We can’t really know how many games out there exist, but they’re in the millions. Not all of them are exclusive or paid, by the way, and we can use some open tools to access them. Indeed, many of the apps you might use as a gamer, from emulators to streaming programs, come from the open-source world. This means they’re free, available for anyone, and built by independent teams or individual developers —just out of passion.\That’s why platforms like Kivach are important. Built on Obyte, this crypto-donation system allows anyone to tip their favorite repositories on GitHub, regardless of whether the developers have configured something or not. We’ll explore some useful and fun tools for gamers ahead. If you enjoy them, remember that Kivach is a way to give back.DuckStationRemember all those classics from the first consoles of PlayStation? Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, Crash Bandicoot, Castlevania, Spyro the Dragon, Tomb Raider… all of them are playable on your desktop by using DuckStation, a user-friendly emulator available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Released in 2019 by Connor McLaughlin (Stenzek), it's a favorite among nostalgic gamers.Using this software is quite simple, and it doesn’t require much. Actually, quoting the system requirements on GitHub, you’ll only need “a CPU faster than a potato.” The interface is clean and intuitive, games are organized automatically, and you can customize your controllers and improve visuals. Features include save or quick states (for a little bit of save scumming), memory cards, screenshots, cheats, achievements, and stats like CPU and GPU usage.\Anyone can support this project, either with code or another type of volunteering. The repository remains active and constantly updated, with over one hundred contributors. If you’re not a programmer but wish to send a tip in crypto, you can use Kivach.DolphinHere we have another emulator, this time for the consoles Wii and GameCube. Those include unforgettable titles such as Super Smash Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda, Luigi’s Mansion, Animal Crossing, and Super Mario Galaxy. Several of these titles have related films, and the latter is even in theaters in 2026. With Dolphin, released in 2003, you can play these titles on your desktop or mobile.This time you’ll need more than a potato, though, since these consoles are more complex to emulate. The last version of your OS (Windows, Linux, macOS, or Android), an advanced CPU and GPU, and over 2GB of RAM will do. Controllers can be mapped on the keyboard, or you can use the original ones via USB adapter or Bluetooth. Other features include multiplayer options, memory cards and save states, and improved graphics.\The software is actively maintained and updated on GitHub by numerous volunteers. Everyone can contribute. In 2026, they’re also adding support for arcade games. If you want to speed up this process, you can send them a crypto tip via Kivach.CompactGUIOld games could weigh only a few MB, while new ones are quite far from that. Super Mario 64 (1996) was barely 8 MB, while Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023) is over 152 GB. We need more and more storage, and CompactGUI can help us with that. Released in 2017 by Iridium, this software shrinks the size of games, apps, and folders by using a built-in system compression on Windows, while keeping everything usable without manual unpacking.Four types of compression are available, and you can skip compressing any file for any reason. All compressions are reversible, anyway, so you can undo them if performance is affected. A community-sourced database is offered to check estimates, and there’s visual feedback on progress and stats. Games can be compressed up to 60%, but that depends on the title. Speaking of Baldur’s Gate 3, for instance, you can compress it into 134 GB with this tool.\The project is currently updated by several contributors, and anyone can participate as well. Iridium accepts donations via GitHub Sponsors and Ko-Fi. For crypto donations, you can use Kivach.MoonlightLong gaming sessions no longer need you to be glued to one desk. Back in 2013, a group of students, including Cameron Gutman, Diego Waxemberg, Aaron Neyer, Michelle Bergeron, and Andrew Hennessy, created Moonlight during hackathons. The software, once known as Limelight, works as a client that streams games from a powerful PC to other devices, letting you play your library from almost anywhere.To use it, you connect it to a host such as Sunshine or compatible NVIDIA software, then launch your games remotely. It supports high resolutions, smooth frame rates, and surround audio, so gameplay stays responsive. You can stream not only games but also your entire desktop, which opens the door to remote work or media use. It runs on many platforms, from phones to TVs, making it a flexible option for playing across rooms or on the go without moving your main computer.\Development is driven by volunteers on GitHub rather than a company, and infrastructure support has been provided by services like Cloudsmith for package hosting. There's no formal monetization model, so contributions, translations, and community involvement continue to shape its progress. You can also send them some coins via Kivach.TIC-80A video game could be very expensive and difficult to make from scratch, but that’s not always the case. TIC-80 is a totally free alternative to build tiny games available for any platform. Released in 2017 by Vadim Grigoruk (nesbox), this fantasy computer allows beginner and experienced programmers to create their own games — while non-programmers can just play them on any device.\These tiny games are retro-styled, with technical limitations in pixels, colors, and sounds, but they’re functional (and fun). Features include multiple programming languages, from Lua to Python, mouse and keyboard as inputs, up to four controllers, built-in editors, an additional memory bank, and a moderated community. A Pro Version offers a few more features, including easier exportation, more memory banks, and text format.Besides games, TIC-80 offers tools (like a painting tool or a font editor), demoscene (digital art), music tunes, livecoding, and miscellaneous works such as a 3D Cube, a Heart ECG Machine, or Water Ripples. Imagination is the limit here. You can contribute with code, create new games or apps, or you can send them a crypto donation via Kivach.Send and Receive Crypto DonationsWant to send a crypto donation? On Kivach, you only need the repository name and a crypto wallet with some funds (an Obyte wallet works). Once on the site, type or paste the repo, select network, token, and amount to give, and click “Donate.” After that, there’s only one more step: tell the devs about your donation. They’ll need to set up their wallet to get it.To receive the funds, the owner of the repository needs to pass a simple and free GitHub attestation (verification) via chatbot on the Obyte wallet. It only takes minutes. Once this step is complete, they can claim the donation and distribute it among other repos, if they want, or keep the total amount.\n We have more tools and apps in this series. Check them out!\5 Open-source and Free Operating Systems to Donate via Kivach5 Open-source Blogging and Writing Tools to Donate to via Kivach (Ep V)5 Open-Source, Free Software You Didn’t Know You Needed to Protect Your Data5 Open-Source Crypto Tools You Can Use for Free —and Support with Kivach5 Open-Source Projects to Donate via Kivach, Episode VII: Games to Play for Free!5 Open-Source Software for Global Teams to Donate via KivachAuthor Your Own Adventure With These 5 Must-Try Free Tools5 Open-source and Green Projects to Donate via Kivach5 Funny and Weird Software You Can Use for Free - and Donate via Kivach5 Open-Source Event Tools You Can Use for Free (and Support via Kivach) Featured Vector Image by Freepik