibit modification, or allow only non-commercial use. Such games should not be included on the first table.

Do not list a game's license as "Other", "?", or blank. If the game uses a standard open-source license, name that license and link to its Wikipedia page; if it was non-trivial to find the license, add a reference to a page showing the license. If the game uses a non-standard open-source license, add a reference to a page showing the full license text. If the game uses a proprietary license, or you don't know what license it uses, but it has source code available and it is notable, you may list it in tables two to four.--

Open engine and free data

The games in this table are developed under a free and open-source license with free content which allows reuse, modification and commercial redistribution of the whole game. Licenses can be public domain, GPL, BSD, Creative Commons, zlib, MIT, Artistic License or other (see the comparison of Free and open-source software and the Comparison of free and open-source software licenses).

TitleFirst releaseLatest releaseGenreEngine licenseContent licenseDimensionsOther informationProgramming language
0 A.D.20092025RTSGPL-2.0-or-laterCC BY-SA 3.03DHistorical, cross-platform RTS, using an original engine named Pyrogenesis. Game source-code released July 10, 2009.C++, JavaScript, GLSL
204820142014PuzzleMITMIT2DA sliding block puzzle game.Ruby, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
A Dark Room20132023Online text-based role-playing gameMozilla Public LicenseMozilla Public LicenseTextIn July 2013 the source code of the game was put on GitHub under MPL 2.0. Became commercially successful after the source code release.Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Abuse19962011Run and gunPublic-domain softwarePublic domain2DC, C++, newLISP, CMake, Common Lisp
Argentum Online19992018MMORPGGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2DFirst open-source MMORPG developed in Argentina.Visual Basic, VBA, JavaScript, C++, HTML
Armagetron Advanced20012024RacingGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DA multiplayer 3D Tron lightcycle racing game.C++
AstroMenace20072025ArcadeGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later, CC BY-SA 4.03DA top-scrolling space shooter.C, C++
Ballerburg19872008 (ports)Artillery gamePublic-domain softwarePublic domain2DPublic-domain software on the author's website with source code. Later ported to other systems such as Linux, MacOS, iOS, etc.
The Battle for Wesnoth20052025TBTGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later, CC BY-SA 4.02DTurn-based tactical strategy game with RPG elements. Includes a single-player campaign and skirmish modes as well as multiplayer.C++, Lua, Python
Biniax20052012Puzzlezlibzlib2D
Bos Wars20042013RTSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-laterIsometric 2D2D real-time strategy game running on a modified version of the Stratagus engine.
BZFlag19972022Tank / FPSLGPL-2.1-only and MPL-2.0LGPL-2.1-only and MPL-2.03DA first-person shooter 3D tank-based multiplayer online game.
C-Dogs SDL20022025Run and gunPublic-domain software (engine) / GPL-2.0-or-later (game code)CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA2DOverhead run-and-gun, with hotseat cooperative and deathmatch play for up to four players.
Cart Life20112017SimulationCart Life's Free License (permissive license)Cart Life's Free License (permissive license), Freeware2DIn March 2014 the source code and game was made available by Richard Hofmeier for free online, saying he was finished supporting the game. Winner of the IGF 2013 award. Mirrored on GitHub.
Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead20132024RPG/RoguelikeCC BY-SA 3.0CC BY-SA 3.02Durl=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/568375735/cataclysm-dark-days-ahead-dedicated-developer/title=Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead - Dedicated Developerwork=Kickstarterdate=22 June 2013}}
Chromium B.S.U.20002016ArcadeClarified ArtisticMIT2DA fast-paced arcade-style top-scrolling space shooter.
Colobot20012021RTS, educationalGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later3DSource code of the original game by EPSITEC SA was released in March 2012. Since then, the game is maintained by the community as Colobot: Gold Edition.
Colossal Cave Adventure19761995Text adventurePublic-domain softwarePublic domainTextThe original text adventure game by Crowther and Woods.
Core War19841984Programming gameVarious (public domain, BSD, GPL)VariousTextOriginal created by D. G. Jones and A. K. Dewdney, and continued through the present day by the community.
