As the popularity of Linux as an operating system grew, so did the number of free and open-source games available for it. This surge in gaming options was fueled by both clones of popular historical releases and original creations.

One notable aspect of Linux gaming is the ability to run some games without a windowing system, thanks to libraries like SVGAlib. Examples of these include LinCity, Maelstrom, Sasteroids, and SABRE, which all utilized this feature.

In the early days of Linux gaming, popular titles included Netrek and various X games, such as XAsteroids, XBattle, XBill, XBoing, and many others. These games were developed using the X Window System and showcased the capabilities of the operating system.

The free software philosophy and open-source methodology that drove the development of Linux also led to the creation of early free games. The 'BSD Games' collection, which included interactive fiction and text-mode amusements, is a notable example of this. These games were either arcade-style or text-based adventures using libraries like curses.

Linux gaming can be seen as an extension of the already established Unix gaming scene, which dates back to the 1960s with Space Travel and the first edition of Unix in 1971. Many titles shared between the two systems are a testament to their common roots.

In conclusion, the growth of Linux as an operating system was mirrored by the expansion of free and open-source games available for it, offering a diverse range of options for users.

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