Open Source Game Thrive Releases Version 1.7
The latest update to the open source evolution simulator completes the game’s multicellular stage.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Gaming
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Developers of the open source game Thrive have officially released version 1.7. This update introduces significant progress by focusing on the completion of the game's multicellular stage.
Why it matters
The milestone marks a major step forward for the project, which aims to provide an accessible and evolving simulation experience built on the Godot engine.
Thrive is built using the Godot game engine and is now officially rated as Steam Deck Playable and SteamOS Compatible. The game remains an open source project available to users on the Steam platform.
The players
Thrive
Thrive is an open source evolutionary simulator that allows players to guide the development of a species from a single cell through complex stages.
Godot
Godot is a popular open source game engine used by developers to create both 2D and 3D cross-platform games.
Steam
Steam is a prominent digital distribution platform and storefront managed by Valve that supports a wide range of PC games and hardware.
The details
The update centers on refining the mechanics of the multicellular phase, building upon the foundational systems within the Godot game engine. This release ensures that players can continue their evolutionary journey with improved functionality and compatibility.
Timeline
Version 1.7 of Thrive was released on October 30, 2026.
Culture Shift
This release follows the trend of independent developers leveraging the Godot game engine to build increasingly complex open source projects. It highlights a growing movement where community-driven software competes with traditional proprietary titles in scope and accessibility.
Players can now enjoy improved performance and stability, particularly when playing on the Steam Deck. The update ensures that the game remains fully accessible and functional on modern portable hardware.
The takeaway
This update demonstrates the sustained growth potential of open source game development through dedicated community support. Players are encouraged to update their game client to ensure they are utilizing the latest version for the best performance.
Further reading
Explore more developments in the simulation genre by visiting our Gaming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GamingOnLinux.
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