Tux Racer - moonlite

**Eddie K** · 02-26-2014

This thread is for the discussion of Tux Racer. (note to developer - send me a private message if you would like to edit this thread)

Tux Racer is the best Android port of the Open Source hit game originally developed by Sunspire Studios. It lets you take on the role of Tux the Linux Penguin as he races down steep, snow-covered mountains. It includes a variety of options for game play, including the ability to race courses in fog and at night.

Tux Racer source code is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

**Ethanol** · 02-26-2014

I remember playing the original on the PC many years ago! Absolutely fun, definitely recommend if it's the same thing.

**bob-the-hamster** · 02-27-2014

I have played various versions of this game on different systems over the years. This is a good port, and it plays well.

However, (in my personal opinion) It still suffers from the same problem that it has always had, in that it is not a "racer" game in any way. it is a game about never missing any of the herrings. It is all about precision, and not really much about speed at all (and any kind of fun jumps or messing around makes it impossible to finish the level)

Or perhaps another way to phrase my complaint is that everything that is cool and fun about this game is anathema to the one dull measurement that actually matters for completing a level and progressing to the next (herring collection).

That being said, this game is definitely worth a play. Don't let my own biases stop you from trying it.

I think this game can also be considered important historically. I think of Tux Racer is the "Mario" of Linux gaming

**Kaimega** · 02-27-2014

Originally Posted by bob-the-hamster

I have played various versions of this game on different systems over the years. This is a good port, and it plays well.

However, (in my personal opinion) It still suffers from the same problem that it has always had, in that it is not a "racer" game in any way. it is a game about never missing any of the herrings. It is all about precision, and not really much about speed at all (and any kind of fun jumps or messing around makes it impossible to finish the level)

Or perhaps another way to phrase my complaint is that everything that is cool and fun about this game is anathema to the one dull measurement that actually matters for completing a level and progressing to the next (herring collection).

That being said, this game is definitely worth a play. Don't let my own biases stop you from trying it.

I think this game can also be considered important historically. I think of Tux Racer is the "Mario" of Linux gaming

You mean Tux

because iirc there is Super Tux World as well, and Super Tux Kart (which is a better racing title

)

**pixjuegos** · 02-27-2014

I may be wrong, but... it seems they ported someone else's game and now they are selling it.

Its free license, GPL, permits that as long as the source code is released. It's not illegal but it's unethical, in my opinion.
It would be cool if they just asked for donations, but that's not what they're doing.

I wonder if they are paying royalties to ALL the original creators, as they're using lots of content made by lots of people.

**Kaimega** · 02-27-2014

Well they do provide the source, which is the most they are allowed to do. Click the dev's name on this page: https://www.ouya.tv/game/Tux-Racer/ and it will link you to the github While it may be possible that they are giving the money to devs as well, we don't (and probably won't) know..

**mmartino** · 02-27-2014

Originally Posted by pixjuegos

I may be wrong, but... it seems they ported someone else's game and now they are selling it.

Its free license, GPL, permits that as long as the source code is released. It's not illegal but it's unethical, in my opinion.
It would be cool if they just asked for donations, but that's not what they're doing.

I wonder if they are paying royalties to ALL the original creators, as they're using lots of content made by lots of people.

GPL'd software is often associated with a distribution cost. It is part of the license to allow who ever is distributing it, to be compensated for there time and costs. As long as the source is included or its made available if asked, then he is acting in accordance with the licensing provided

**Schizophretard** · 02-27-2014

Originally Posted by pixjuegos

I may be wrong, but... it seems they ported someone else's game and now they are selling it.

Its free license, GPL, permits that as long as the source code is released. It's not illegal but it's unethical, in my opinion.
It would be cool if they just asked for donations, but that's not what they're doing.

I wonder if they are paying royalties to ALL the original creators, as they're using lots of content made by lots of people.

When Richard Stallman wrote the GPL, selling software was a part of it because it is part of the free software definition. It wouldn't be free software if you had to pay royalties. The only restriction to free software is that you have to pass down the same freedoms to users that you received.