PortedGames
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri cover art
Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri artwork, via IGDB. Unofficial site, not affiliated with the publisher.
PC port · Windows → PC

GLSMAC (Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri reimplementation)

An unofficial open-source OpenGL/SDL2 reimplementation of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and Alien Crossfire, aiming to keep its rules and assets with a new engine and network code. Still in development.

UnreleasedEngine rewriteNeeds your own copydevelopmentUpdated

You need your own copy of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. This port only runs with files from a copy you own; there is no download or play button here. No copy? These play in your browser right away, no files needed: BO1 Zombies (vel.gg), GTA 3 Online (quenq III Web), The Simpsons: Hit & Run WASM.

What you need

Your own Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and Alien Crossfire for images and sounds, plus a 64-bit Windows or Linux computer. The reimplementation is still incomplete.

Official releases ↗GitHub repository ↗

We do not host any files. Only download from the project's official source.

Every version of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri 1

  1. GLSMAC (Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri reimplementation)This page

    UnreleasedEngine remake

    Unofficial open-source OpenGL/SDL2 reimplementation of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri ( + Alien Crossfire )

    Runs on Windows (64-bit), Linux (64-bit, Ubuntu builds)Needs files from a copy you own★ 648development · Nov 1, 2026

    GitHub ↗

We link to each project's own page and host no game files. Version data from project pages, our daily checks and awesome-decomp-games (CC0).

Short answer

GLSMAC is an unofficial, open-source OpenGL/SDL2 reimplementation of Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri and Alien Crossfire. It keeps the original rules, art and lore with a new engine and network code, for 64-bit Windows and Linux. It is still in development, and it needs your own copy of the game. Latest stable release: v0.3, 31 May 2026.

This site is not affiliated with GLSMAC, Firaxis or Electronic Arts. We do not host any files and only link the project’s official pages.

What it is

Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri (1999) and Alien Crossfire are still considered among the best 4X games. The README notes the original “is outdated so much it barely runs on modern systems. Especially multiplayer (which is based on ancient directplay). Also it can’t be modded” much.

GLSMAC is an “unofficial open-source OpenGL/SDL2 reimplementation of Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri ( + Alien Crossfire )” (GLSMAC README). According to the README:

  • Same as the original: models, images, movies, texts, lore, factions, game rules (tech trees, armour and weapon types) and UI.
  • Completely different: the graphics engine and network code, rewritten so it runs smoothly.

Current status

  • In development. The README links screenshots and videos for the current state; a full game is not yet possible.
  • Latest stable: v0.3, 31 May 2026, for Ubuntu 64-bit and Windows 64-bit, with development builds updated often (last on 1 November 2026).

What you need

  • Your own Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri and Alien Crossfire. GLSMAC loads their images and sounds.
  • A 64-bit Windows or Linux computer.

We do not link any copies of the game.

How to try it (overview)

  1. Download the latest stable release or a development build for your system.
  2. Unpack GLSMAC anywhere (modders can also unpack the GLSMAC_data scripts next to it).
  3. Run it; on first launch it asks for your Alpha Centauri installation path.

FAQ

What is GLSMAC?

An unofficial open-source reimplementation of Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and its Alien Crossfire expansion, using OpenGL and SDL2. It keeps the original game's models, images, movies, texts, lore, factions and rules, with a rewritten graphics engine and network code.

Does GLSMAC need the original game?

Yes. The README says you still need to own the original game and expansion, because GLSMAC loads its resources such as images and sounds. On first launch it asks for the Alpha Centauri installation path.

Can I play a full game of Alpha Centauri in GLSMAC?

Not yet. The project is still in development; the README points to its screenshots and videos to show the current state. Stable and development builds are available to try.

Why remake Alpha Centauri?

The README says the original is so outdated it barely runs on modern systems, especially its multiplayer, which relies on the old DirectPlay, and that it is hard to mod.

Unofficial. This page is written by an independent directory. It is not made by, endorsed by or affiliated with Electronic Arts (developed by Firaxis) or afwbkbc and GLSMAC contributors (GLSMAC (Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri reimplementation)'s author). We do not host any files, and we never link to game files, ROMs or ISOs.

Sources

This page was last updated on Nov 3, 2026. A date after a source is the day we read it. Versions and steps follow the official project; if they differ, the official source wins.

More ports

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