FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Adventure Game Studio for Linux

Q: How do I use these binaries?
A: These binaries are meant for developers to create a linux version of their game. (As, in most cases, only the developers know exaclty which AGS version they're using, and each binary works only for a specific AGS version.)

If you know which AGS version the game you want to run is using, follow below instructions to get it operational:

1. Download the AGS Linux runtime from the Downloads section.
2. Put all game files in a (sensible named) folder.
3. Extract all AGS runtime engine files in the same folder. (double-click the .tar.bz2, it should open)
  If you want to extract the files manually through a command prompt, this is the command:
    tar -xjf /whereidownloaded/ags-v2_72_920.tar.bz2
4. Rename the application executable to ac2game.dat (for example: myGame.exe)
5. Delete winsetup.exe, as you'll be using the ags-setup tool included in the Linux Runtime

Now, everything's set up, to actually run, except:

6. You don't have the required shared libraries yet. A really easy way to get them is to use the provided 'getlibs' script:

'sudo getlibs ../runtime/AGS272'
'sudo getlibs ../runtime/ags-setup'

7. Double-click on ags-setup
7. Set all the settings to whatever you like. Click the save button.
8. Double-click on ags

That's it!

Q: It's not working! I downloaded one of the older binaries (< AGS 3.1.2 SP1)
A: Older binaries might use older versions of libraries then the ones that come with your version of Ubuntu. Though I provide these binaries, I do not provide support for them, as they are Shawn's. (try installing older versions of the allegro library (< 4.2.x), get the libxml1 package)

Q: My Linux Distro doesn't have apt-get or does not provide the correct libraries!
A: As stated on the main page, only Ubuntu Linux is supported at this time. If you want the libraries to be installed on your system, you'll have to try and get their packages and/or compile their packages yourself.

Example for Red Hat Linux: sudo rpmbuild --rebuild allegro-4.1.11-1.src.rpm

Q: So, who's responsible for this mess?
A: Chris Jones is the original and current author of the AGS runtime engine and editor. Shawn Walker was the initial Linux port maintainer. Tom Vandepoele is the current Linux port maintainerAll comments and issues regarding the Linux version of AGS should be directed here.

Q: So, what games will these binaries work with?
A: Almost any AGS game that was built using a version of the engine for which a Linux Runtime Package was build. Games that rely on or use plugins will not work due to things beyond my control.

Q: You're evil! These binaries don't support my favorite AGS game!
A: I'm sorry, but I have limited spare time to work on this, so new support will only be added for the latest STABLE releases. I will not work on any of the < 2.72 engine runtimes.

Q: What Linux distributions will these binaries work with?
A: The latest Ubuntu distro will always be supported from AGS 3.1.x and on. The runtime will probably also work on other distros, provided you manage to get the correct libraries installed on that distro. I will always provide information on which library versions you need for all new Linux runtimes.

Q: AGS won't run, something about unable to initialize synth.
A: Either you have picked the wrong MIDI/MUSIC driver in the setup program, in which case you should go back into setup and select "Autodetect". Or, you need to download the Allegro DIGMID patches file in the Downloads section and decompress it to the game directory. It's also possible that you're using the ALSA driver, which only works if you've got the *patched* version of the allegro 4.2.2 library. (and provided the engine version you're using runs on allegro 4.2.2)

Q: Video playback isn't working!
A: All of Shawn's binaries do not have any video support. Video support for linux is available starting v2.72 of the AGS engine. This playback uses GStreamer as a backend, so if it still can't play your video, you simply don't have the right plugins installed.

Q: Where can I find out more about AGS?
A: The official Adventure Game Studio Site

Q: When are you going to get off your lazy bum and port the AGS editor? I want to create my own AGS games blast it!
A: First priority lies on getting the latest game engine fully operational. Once that's been achieved, and I have the time, I'll discuss it with Chris Jones.

Q: I want to know how I can run *insert favorite game here* with the binaries you've posted!
A: You'll have to contact the game authors and ask them which version of the AGS engine they used to build the game. Then look up the matching linux runtime engine and install the matching libraries. Follow the instructions above and hope for the best. If you cannot get a game to run and you are sure you have the correct linux runtime, post on the AGS forums.

Q: Is AGS freeware? What's the license? (Chris Jones)
A: AGS is officially "swap-ware". What this means is that I give you AGS to use, for free. However, if you enjoy it, I'd appreciate you letting me know. Whether this is just an e-mail to say thanks, posting your game on the forums or anything really, it doesn't matter. However, if you wish to make money from your game you should read the Legal Information page to be clear on the license agreements of AGS components.

Q: Then can I have the source code, to port it myself? (Chris Jones)
A: Sorry, AGS is not open-source. There are many reasons for this which I will not go into here. The main two are:

1. I made another application open-source in the past, and someone took it, changed the copyright and tried to release it as their own
2. The AGS file formats are proprietary to make it harder for people to "hack" other people's games. If the source code was available, it would be easy for someone to write some sort of de-compiler for use with other peoples games.

Q: But the GPL will protect you... go on, can I have the source? (Chris Jones)
A: No it won't. In theory it does, but what happens when someone goes and breaches it? I don't have the time or energy to waste chasing up lamers who have blatantly ignored the license agreement. Now stop asking for the source code or for a port, please. And no, posting on the forums about it or e-mailing me won't help. Interestingly, from the website stats, 98% of the AGS website visitors are using a Windows system. As this is a one-man project, the extra effort required to support 2% of the users doesn't seem worth it.

Q: My Question isn't answered here!
A: Please post your question on the AGS forums. (Keeping the RULES of the forums in mind!!!)