Homegames: Open-Source Browser Game Platform, 8 Years in Development
Original: Show HN: Homegames. An open-source game platform I've been making for 8 years
Why This Matters
A rare long-term solo open-source game platform project emphasizing self-hosting and preservation in an era of centralized gaming services.
Homegames is a free, open-source browser-based game platform developed as a solo side project since 2018. It allows users to play, create, and share games without an account, featuring a built-in code editor, live multiplayer preview, and asset management tools. All code is licensed under GPLv3.
Homegames is a browser-based game platform that has been in development since 2018 as a mostly solo side project. The platform allows users to play, create, and publish games entirely within a browser, with no account required to play. The built-in Developer Studio includes a code editor with live game preview, support for multiplayer testing sessions, and integrated asset management tools — including the ability to upload files or draw and record assets directly in the studio. Developers can choose to publish games publicly or keep them private. The entire project, including the platform code, games, and website, is licensed under GPLv3. Homegames is also designed to be self-hostable, including its API, with the stated goal of long-term game preservation: if the main website goes offline, self-hosted instances allow games to continue to exist. The project is available on GitHub and has been maintained by a single developer, Joseph, over the course of eight years.