This FOSS Game Takes On A New Superior Name!

Summary

The video discusses the rebranding of MineTest to Luanti, highlighting the need for a unique identity beyond being a Minecraft clone. It traces the game's evolution from a simple clone to a versatile platform for content creation, emphasizing community contributions and an approachable scripting language. The name Luanti, inspired by Finnish and Lua, reflects the project's creative focus. The discussion also touches on the challenges of finding a fitting name and the project's aspirations to grow into a distinct and powerful game platform, free from its past associations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The FOSS community often overlooks video games, focusing more on development tools than on actual games.
• 🎮 MineTest has been perceived primarily as a Minecraft clone, struggling with its brand identity.
• 🗳️ A poll in 2017 showed 43% approval for renaming MineTest, indicating community dissatisfaction with the name.
• 🔄 The decision to rebrand comes after extensive discussions within the community over several years.
• ✨ The new name, Luanti, is derived from the Finnish word for 'creation' and references the Lua programming language used in the game.
• 🚫 The rebranding aims to distance Luanti from the generic connotations associated with other voxel games.
• 📈 Luanti is designed to be a broader game creation platform, allowing for diverse types of games beyond voxel structures.
• 🌐 The transition includes updates to the website and community repositories to reflect the new identity.
• 🔧 Core functionalities will remain intact, ensuring compatibility with existing game projects.
• 💬 Community feedback is encouraged as Luanti evolves, fostering collaboration and creativity among users.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video regarding FOSS and video games?

The video discusses the lack of recognition for open-source video games in the FOSS community, highlighting the need for a stronger identity for projects like MineTest.

What are some examples of open-source games mentioned in the video?

Examples include Super Tux Kart, Lugaru, and MineTest, the latter of which is discussed in detail regarding its identity and rebranding.

Why is MineTest being rebranded, and what will its new name be?

MineTest is being rebranded to shed its identity as just a Minecraft clone. The new name is Luanti, which reflects its evolution and uniqueness.

What was the community's reaction to the MineTest name prior to the rebranding?

There was significant debate within the community, with past polls indicating that many users did not find the name MineTest to be effective or representative.

What does the name 'Luanti' signify?

Luanti is derived from the Finnish word 'luanti,' meaning creation, and references the Lua programming language used for scripting within the platform.

How does the video describe the evolution of MineTest?

MineTest began as a simple experiment to explore game design, but over the years it has grown into a platform for diverse community-created games and mods.

What are some features of Luanti that differentiate it from MineTest?

Luanti will focus on community content creation, feature an approachable API, and promote a library of user-generated mods and games, moving beyond the initial clone of Minecraft.

Why is it important for the name not to include terms like 'free' or 'libre'?

The developers believe that the project should be recognized for its broader contributions beyond just being free software, similar to other successful open-source projects like Blender and Godot.

What challenges are mentioned regarding the transition from MineTest to Luanti?

The transition involves updating various platforms and repositories to reflect the new name, as many community resources still reference MineTest.

What is the significance of the name change in the context of open-source gaming?

The name change represents a critical step in redefining the project's identity and aspirations, helping it to be seen as more than just a clone and allowing it to flourish as a unique creation platform.