A developer is building a free, open-source pinball simulation engine for Linux and says it is not yet ready for its first release. The project aims to demonstrate that Linux and FOSS can support pinball simulation, with a planned showing to vendors at the 2026 IAAPA Expo to gauge their interest. Recent work includes a flexible sound system that lets table components use multiple sounds at different volumes, plus ambient effects such as rolling balls and impacts with rubber or metal. Sound levels respond to the forces involved. Physics have also been improved through repeated simulations, though the developer says realism still needs work. Other additions include a console, TypeScript-driven offscreen rendering, and an Asteroids minigame presented as a video mode on the demo table.
The engine now has an in-game editor for moving and rotating parts and making table changes during play. Several camera modes are available, including portrait orientation, and scripts can control the camera. Planned work includes further physics tuning, an upper playfield, character voice lines, and more table art. The developer also intends to write a guide to creating tables, provide TypeScript definitions for table scripting, and explore custom DMD animations and a dual-monitor backglass system. They are seeking contributors to create art for the demo table and other planned tables.
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