# GameMode > Linux system performance on demand optimizer **Wikidata**: [Q127417465](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127417465) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gamemode ## Summary GameMode is a free, open-source Linux system performance optimizer that dynamically adjusts system settings to enhance gaming performance on demand. Released under the 3-clause BSD License, it allows users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute the software. ## Key Facts - **License**: Distributed under the 3-clause BSD License, allowing free use, modification, and redistribution. - **Latest stable version**: 1.6.1, released on February 18, 2021. - **Instance of**: Free software, enabling users to run, study, change, and distribute it. - **Gentoo packages**: Available as `games-util/gamemode` and `acct-group/gamemode`. - **Debian stable package**: Included in Debian stable releases as `gamemode`. - **Arch Wiki articles**: Documented in English and Polish, with article IDs 31730 and 37022, respectively. - **Source code repository**: Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode). - **First release**: Version 1.0, published on May 16, 2018. ## FAQs ### Q: What is GameMode used for? A: GameMode is used to optimize Linux system performance for gaming by dynamically adjusting system settings, such as reducing latency and prioritizing gaming processes. ### Q: Is GameMode free to use? A: Yes, GameMode is free software distributed under the 3-clause BSD License, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute it. ### Q: How do I install GameMode? A: GameMode can be installed via package managers like `apt` (Debian/Ubuntu) with `sudo apt install gamemode` or through Gentoo’s portage system with `games-util/gamemode`. ### Q: Who maintains GameMode? A: GameMode is maintained by Feral Interactive, as indicated by its GitHub repository ([https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode)). ### Q: What versions of GameMode are available? A: GameMode has been released in versions 1.0 through 1.6.1, with the latest stable version being 1.6.1, released in February 2021. ## Why It Matters GameMode addresses a critical need for Linux users who want to optimize their systems for gaming. By dynamically adjusting system settings, it reduces latency and prioritizes gaming processes, leading to smoother and more responsive gameplay. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community contribution, making it a valuable tool for both casual and competitive gamers. By providing a performance boost on demand, GameMode bridges the gap between Linux’s flexibility and the performance demands of modern games, enhancing the overall gaming experience on the platform. ## Notable For - **Open-source optimization**: One of the first tools to dynamically adjust Linux system settings for gaming performance. - **Cross-platform support**: Available on Debian, Gentoo, and other Linux distributions. - **Community-driven development**: Maintained by Feral Interactive with contributions from the open-source community. - **Performance enhancement**: Focuses on reducing latency and prioritizing gaming processes. - **Documentation**: Well-documented in the Arch Wiki, aiding users in installation and configuration. ## Body ### Overview GameMode is a Linux system performance optimizer designed to enhance gaming performance by dynamically adjusting system settings. It is distributed under the 3-clause BSD License, ensuring free use, modification, and redistribution. ### Versions and Releases GameMode has undergone multiple releases since its initial version 1.0 on May 16, 2018. The latest stable version is 1.6.1, released on February 18, 2021. Each version includes improvements and bug fixes, ensuring optimal performance for gaming. ### Installation and Availability GameMode is available as a package in Debian stable as `gamemode` and in Gentoo as `games-util/gamemode` and `acct-group/gamemode`. It can be installed via package managers like `apt` or through Gentoo’s portage system. ### Documentation and Support GameMode is documented in the Arch Wiki, with articles available in English (ID 31730) and Polish (ID 37022). The GitHub repository ([https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode)) serves as the primary source for updates, issues, and community contributions. ### Impact on Gaming Performance By reducing latency and prioritizing gaming processes, GameMode significantly improves the gaming experience on Linux. Its dynamic adjustments ensure that system resources are allocated efficiently, leading to smoother gameplay and better performance. ## References 1. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/FeralInteractive/gamemode) 2. [Release 1.0. 2018](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.0) 3. [Release 1.1. 2018](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.1) 4. [Release 1.2. 2018](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.2) 5. [Release 1.3. 2019](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.3) 6. [Release 1.3.1. 2019](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.3.1) 7. [Release 1.4. 2019](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.4) 8. [Release 1.5. 2020](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.5) 9. [Release 1.5.1. 2020](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.5.1) 10. [Release 1.6. 2020](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.6) 11. [Release 1.6.1. 2021](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.6.1) 12. [Release 1.7. 2022](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.7) 13. [Release 1.8. 2023](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.8) 14. [Release 1.8.1. 2023](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.8.1) 15. [Release 1.8.2. 2024](https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode/releases/tag/1.8.2)