Crossfire19922019MMORPGGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later2DCrossfire originally started as a Gauntlet clone developed by Frank Tore Johansen at the University of Oslo, Norway.
Danger from the Deep20032010Submarine simulatorGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DWWII U-boat simulatorC++
DDraceNetwork20132024PlatformerzlibCC BY-SA 3.0 (except font)2D2D online multiplayer side-scrolling co-op platformer.C++
Diamond Trust of London20122012TBSPublic-domain softwarePublic domain2Durl=https://sourceforge.net/p/hcsoftware/DiamondTrust/ci/default/tree/title=DiamondTrust/ci/default/treefirst=Jasonlast=Rohrerwebsite=SourceForgedate=2011-10-17access-date=2013-05-22author-link=Jason Rohrer }}
DRL20132016RoguelikeGPL-2.0-or-laterCC BY-SA 4.02.5DBased on Doom and Doom II.
Duelyst20162023Collectible card gameCC0CC02DBuilt using nodeJS, open source release in 2023.
Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup20062023RoguelikeGPL-2.0-or-laterCC02DAn open-source fork of the 1997 game Linley's Dungeon Crawl.
Endgame: Singularity20052020Science fiction/AI simulation gameGPL-2.0-or-laterCC BY-SA 3.02DWritten in Python by EMH, later continued by the community.
Endless Skytitle=Releases · endless-sky/endless-skyurl=https://github.com/endless-sky/endless-sky/releasesaccess-date=2023-10-24website=GitHublanguage=en}}2025Space trading and combat simulatorGPL-3Public domain, various CC licenses2DInspired by the Escape Velocity series of games. Continuously updated.C++
Enigma20032021PuzzleGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later2DOxyd clone.
Fish Fillets NG20042011PuzzleGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later2DReleased commercially as Fish Fillets in 1998. Source released in 2002 under GPL-2.0-or-later.
FlightGear19972025Flight simGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DMicrosoft Flight Simulator-inspired clone.
Freeciv19962025TBSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-laterIsometric 2DCivilization II clone.
FreeCol20032024TBSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-laterIsometric 2DSid Meier's Colonization clone.
FreeDink20062019RPGGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2DDink Smallwood fork with non-free assets replaced with free onesC++
Friday Night Funkin'20202025RhythmMIT License (engine) / Apache License 2.0 (game)Apache License 2.0 (may be non-commercial)2DA 2D rhythm game, with gameplay reminiscent of Dance Dance Revolution and aesthetics reminiscent of early-to-mid-2000s browser games.Haxe
Frozen Bubble20022008PuzzleGPL-2.0-onlyGPL-2.0-only2DPuzzle Bobble clone.
Gang Garrison 220082019ShooterProprietary (engine) / MPLv2 (game code)MPLv22DA retro "demake" of Team Fortress 2. The project was previously under GPLv3.
Glest20042008RTSGPL-3.0-or-laterCC BY-SA 3.03D3D real-time strategy game with two factions, AI, and same-platform networking support. Development ceased in 2008. Two forks exist, named MegaGlest and Glest Advanced Engine.
Globulation 220082009RTSGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2DIn open beta as of 2019.
GLtron20032016RacingGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DBased on the light cycle portion of the film Tron.
GNOME Games19972021VariousGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-laterA collection of games accompanying the rest of the GNOME desktop environment.
GNU Chess19842021TBSGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2DChess-playing engine developed by the GNU Project.
GNU Go19992009TBSGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2DGo-playing engine developed by the GNU Project.
Hunt the Wumpus19731981Survival horror/adventure/puzzletitle=The Best of Creative computingdate=1978isbn=0-916688-01-1editor-last=Ahleditor-first=David H.location=Morristown, N.J.oclc=2188876editor-last2=Greeneditor-first2=Burchenal}} GPLv2, MIT)GPLv2]], MIT)2DHunting a monster called Wumpus while moving through caves.
HyperRogue20112021Puzzle/Roguelike/EducationalGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-laterHyperbolicPuzzle roguelike in the hyperbolic plane.
kiki the nano bot20032007PuzzlePublic-domain softwarePublic domain3DMixture of Sokoban and Kula World.
Lincity19992013City-building gameGPL-2.0-onlyGPL-2.0-only2.5DSimCity clone.
Liquid War19952015Maze gamesGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2D2D game in which you control particles and move them to defeat the opposing side.
