u/helluva_life — reddlx

Hey game devs 👀

I’m building RetroLAN, a bootable USB arcade-style system for local multiplayer nights. The idea is simple: plug it into old/spare PCs, boot straight into an arcade lobby, find other players on the local network, and launch LAN-friendly games without needing accounts, installs, or a normal desktop.

I’d love to showcase indie games that fit that spirit at launch.

I’m especially looking for:

- LAN or local-network multiplayer games

- low-spec games that run well on old laptops/desktops

- games with Linux builds, DRM-free builds, or easy portable versions

- small arena shooters, racers, strategy games, party games, co-op games, weird experimental LAN stuff

What I can offer:

> a featured spot inside the RetroLAN arcade UI

> a small profile/link on the RetroLAN website

> compatibility testing on real old laptops

> feedback from early beta testers

> proper credit and links to your Steam/itch/site

> no exclusivity, no ownership weirdness

If your game is free or has a demo build, we can talk about bundling it directly if the license allows. If it’s paid, I’d rather list it as “compatible” and send users to your official store page.

I’m not trying to scrape or repackage anyone’s work. I want RetroLAN to become a good discovery shelf for games that are actually fun in the same room, on the same Wi-Fi, with people shouting across the table like it’s 2002.

If you’re working on something LAN/local-multiplayer friendly, drop a link or DM me. I’d love to test it :)

What is RetroLAN?

The idea is simple: plug a USB stick into an old laptop or spare PC, boot from it, and jump straight into an arcade-style launcher without touching the installed OS. Other RetroLAN sticks on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network can find each other, so you can host/join games locally without accounts, cloud services, or setup chaos.

Key features:

Boots directly from USB

Arcade-style launcher, not a normal desktop OS

Local lobby for finding other RetroLAN players

Wi-Fi and Ethernet setup built in

Bring-your-own legally owned game files

Companion app for preparing games from Mac/Windows

Trial mode first, unlock license later

Designed for old laptops, LAN parties, garages, classrooms, and nostalgia nights

Commercial games are not bundled. The goal is to make it easy to prepare and launch games you already own, plus include free/open demo games for testing hardware. (I'm sure you your own resources or copies)

It’s coming soon, and I’m looking for feedback from people who miss old-school LAN nights.