To play games from GameJolt, you generally download the game file provided by the developer, usually a ZIP or executable, and then run the game on your computer.
Ever stumbled upon the vast collection of indie titles on GameJolt and wondered how to actually get playing? The site hosts incredible, creative games from independent developers, but understanding how to play them can sometimes feel a bit confusing. Many folks are curious about how to play games from gamejolt.
This platform operates a little differently than more mainstream game distribution services. It’s not like clicking a ‘play’ button and automatically launching into the action. Instead, each developer manages their own game distribution. This means downloading files to your computer for most games. Let’s explore the method to get you playing your new game.
How to Play Games from Gamejolt
Gamejolt is a fantastic place to find all sorts of cool indie games, made by people just like you! But sometimes, figuring out how to play them can be a little tricky. Don’t worry, though! This guide will show you everything you need to know about playing games from Gamejolt, from downloading them to getting them up and running.
Finding Games on Gamejolt
First things first, you need to find a game you want to play! Gamejolt has tons of games in different styles. Here’s how to explore them:
Using the Gamejolt Website
- Go to the Website: Open your web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) and type in “gamejolt.com”. This takes you to the Gamejolt homepage.
- Browse Categories: On the left side of the page, you’ll see different categories, like “Action,” “Adventure,” “Puzzle,” and more. Click on a category to see games that fit into that style.
- Use the Search Bar: If you already know the name of the game you’re looking for, type it into the search bar at the top of the page.
- Check out the Popular Section: Gamejolt also has a “Popular” section, which shows you games that other people are playing and enjoying. This is a great place to find new favorites!
Looking at Game Pages
Once you find a game that seems cool, click on it. This takes you to the game’s page. Here’s what you’ll typically see:
- Game Title and Description: The game’s name will be at the top, along with a description telling you what the game is all about. Take the time to read this; you will find useful information about what to expect.
- Screenshots and Videos: Most game pages have images and videos. These let you see what the game looks like and get a sense of what it’s like to play.
- Ratings and Comments: You will also find ratings and comments from other players. These can help you figure out if the game is something you’ll like.
- Download Buttons: The most important part! You will see buttons that say “Download” or have icons that look like a download arrow.
- System Requirements: Look for system requirements – this information says if a game will work on your computer. Check details like operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux), processor, RAM, and storage to see if your computer is capable of running the game well.
Understanding Game Types and Downloads
Games on Gamejolt come in a few different formats. Knowing what they are will help you play them smoothly:
Executable Files (.exe)
These are the most common type of download for Windows computers. Think of them as a game package that has everything it needs to run. When you download an .exe file, you’ll usually click on it to install and play the game.
Zip Files (.zip) and Rar Files (.rar)
Sometimes, games come packed in zip or rar files. These are like folders that contain the game files. Before you can play, you’ll need to extract the contents of these folders. Most computers come with a built-in tool to extract zip files; for rar files, you may need to download a free program like 7-Zip.
Web Browser Games
Some games on Gamejolt are made to play directly in your web browser. These games don’t need to be downloaded. You will find the ‘Play in Browser’ option on the game page. Just click the button to start playing!
Other File Types
You might see other kinds of files, like .dmg for Macs. The game page should always tell you what operating system each download is for. Pay attention, to download the right files for your computer.
Downloading and Installing Games
Now for the fun part: getting the games onto your computer! Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Downloading a Game
- Click the Download Button: On the game’s page, click the download button for the version you want. Choose the right version for your computer’s operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). If it is a web browser game, just look for “Play in Browser” and skip the download steps.
- Choose a Save Location: Your web browser might ask where you want to save the file. Pick a place that’s easy for you to find, like your “Downloads” folder or a folder you’ve made for games.
- Wait for the Download: A progress bar will show you how much of the file has been downloaded. Wait until the download is complete. This can take a few seconds or a few minutes, depending on the size of the game and speed of your internet.
Installing a Game (.exe Files)
- Find the Downloaded File: Go to the folder where you saved the game file. It will be an .exe file.