Luanti (formerly Minetest)20102025Sandbox, survivalzlib (engine) / LGPL-2.1-or-later (game code)LGPL-2.1-or-later3DA voxel engine for building games similar to Infiniminer and Minecraft.C++, Lua
Lugaru20052017Action/third-person shooterGPL-2.0-or-laterCC BY-SA3DA game by Wolfire Games where the player is an anthropomorphic rabbit who seeks revenge when a group of enemy rabbits kill their family.
Madness Interactive Reloaded20242025Shoot 'em upGPL-3.0-or-laterCC BY 3.02Dhighly moddable 2D shooter developed by Studio Minus that aims to capture the fast-paced, violent combat of the Madness Combat series from NewgroundsC#
Maelstrom19922010Shoot 'em upGPL-2.0-onlyCC BY 3.02D
Mari020122018Platformerzlib License (engine) / MIT License (game code)MIT2DRemake of Super Mario Bros. with elements from Portal.
MegaGlest20102016RTSGPL-3.0-or-laterCC BY-SA 3.03DCross-platform 3D real-time strategy game for up to eight players (can be AI-controlled) on seven factions. MegaGlest is a fork of Glest.
Meridian 5919962024MMORPGGPL-2.0-onlyGPL-2.0-only2.5DFree MMORPG where you fight alongside friends, side with powerful factions, and explore diverse environments.C, C++
Mindustry20172023RTS,GPL-3.0GPL-3.03DThe automation tower defense RTS, written in Java.Java
Moria19831999RPG/RoguelikeGPL-2.0-onlyGPL-2.0-only2DRoguelike RPG based heavily on J. R. R. Tolkien's novel The Lord of the Rings.Pascal, C
NetHack19872023RPG/RoguelikeNetHack GPLNetHack GPLTextSingle-player dungeon exploration game.C
Netrek19882020Shoot 'em upMITMIT2DA successor to 1986's Xtrek, Netrek was first played in 1988. It was the third Internet game, the first Internet team game, and as of 2022 is the oldest Internet game still actively played.
Nexuiz20052009FPSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DForked into Xonotic.
NoGravity1997 (?)2005Space shooterGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DSource code of the Wing Commander-inspired game released by realtech VR on February 16, 2005.
One Hour One Life20182023SurvivalPublic domainPublic domain2DMultiplayer co-op survival game.
Oolite20062020Space simGPL-2.0-or-laterDual-licensed under GPL-2.0-or-later and CC BY-NC-SA-3.03DElite clone.Objective-C
OpenArena20052012FPSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DQuake III clone.
OpenCity20032008City-building gameGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DSimCity clone.
OpenClonk20102018Action, platformISCCC BY2DSuccessor of the Clonk shareware series.
OpenTTD20052026Business simGPL-2-0-onlyGPL-2-0-only, GPL-2-0-or-later, CC BY-SA 3.0, CDDL 1.12DOpen-source clone of Transport Tycoon Deluxe.
Passage20072007Side-scrollerPublic-domain softwarePublic domain2DIn 2007 Rohrer released the game's source code and assets into the public domain, while asking for donations (donationware) and selling the iOS version for $0.99.
Pingus19982011PuzzleGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2DLemmings clone.
Pinball Construction Set19821983Pinball, game creation systemMITMIT2DFirst construction set video game, and one of the initial Electronic Arts releases.
Pioneer20062023Space simGPL-3.0-onlyCC BY-SA3DInspired by Frontier: Elite 2.
PokerTH20062017CardAGPL-3.0-or-laterAGPL-3.0-or-later2DOpen-source virtual poker game.
Red Eclipse20112019FPSzlib licenseCC BY-SA3DA fork of Cube 2: Sauerbraten, with improved graphics and a style of play that incorporates parkour movement.
Rigs of Rods20052022Vehicle simGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later3DRigs of Rods was initially created as an off-road truck simulator, but has developed into a versatile physics sandbox.
ROTA20222025Puzzle platformerMIT License (engine) / Public domain (game code)Public domain2DA platformer game where the player rotates the world to solve puzzles.GDScript
Ryzom20042024MMORPGAGPL-3.0-or-laterCC BY-SA 3.03DAll textures and effects, 3D models, animations, characters and clothing (no music or sounds) are under CC BY-SA.
Scorched 3D20012014Artillery gameGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DClone of Scorched Earth.
SCP - Containment Breach20122018Survival horrorzlib licence (game engine) / CC BY-SA 3.0 (game code)CC BY-SA 3.03DHorror game based on the SCP Foundation collaborative writing project.Blitz3D
Secret Maryo Chronicles20032014PlatformerGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2D2D platformer inspired by the Super Mario series.
Space Station 1420152026RPGMITCC BY-SA 3.02DSpace Station 14 is an open-source remake of Space Station 13, developed as a successor.C#
