s&box
A free, open-source game engine from Garry's Mod creators, offering Source 2 tech, hot reloads, and built-in multiplayer for rapid game development.
s&box is an open-source alternative to:
s&box is a modern game engine designed for C# developers, built on Source 2 technology. It provides an intuitive editor, instant hot reloading, and native multiplayer support, allowing creators to build, test, and publish games without leaving the editor.
Key Features
- Modern C# API: Full access to gameplay, editor, and tooling through a clean C# interface.
- Hot Reloading: See every code change reflected in milliseconds without restarting the game.
- Built-in Multiplayer: Test multiplayer sessions directly in the editor with live network updates.
- One-Click Publishing: Deploy games instantly to Steam or standalone builds under your own name.
- Open Source: MIT-licensed engine available on GitHub.
- Play Fund Monetization: Earn revenue through the shared Play Fund based on player engagement.
- Cross-Platform: Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS (coming soon).
- Asset Workshops: Browse and share maps, models, textures, and more through integrated workshops.
Tech / Self-Hosting
- Self-Hosted: Yes (engine is open source and can be self-hosted).
- Tech Stack: Source 2 engine, C#, Vulkan 1.3, Slang shaders.
- Hosting: Games can be published to Steam or standalone builds.
- Documentation: Comprehensive developer docs available.