- Run the Installer: Double-click the .exe file. An installation window will open.
- Follow the Instructions: Read the instructions and follow them to install the game. You might be asked where to install the game, or to agree to terms and conditions.
- Launch the Game: Once the installation is complete, you should see an icon for the game on your desktop or in your start menu. Double-click it to start playing!
Extracting a Game (.zip or .rar Files)
- Locate the Downloaded File: Find the .zip or .rar file you downloaded.
- Extract the Files:
- For .zip files: Right-click the file and select “Extract All.” Choose a folder to extract the files into. You can keep it in the same location as the .zip, or pick another place.
- For .rar files: Right-click and select “Extract Here”. If this does not show, you will need to install 7-Zip or Winrar. Then, right-click on the file, go to the program, and extract the files into a folder.
- Find the Game’s Executable: Go to the folder you just extracted into. Look for a file that has a game icon or file with .exe extension. This is the main file that starts the game, so double-click it to start.
Playing Web Browser Games
- Click “Play in Browser”: On the game page, find the button that says “Play in Browser” or something similar.
- Start Playing: The game will start directly in your browser window. Just follow the instructions that appear on screen.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly when playing games. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Game Won’t Start
- Check System Requirements: Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for the game. If your computer isn’t powerful enough, the game may not run well or might not start at all.
- Run as Administrator: Right-click the game’s .exe file and select “Run as administrator.” This can sometimes fix issues with permissions.
- Update Drivers: Make sure your computer’s graphics card drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause games not to run correctly. You can usually find drivers on your graphics card manufacturer’s website (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel).
- Restart your computer: Sometimes a simple restart can fix some issues.
Game is Glitchy or Slow
- Lower Graphics Settings: If the game is running slowly, try lowering the graphics settings in the game’s options menu. This can make the game run more smoothly.
- Close other programs: Close unnecessary programs while playing. Sometimes other programs make games perform poorly.
- Check for Updates: Make sure that you are running the most recent version of the game. Developers often release updates to fix performance problems.
Download Issues
- Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure your internet is working correctly. A bad connection can cause downloads to fail.
- Try a Different Browser: Sometimes web browsers can cause download problems. Try using a different browser.
- Temporarily Disable Antivirus: In rare cases, antivirus software can interfere with downloads. Try temporarily disabling it and downloading the game again.
Game Asking for Missing Files
Sometimes, a game might need a certain file to run. If you see an error message about missing files, check the game’s page on Gamejolt or ask the game’s creator or forum on their page for assistance. Sometimes, you might need to download the missing files separately.
When All Else Fails
If you still cannot get the game working, you can try these tips:
- Check the Game’s Page: Game developers often leave help or instructions on the game’s page on Gamejolt.
- Join the Game’s Community: If the game has a community section, ask other players for help with the specific problem you’re having.
- Contact the Developer: If you still cannot fix the problem, you can try to contact the game’s creator directly. They might know what you should do.
Safety Tips
Playing games from Gamejolt is usually safe, but it is always smart to take some safety steps:
Download Only from Official Game Pages
Always download games directly from the Gamejolt website. Do not download from any random websites because those might have viruses or malware that could harm your computer.
Run an Antivirus Scan
Before running a new game, scan it with your antivirus program. Even though most games on Gamejolt are safe, it’s still good to be cautious.
Keep your Operating System Up-to-Date
Make sure your operating system is always up-to-date. The newest versions often include security updates that can help keep your computer safe.
Playing games from Gamejolt opens up a world of fun and creative games. From downloading to solving issues, you now know the basics to get started. So go ahead, find a game that looks fun, and start playing!
How To Download Games From GameJolt In 2019 | Two Methods! (Windows)
Final Thoughts
Playing Game Jolt games is straightforward. You generally download the game files directly from the page. Ensure your system meets the game’s requirements.
After downloading, extract the files if they are zipped. Then you run the game’s executable file to begin. Therefore, how to play games from gamejolt involves downloading, extracting, and running.