The Secret Chronicles of Dr. M.20172020PlatformerGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2D2D platformer inspired by the Super Mario series.
Seven Kingdoms19972017RTSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later2DSource code released in 2009.
Shattered Pixel Dungeon20142024Rogue-like gameGPL-3.0-or-laterJava2DRogue-Like game with procedurally generated levels and a storyline.
Simutrans19972025Business simArtisticArtistic2DSimilar to Transport Tycoon and its open-source clone OpenTTD. The player must build a profitable transportation system.
Sintel The Game20122012RPGGPLCC BY, GPL3DA game based on the Blender Foundation movie Sintel.
Soldat20022020ActionMIT licenseCC BY 4.02DOn May 26, 2020, the source code of Soldat was released under MIT license on GitHub.
Sopwith19842014Shoot 'em upGPLGPL2DThe C and x86 assembly source code to Sopwith was released in 2000, at first under a non-commercial use license, but later under the GNU GPL at the request of fans.x86 assembly, C
Speed Dreams20102023Sim racingGPL-2.0-or-laterFAL3DForked from TORCS in late 2008.
StepMania20012018Rhythm gameMITMIT2D, 3DA DDR clone, the player must hit buttons or keys in time with the music.
SuperTux20032021PlatformerGPL-3.0-or-laterVarious2D2D platformer inspired by the Super Mario series.
SuperTuxKart20062022RacingGPL-3.0-or-laterVarious3DArcade racing game similar to Mario Kart.
Taisei20172024ShooterMIT LicenseCC BY-SA 4.0 / CC0-1.02DA Manic shooter inspired by the Tōhō series.C
Teeworlds20072020PlatformerzlibCC BY-SA 3.0 (except font)2D2D online multiplayer side-scrolling shooter.
Tenés Empanadas Graciela19962021TBSGPL-2-0-onlyGPL-2-0-only2DBased on the boardgame Risk.
The Castle Doctrine20142014MMOPublic-domain softwarePublic domain2DA game by Jason Rohrer, developed on a SourceForge repository and sold on Steam for $15.99.
The Powder Toy20102023Sandbox gameGPL-3.0-onlyGPL-3.0-only2DFalling-sand game.
Thrive20132025God game/Life simulation game3D
Tremulous20062009FPSGPLv2CC BY-SA 2.53DAlien vs. human base-building, defending, and attacking the opposing team.
TripleA20022020TBSGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2DA turn-based strategy game inspired by the board game Axis & Allies. Development is ongoing.
Tux Racer20002009RacingGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DA downhill slalom racing game featuring Tux, the Linux mascot.
Tux, of Math Command20012011Educational gameGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later2D
UFO: Alien Invasion20062016TBTGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later, CC BY-SA 3.03DInspired by the XCOM series but with 3D combat on the surface of the Earth.
UltraStar Deluxe20072020MusicGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later2DSingStar clone.
Unknown Horizons20082019City-building gameGPL-x2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later, CC BY-SA 3.0, OFLv1Isometric 2DGenre-mix of city-building game and real-time strategy game, inspired by the Anno series.
Unvanquished20122023FPSBSD 3-clause, GPLv3+CC BY-SA 2.53DTeam-based first-person shooter with strong real-time strategy elements, derived from the Tremulous project.
Vega Strike20082022Space simGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DWing Commander: Privateer clone and space simulator engine.
Veloren20182024Adventure, RPGGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later3D, VoxelOpen-world, open-source multiplayer voxel RPG.Rust
Warzone 210019992024RTS, RTTGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later, CC0, other open source3DPost-apocalyptic cross-platform real-time strategy game.
Widelands20022025RTSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later2DWidelands is a real-time strategy clone of The Settlers II.
WorldForge19982014MMORPGGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DAn open-source framework for massively multiplayer online role-playing games.
Worms?19831983Software toyMITMIT2DAn interactive version of Paterson's worms, and one of the initial Electronic Arts releases.
Xconq19872005TBSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later4X strategy game engine.
X-Moto20052023PlatformerGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later2DElasto Mania clone.
Xonotic20102023FPSGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later3DA fork and direct successor of Nexuiz. Binary files for Linux and Windows are under GPLv3+.
XPilot19922010ArcadeGPL-2.0-or-laterGPL-2.0-or-later2DA multiplayer Asteroids-like game.
Yo Frankie!20082009Action-adventureGPL-2.0-or-later, LGPLv2.1CC BY 3.03D

