ScummVM

Free program that runs hundreds of classic point-and-click adventure and role-playing games.

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 3
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About ScummVM

ScummVM lets you play classic graphical adventure and role-playing games by replacing the original game executable with its own reimplementation of the game engine. You keep using the original game data files, while ScummVM handles graphics, sound and saves on modern systems. It began with LucasArts SCUMM titles like Monkey Island and now supports hundreds of games from Sierra, Revolution, Westwood and many other studios, with new engines added in each release. Because it reimplements engines rather than emulating a whole PC, games usually run without setup and gain extras like save anywhere, subtitles and scaling filters. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and a long list of consoles and niche systems. It's free under the GPL and built by volunteers; you need the original game files, though some games are offered as free downloads with permission.

Best for: Fans of classic adventure games who want them to run on modern computers, phones and consoles.

What works

Supports hundreds of adventure and RPG titles across many studios
Runs on an unusually wide range of platforms, including phones and consoles
Usually works without configuration once game files are added

Why people leave

Only runs games whose engines have been reimplemented
You still need the original game data files
Not every supported game works on every platform

Top ScummVM alternatives

See all 3

1
DOSBox Staging
Emulates a full DOS PC, so it runs DOS adventure games whose engines ScummVM doesn't support.
66.5
2
RetroArch
Bundles a ScummVM core with DOS and console emulators, all managed from one frontend.
62.6
3
GOG Galaxy
GOG sells many classic adventure games already configured to run on modern systems.
50.3

Why people left ScummVM

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ScummVM: common questions

Is ScummVM free?

Yes. ScummVM is free, open-source software.

Is ScummVM open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at scummvm/scummvm.

What platforms does ScummVM run on?

ScummVM is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.

What are the best alternatives to ScummVM?

The highest-ranked ScummVM alternatives right now are DOSBox Staging, RetroArch and GOG Galaxy. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 3 ScummVM alternatives

ScummVM facts

4 of 4 verified

License: GPL v3; Checked Oct 25, 2026scummvm.org(opens source in a new tab); “By contrast, the ScummVM source code is licensed under the GPL v3 (see section 1.1.2 of this FAQ).”
How it works: Replaces the game's executable; Checked Oct 25, 2026scummvm.org(opens source in a new tab); “ScummVM actually replaces the original executable file that shipped with the game.”
Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android and more; Checked Oct 25, 2026scummvm.org(opens source in a new tab); “Among the systems on which you can play those games are Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, PS Vita, Switch”
Supported games: Hundreds; Checked Oct 25, 2026scummvm.org(opens source in a new tab); “the project now supports hundreds of games from many different game developers.”