Rogue Legacy Dev Releases Source Code to Foster Knowledge Sharing

In an inspiring move to foster learning and game preservation, indie developer Cellar Door Games has released the source code of their acclaimed 2013 roguelike, "Rogue Legacy," for free. The announcement, made via Twitter (X), underscores the studio's commitment to "sharing knowledge" a decade after the game's initial release. The source code is now available on GitHub, managed by developer and Linux porter Ethan Lee, under a non-commercial-use license, allowing enthusiasts to download and use it for personal learning and development.

This generous act has been met with widespread appreciation on social media, as it not only provides a valuable resource for aspiring game developers but also contributes to the preservation of digital games. By making the source code publicly available, Cellar Door Games ensures that "Rogue Legacy" remains accessible even if it were to be delisted from digital storefronts. This initiative has caught the attention of Andrew Borman, the Director of Digital Preservation at the Rochester Museum of Play, who expressed interest in partnering with the developer for an official donation to the museum.

While the source code includes all the scripting and localized text from the game, it does not encompass the game's art, graphics, or music, which are still protected under a proprietary license. Cellar Door Games encourages anyone interested in using these elements or distributing work beyond the terms of the provided license to contact them directly. The studio's goal is clear: to inspire new work, facilitate the creation of tools and modifications for "Rogue Legacy," and ultimately, to enrich the gaming community's knowledge and creativity.