Open-source games with non-free data (or not entirely free data)

Only the game engines in this table are developed under an open-source license, which means that the reuse and modification of only the code is permitted. As some of the games' content created by the developers (sound, graphics, video and other artwork) is proprietary or restricted in use, the whole games are non-free and restricted in reuse (depending on the content license). The motivation of developers to keep own game content non-free while they open the source code may be the protection of the game as sellable commercial product. It could also be the prevention of a commercialization of a free product in future, e.g. when distributed under a non-commercial license like CC NC. By replacing the non-free content with free content, these games could also become completely free. In practice, many projects include a mixture of free and non-free own content.

TitleFirst releaseLatest releaseGenreEngine licenseContent licenseDimensionsOther information
Angband19902016RoguelikeGPLv2GPLv2, ProprietaryText
AssaultCube20062022FPSzlibFreeware3DBased on Cube. A lightweight online FPS (45-50 MB package), with a built-in map maker and capable of being played with a 56k connection.
C-evo19992013TBT, 4XPublic-domain softwareProprietary2DInspired by Sid Meier's Civilization
Alien Arena20042011FPSGPLProprietary3DBased on ID Software open-source engine.
Celeste 64: Fragments of the Mountain20242024PlatformerMIT licenseProprietary3DAn open-source game made for the six anniversary of Celeste.
Illarion20002025MMORPGAGPLProprietary3D
Cube20022005FPSzlibProprietary3DDeathmatch style multiplayer gameplay with map editing.
Cube 2: Sauerbraten20042020FPSzlibVarious non-free and some free licenses3DDeathmatch style multiplayer gameplay with map editing.
Doom19931997FPSGPLShareware2.5DGame engine source code was released on December 23, 1997.
Frets on Fire20062008MusicGPLGPL, Proprietary3DGuitar Hero clone.
Frogatto & Friends20102013Platformerzlib licenseProprietary2DInitially for Windows, Linux, and Mac; hold and toss enemies, swim, talk; scripting language included.
Gravity Bone20082009PlatformerGPLv2Freeware3DBrendon Chung built this game on base of the Quake II engine and released therefore the game's source code in 2008. In 2015 ported to Linux and the OpenPandora handheld.
H-Craft Championship20072015RacingzlibFree for personal use3DSci-fi racer for Linux, Windows and Android which is using the Irrlicht engine.
Hammerfight20092011physics based combatzlibcommercial2DFor the third Humble Indie Bundle Ryan C. Gordon ported the underlying game engine, "Haaf's Game Engine", to Linux and Mac OS X, and released source code under the zlib license.
Katawa Shoujo20122012Visual novelMIT license (most of game and engine beside some scripts)CC BY-NC-ND2DA visual novel.
Narcissu20052005Visual novelGPLFreeware/PFSL2DIs a free visual novel by the dōjin group stage-nana, telling the story of a terminally ill young man and woman. The English version was made with the ONScripter engine.
OpenFront20242025RTSAGPL v3.0 with Additional Attribution TermsMostly CC BY-SA 4.0, some Proprietary assets2DOnline browser based real time strategy game. Started originally as WarFront.io fork in MIT license.
osu!20072023Rhythm gameMIT licenseCC BY-NC 4.02DOpen-source clone of several games, including Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan!, Taiko no Tatsujin and beatmania IIDX. On August 28, 2016, an Open-source re-write of the osu! client was announced (code named osu!lazer). It was released under the MIT License on GitHub, assets under CC BY-NC. Aims is to make osu!, written in C# with the .NET Framework, available to more platforms and transparent. The closed-source stable osu client is still used by the majority of the playerbase, however it is feature locked and the developers aim to deprecate it once osu!lazer gains user acceptance.
