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Asked: 2024-09-27T11:53:31+05:30 In:

I’m experiencing issues with games downloaded from itch.io on my Ubuntu system. Despite following the installation steps, the games aren’t functioning as expected. Can anyone provide assistance or solutions to get these games running properly?

So, I’ve been trying to dive into some indie games from itch.io on my Ubuntu setup, but things are getting really frustrating. I mean, I love exploring new games and supporting indie developers, but no matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to get these games to work right.

I’ve followed the installation steps they provide — making sure to download the correct files, checking dependencies, and all that jazz. Some games open up for a bit, and then just crash, while others won’t even launch at all. It’s like they have a personal vendetta against me or something!

I did some digging online, but honestly, a lot of the advice seems to assume you’re a coding wizard or something, and I definitely don’t fit that bill. I tried running some commands in the terminal, but it felt like I was just shooting in the dark. My system is pretty up to date, so it shouldn’t be that. If anything, I’d have to say I’m a casual gamer with just enough tech know-how to get myself into trouble.

Has anyone else faced these sorts of issues? I’m starting to feel like I’m missing some essential step or something. Maybe there’s a specific package or library I need to install that’s not mentioned anywhere? Or perhaps there’s a compatibility issue with a few titles that I didn’t catch?

If you’ve managed to get games running smoothly on Ubuntu, I could really use your experience. I’m open to any suggestions, whether it’s tweaking settings, looking for specific error messages, or just general troubleshooting tips. Any insights would be hugely appreciated, as I’d really love to get back to playing these games without feeling like I’m banging my head against the wall! Thanks in advance for any help!

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    2 Answers



    1. Indie Games Troubleshooting on Ubuntu

      Getting Indie Games to Work on Ubuntu

      It sounds like you’re going through a tough time trying to get those indie games running. Believe me, you’re definitely not alone in this!

      Here are a few things you might want to try out:

      1. Check for Libraries

      Some games might require additional libraries that aren’t bundled with the installation. You can often find this info in the game’s documentation or on the itch.io page in the comments. Here are a couple of common libraries:

      • libsdl2-2.0
      • libglu1-mesa
      • libc6

      You can install libraries using the terminal with a command like:

      sudo apt install libsdl2-2.0

      2. Look for Dependency Info

      Check if the game has a .deb or .AppImage file. Sometimes they have built-in dependency checks, which make things easier. If you see something like a README file, make sure to give it a good read, too!

      3. Run Games Through Terminal

      When you launch a game through the terminal, it can show you error messages which can indicate what’s going wrong. Just navigate to the game’s directory and run it by typing:

      ./game_name_here

      Look out for any error messages that pop up. Sharing these messages in forums can help others assist you!

      4. Update Graphics Drivers

      Sometimes the issue could be with graphics drivers. Make sure your graphics drivers (especially if you’re on Nvidia) are up to date. You can check updates in the Software & Updates section or through terminal commands.

      5. Use Proton or Wine for Windows Games

      If the game is a Windows release, try using Proton (Steam’s compatibility tool) or Wine. They can help run Windows games on Linux. Look for instructions on how to set that up; it can be a bit of a learning curve but might be worth it!

      6. Check Forums

      Check the itch.io forums or Reddit communities where other players might be experiencing similar issues. You might find specific threads about the games you’re trying to play.

      Diving into indie games should be a fun experience, so don’t let the frustrations bog you down! Keep trying the above suggestions, and hopefully, you’ll get to enjoy those games without any hiccups. Hang in there!



    2. Experiencing issues with indie games on Ubuntu can be quite frustrating, especially when you’re eager to support developers and explore new content. Many times, games will depend on specific libraries or configurations that may not be pre-installed or compatible with your setup. To start troubleshooting, ensure that you have installed all necessary dependencies. Common packages that are often required, especially for games developed in Unity or GameMaker, include libglu1-mesa, libopenal1, and libfreetype6. Use your package manager to verify their installation by running commands like sudo apt-get install libglu1-mesa libopenal1 libfreetype6. Also, check if the game requires 32-bit libraries; you can enable multiarch support by executing sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 and then installing relevant 32-bit versions of libraries.

      If you’re comfortable with terminal commands, launching games from there can provide useful error messages that can help diagnose the problem. After navigating to the game directory, run the executable with ./game_executable_name (replace game_executable_name with the actual filename). If the game crashes, take note of any error messages that appear in the terminal; these can often guide you to missing libraries or configuration issues. Additionally, consider checking forums or community discussions specific to the game in question, as other players may have shared similar experiences and resolutions. Lastly, using compatibility layers like Proton or Wine for Windows-only games on Linux can sometimes provide a better experience, so exploring those options might be beneficial. Good luck!


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