Knowledge Sharing Sparks Game Source Code Release

Indie developer Cellar Door Games has generously released the source code for its acclaimed 2013 roguelike, Rogue Legacy, making it freely available for educational purposes. The move, described as a commitment to knowledge sharing, provides a valuable resource for aspiring game developers.

Cellar Door Games Open-Sources Rogue Legacy

Game Assets Remain Proprietary, but Collaboration is Encouraged

In a Twitter (now X) announcement, Cellar Door Games shared the Rogue Legacy 1 source code via GitHub under a specific, non-commercial license. This allows for personal use and study of the game's mechanics. The initiative has been met with widespread praise from the gaming community.

The GitHub repository is managed by Ethan Lee, a developer known for his contributions to open-sourcing other indie games. This release not only offers learning opportunities but also safeguards the game's longevity, ensuring accessibility even if it's removed from digital storefronts—a significant contribution to digital game preservation. The announcement even caught the attention of Andrew Borman, Director of Digital Preservation at the Rochester Museum of Play, who expressed interest in collaborating with Cellar Door Games.

It's important to note that while the source code is freely available, the game's art, graphics, music, and icons remain under a proprietary license and are not included. However, Cellar Door Games encourages contact for those interested in using assets beyond the scope of the provided license or incorporating elements not included in the released code. The developer's goal is to inspire future projects and facilitate the creation of tools and modifications for Rogue Legacy 1.