Overgrowth20082017ActionApache License 2.0Proprietary3DSource code released on 2022, April 22.
PlaneShift20012016MMORPGGPLProprietary3DFree to play MMORPG.
Rocks'n'Diamonds19952025PuzzleGPL-2.0-or-laterUnclear2DA puzzle game that is a clone of Boulder Dash-style games and Sokoban. The Debian distribution excludes this title, as it is unclear whether the stated license extends to the game data.
OpenJK20032020Third-person shooterGPLv2Proprietary3DSource code was released as GPLv2 by Raven Software and Activision following the dissolution of Lucas Arts in 2013.
Steel Storm: Episode I20102010ActionGPLv2url=http://www.steel-storm.com/ss_license.htmltitle=STEEL STORM EPISODE 1 LIMITED USER SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENTquote=the Art Assets [...] are licensed under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license. The Engine [...] licensed under GNU GPL v2 license.publisher=steel-storm.comaccess-date=2013-08-10}}Based on DarkPlaces. An indie top-down arcade shooter with single-player, deathmatch, and co-op.
Smokin' Guns20092012FPSGPLv2Proprietary3DWestern-themed first-person shooter using the ioquake3 engine.
Tales of Maj'Eyal20122016RPG/RoguelikeGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later, Proprietary2DDeveloped open-source from the beginning with the own T4E engine, while the assets are kept proprietary for commercialization on Steam and gog.com.
The Dark Mod20092023Stealth gameGPL-3.0-or-laterCC BY-NC-SA3DFirst person stealth game in the style of the Thief games (1 and 2) using a modified Id Tech 4 engine
The Last Eichhof19932014Shoot-'em-up"Do whatever your want" license (public domain)Freeware2DShoot-'em-up game released for DOS in 1993 by Swiss development group Alpha Helix. Source code released in 1995.
The Ur-Quan Masters20022021Action-adventureGPL-2.0-or-laterCC BY-NC-SA-2.52DSource port of Star Control II.
The White Chamber20052006 / 2013AdventureMIT license (Wintermute Engine) / CC BY-NC-SA (game code)CC BY-NC-SA / Freeware2DThe White Chamber and its Wintermute source code have been released under CC BY-NC-SA Creative Commons license. That means anyone is free to share and modify the game as long Studio Trophis is credited, it is not for commercial gain and that the result is made available under a similar license. 2013 the Wintermute engines source code was released under MIT.
TORCS19972016RacingGPLFree Art License, Proprietary3DSome car models are non-free, but there is a DFSG-compliant version which does not include them.
Urban Terror20002018FPSGPLProprietary3DMultiplayer tactical shooter based on the id tech 3 engine.
VDrift20052012RacingGPL-3.0-or-laterGPL-3.0-or-later, Proprietary3DSome data are non-free, for example the "SV" car model, under a CC BY-NC-SA license.
Warsow20052017FPSGPL-2.0-or-laterCC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY-ND 4.03DA fast-paced arena FPS with movement tricks.
World of Padman20072008FPSGPLProprietaryOriginally a Quake III modification. Became stand-alone in 2007, now runs on ioquake3.
Zero-K20102023RTSGPL-2.0-or-latervarious, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 (sound)3DA multi-platform real time strategy game inspired by Total Annihilation, powered by the Spring game engine. Released 2018 on Steam.

