Desura - Play Online Games for Free | desura.games

Desura was a digital distribution platform focused on delivering indie, open-source, and mod-based games to a wide audience. Known for its support of small developers and community-driven content, Desura once rivaled major platforms by offering a more open and flexible environment for both developers and gamers. Though now defunct, its legacy lives on in discussions about DRM-free, independent game publishing.

What is Desura?

Desura is an online game distribution service similar to Steam, but with a primary emphasis on independent games, game mods, and free content. It offered both commercial and freeware titles across platforms like Windows, Linux, and macOS. Desura also served as a hub for modders and open-source enthusiasts, creating a unique niche within the gaming ecosystem.

What happened to Desura.com?

The domain Desura.com has experienced multiple shutdowns and ownership changes:

• Originally launched by DesuraNET, it was later acquired by Linden Lab in 2013.
• In 2014, it was sold to Bad Juju Games, which filed for bankruptcy in 2015.
• The platform ceased operations and the website became largely inactive.
• Today, Desura.com is no longer functional, and attempts to revive it have failed.

Standout features of Desura

• Support for indie developers
• Mod and open-source integration
• Cross-platform availability
• User-generated content
• DRM-free games

How popular is Desura?

While Desura never reached the scale of platforms like Steam, it was well-respected in indie and Linux gaming circles. Its commitment to openness and its support for mods made it a favorite among niche communities.

What types of games can users play on Desura?

• Indie action and adventure games
• Strategy and puzzle titles
• Visual novels
• RPGs and platformers
• Simulation games
• Open-source and freeware games
• Game mods for popular titles

How to play games on Desura?

When it was active, using Desura involved:

1. Creating a free Desura account
2. Downloading and installing the Desura client
3. Browsing the store for free or paid games
4. Using the client to install and launch games
5. Engaging with the community through comments and reviews

Alternatives to Desura

• Itch.io – Leading indie game marketplace
• Game Jolt – Community for indie and experimental games
• Steam – With indie support through Direct
• GOG – DRM-free platform with indie titles
• Mod DB / Indie DB – Focused on game mods and indie development

FAQs

Is Desura safe to use?

Currently, Desura is not functional. When it was operational, it was generally safe and trusted by the community.

Is Desura a legal platform?

Yes, Desura was a legitimate platform that distributed content with developer permission.

Does Desura require a fee?

Desura was free to use. However, some games required payment while many were free or open-source.

How to have best experience on Desura?

• Explore the indie and mod sections
• Use Linux for accessing exclusive or experimental titles
• Participate in developer and community discussions

Do I need an account to use Desura?

Yes, a free Desura account was required to download, install, and manage games.

Is Desura available on mobile?

No, Desura was designed for desktop platforms and did not support mobile use.

Can I download games from Desura?

As of now, no. The platform no longer supports downloads or account access.