glulxe

Glulxe is a software interpreter that executes programs written for the Glulx virtual machine, the successor to the original Z-machine used for interactive fiction. Developed by Andrew Galloway, the interpreter was designed in 2002 to provide a robust, open‑source platform on which authors of text‑based games could distribute their works. Glulxe implements the full Glulx specification, supporting the execution of games written in Inform 7, Inform 6, and other Glulx‑compatible compilers.

The interpreter runs across several operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and BSD variants, using native graphical interfaces or command‑line modes depending on the platform. Its source code is available under the GPL, allowing users to modify and extend the interpreter, for example by adding new sound or image rendering modules. Because of its licensing and portability, Glulxe is often bundled with interactive fiction distribution platforms such as the Interactive Fiction Archive.

Glulxe features a fairly straightforward user interface for desktop systems, with built‑in support for command history, auto‑completion, and the ability to load saved game states. On web platforms, the interpreter can be compiled to WebAssembly, enabling browser‑based play of Glulx games. Advanced users sometimes integrate Glulxe into Emacs or Vim plugins to provide a tightly coupled authoring environment.

The interpreter continues to be maintained as part of the broader Glulx ecosystem. While not as widely advertised as some other IF engines, Glulxe remains a reliable foundational tool for both developers and players interested in the Glulx format.