Open-source remakes with non-free data from the proprietary original

Main article: Game engine recreation

The video game remakes in this table were developed under an open-source license which allows usually the reuse, modification and commercial redistribution of the code. The required game content (artwork, data, etc.) is taken from a proprietary and non-opened commercial game, so that the whole game is non-free. See also the Game engine recreation page.

TitleFirst releaseLatest releaseGenreEngine licenseContent licenseDimensionsOther information
Arx Libertatis20122022RPG, Immersive simGPL-3.0-or-laterProprietary, content from Arx Fatalis3DEngine remake
Daggerfall Unity?2024RPGProprietary (engine) /MIT License (game code)Proprietary, content from The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall.3DEngine remake
OpenAge?2023RTSGPL-3.0-or-laterProprietary, content from Age of Empires II2DEngine remake
OpenMW20082022RPGGPL-3.0-or-laterProprietary / CC BY SA (OpenMW Example Suit)3DEngine remake of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
OpenRA20092023RTSGPL-3.0-or-laterProprietary, content from the freeware releases of the classic games.2DEngine remake for the classic games in the Command & Conquer franchise, in particular Red Alert.
OpenRW20192020Action-adventureGPL-3.0-or-laterProprietary, content from Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.3DEngine remake
OpenRCT220142025SimulationGPL-3.0-or-laterProprietary, content from Rollercoaster Tycoon 2 and if chosen the expansion packs as well.2DEngine remake
OpenXcom20092020TBТGPL-3.0-or-laterProprietary, content from the X-COM: UFO Defense or Terror from the Deep releases of the classic games, which the user needs to have a copy of.2DEngine remake
Julius20182021City-buildingAGPL-3.0-or-laterProprietary, proprietary content from Caesar III.2DEngine remake
VCMI20222024TBSGPL-2.0Proprietary, content from Heroes of Might and Magic III.2DEngine remake

Source-available games

Video games in this table are source-available, but are neither open-source software according to the OSI definition nor free software according to the Free Software Foundation. These games are released under a license with limited rights for the user, for example only the rights to read and modify the game's source for personal or educational purposes but no reuse rights beside the game's original context are granted. Typical licenses are the creative commons "non-commercial" licenses (e.g. CC BY-NC-SA), MAME like licenses or several shared source licenses.

TitleFirst releaseLatest releaseGenreEngine licenseContent licenseDimensionsOther information
Alien Swarm20102010Shooter gameNon-commercial usable and shareableFreeware3DIn 2010 Valve released this Source engine based game with source code, which started as a mod.
Bugdom19992003PlatformerCC BY-NC-SA 4.0CC BY-NC-SA 4.03DReleased under a non-commercial license in 2020.
Hero Core20102013Shooter gameNon-commercial, attribution requiredFreeware2DAround 2013 Daniel Remar released the GameMaker source code of the game, together with the sources of his other games like Iji.
Flow20062009Life simulation? (educational purposes)Freeware2D (layered)url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401045349/http://www.thatgamecompany.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=993date=2016-04-01 }} on thatgamecompany.com by Jenova Chen (Sep 21, 2009)
Fortress Forever20072018FPSProprietary3DUnofficial, open-source Source engine successor to Team Fortress Classic.
Half-Life19982023FPSProprietary?3DThe source codes of the Half-Life video game are available, but the source codes of GoldSrc, the game engine of this video game, are not available.
Half-Life 220042024FPSProprietary3DAvailable through Source SDK 2004 and later.
I Wanna Be the Guy20072011Platform gameProprietaryFreeware2Durl=http://kayin.pyoko.org/iwbtg/forums/index.php?topic=14467.0title=Fix My Game: IWBTG Source Code Releasepublisher=Kayin.pyoko.orgaccess-date=2015-03-26}} so that the game's community would be able to create fixes and patches.
Jump 'n Bump19981999Deathmatch, platformerEmailwareEmailware2D1998 freeware DOS platform video game, written in C and Assembly language by Brainchild Design. The source code was released in 1999, then source ported to several other operating systems and platforms via SDL.
Larn19862016RoguelikeNon-commercialFreewareText
Noctis20002003PlatformerWTOF Public LicenseFreeware3DSpace exploration/flight simulation
Notrium20032008Top-down shooter, survival gamecustom FOSS license / GPLv3custom FOSS license / Freeware2DNotrium'''s source code was released by the developer after 2003 under a custom software license and is developed as OpenNotrium'' on GitHub since then, with new code being GPLv3.
Prince of Persia19891989Cinematic platformer, action-adventureProprietaryProprietary2DOn April 17, 2012, Jordan Mechner released the Apple II source code of the game on GitHub.
Progress Quest20022011Parody MMORPGProprietaryFreeware2DOn May 20, 2011, Eric Fredricksen released the source code of the game on bitbucket.
Racer20032011 (proprietary)Sim racingProprietaryProprietary, FreewareOnly source code of 0.5 version is available, all other releases are closed source.
Space Engineers20132018Sandbox, simulationDistribution as mod allowedProprietary3D
Space Station 1320032024RPGProprietaryGNU AGPLv3 / CC BY-NC-SA / Others (depends on server)2DMany different servers exist each with a different codebase and different license.
Spelunky20082009PlatformerNon-commercialFreeware2Durl=http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/1/3439382/spelunky-unofficially-patched-with-mac-os-x-supporttitle=Spelunky unofficially patched with Mac OS X supportfirst=Samitlast=Sarkardate=2012-10-12access-date=2014-08-07publisher=polygon.comquote=Spelunky [...] is now playable on Mac OS X, thanks to an unofficial patch from the game's community.}} The source code for the 2012 remake has not been made available.
Team Fortress 220072025FPSProprietary3DReleased alongside the Source SDK 2013 source code on February 18, 2025.
Visual Pinball20002019Pinball simulation editor and gameMAME like licensediverse3DMany free custom tables and recreations of original machines available. The program is also able to operate with Visual PinMAME.
VVVVVV20102020PlatformerAttribution requiredProprietary2Durl = https://www.pcgamer.com/vvvvvv-goes-open-source-for-its-10-year-anniversary/title = VVVVVV goes open source for its 10 year anniversaryfirst = Fraserlast = Browndate = 10 January 2020access-date = 10 January 2020work = PC Gamer }}

