Where can I find open source game code on Habr? Several years ago, I saw in one of the threads how users were sharing files with uncompiled game source code. I’ve been trying to find this material for several hours without success. Does anyone know where I can find such resources? Or will I have to continue browsing through all the topics manually? I remember there were simple and old games that I wanted to study and analyze, but at that time I didn’t have time for it. Now I’m ready to study, but I can’t find these materials anymore.
Finding Open Source Game Code on Habr
Open source game code can be found in several specialized articles and discussions on Habr, although searching through the archives can indeed be time-consuming. The most promising resources are articles about Gamedev.js Jam, where developers share their projects, as well as publications about leaks and official releases of source code for classic games.
Contents
- Where to find game source code on Habr
- Best articles with open source game code
- Alternative resources for finding source code
- What types of games are most often released with open source code
- Tips for searching and analyzing source code
Where to find game source code on Habr
Habr contains several important articles and discussions where users share game source code. The main places to search are:
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Articles about Gamedev.js Jam - an annual jam where developers share their projects. In 2022, 27 open source games were published out of 95 participants source
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Discussions in the “Game Development” section - questions and answers about existing open source projects often appear here
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Articles about leaks and official releases - major studios sometimes release source code for their old games
Best articles with open source game code
13 Best Open Source Games from Gamedev.js Jam 2022
This article provides a detailed overview of games presented at the jam. Out of 95 games, 27 were open source. The authors note that the share of open projects is growing, and many developers understand the importance of collaboration and community feedback.
“They responded. The source code of 27 out of 95 games is open. Below you will find the 13 best works based on overall results.”
Collection of Classic Game Source Code
The article “Let’s look behind the scenes of development: a collection of classic game source codes” offers a unique opportunity to study the code of games that influenced the entire industry. It mentions interesting historical facts, for example:
“A significant milestone in creating fully 3D engines, without any hacks like 2.5D… Perhaps this is the first commercial game compiled with an open source compiler (DJGPP for DOS, an early port of gcc).”
Alternative resources for finding source code
If you don’t want to manually browse through all topics, there are several more efficient ways:
GitHub and other platforms
Habr often references GitHub repositories where actual game source codes are located. In discussions about RPG games, users share links to projects:
- OpenMW - a reimagining of Morrowind
- Arx Fatalis
- JA2 Stracciatella
Official releases from major studios
In 2025, Electronic Arts published the source code of classic Command & Conquer series games under the GPL license source. This is an excellent resource for studying fundamental game mechanics.
What types of games are most often released with open source code
From research on Habr, several categories of games that most often become open source can be identified:
| Category | Examples | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Classic 2D games | VVVVVV, Palm OS clones | Articles about anniversary releases |
| Indie games from jams | Gamedev.js Jam projects | Reviews of game jams |
| Old RPGs | Fallout, Arcanum | Forum discussions |
| Strategy games | Command & Conquer | Official releases from EA |
Tips for searching and analyzing source code
To effectively find the materials you need, use the following strategies:
Search queries for Habr
- “game source code”
- “open source”
- “gamedev.js jam source code”
- “classic games source code”
- “unity open source”
Working with source code
For Unity/C# games, use tools like dnSpy, and for textures, use UABE. Many Habr users share their findings and tips for code analysis.
Sources
- 13 Best Open Source Games from Gamedev.js Jam 2022
- Let’s look behind the scenes of development: a collection of classic game source codes
- Are there any RPG games whose source code has been open? Preferably in C++?
- EA released the source code of classic Command & Conquer series games in open access
- VVVVVV developer made the source code open in honor of its tenth anniversary
- Why can’t I find out the source code of a game?
Conclusion
Finding open source game code on Habr is possible, but you need to know the right sources and use effective search strategies. The main places to search are:
- Articles about Gamedev.js Jam and game jams
- Discussions in game development sections
- News about official source code releases from major studios
- Links to GitHub repositories in comments and articles
If you’re looking for simple and old games to study, start with reviews of game jams and articles about classic games. These resources contain curated examples of quality code that is perfect for learning. Don’t forget to check GitHub as well - many authors upload their projects there, while Habr only informs about the existence of such projects.