Proprietary developed games, later released under varying licenses

Main article: List of commercial video games with later released source code

For games that were originally developed proprietary as commercial closed source product, see also :Category:Commercial video games with freely available source code.

References

References

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  3. [http://www.eckhardkruse.net/atari_st/baller.html April 1987: Ballerburg - Zwei Spieler, zwei Burgen und ein Berg dazwischen...] on eckhardkruse.net ''"Ich habe das Programm als Public Domain veröffentlicht"'' (in German)
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  47. [https://github.com/ptitSeb/gravitybone-pandora gravitybone-pandora] on [[github.com]]
  48. http://www.irrgheist.com/hcraftsource.htm "For the most part H-Craft Championship sources are released under the zlib-license."
  49. http://www.irrgheist.com/hcraftsource.htm ''You are not allowed to modify or distribute the media files or use them in your own games. But you can still download the media files and they are free for personal use.''
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  88. [http://n4g.com/news/884032/diygamer-recursive-romhackery-i-wanna-be-the-guy-source-code-released DIYGamer: Recursive Romhackery – I Wanna Be The Guy Source Code Released] (2011)
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  90. link. (2014-06-06 readme.txt ''JUMP 'N BUMP by Brainchild Design in 1998 Jump 'n Bump is e-mailware. That means you're supposed to send us an e-mail.'')
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  92. [http://anynowhere.com/bb/posts.php?t=409&p=5 license]
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  95. [http://progressquest.com/news.php Source Code Released][https://bitbucket.org/grumdrig/pq ProgressQuest v6.3]
  96. [https://bitbucket.org/grumdrig/pq pq] on bitbucket.org
  97. [http://www.spelunkyworld.com/files/COPYING.txt Spelunky User License v1.1b]
  98. Sarkar, Samit. (2012-10-12). "Spelunky unofficially patched with Mac OS X support". [[polygon.com]].
  99. (2012-09-12). "Spelunky v1.3 (and Source) - Now for Mac OS X and Windows".
  100. (2020-01-07). "VVVVVV Source Code License v1.0". GitHub.
  101. Brown, Fraser. (10 January 2020). "VVVVVV goes open source for its 10 year anniversary". [[PC Gamer]].
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