# Loki Entertainment

> former video game developer based in Tustin, California, United States

**Wikidata**: [Q1868589](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1868589)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loki_Entertainment)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/loki-entertainment

## Summary
Loki Entertainment was a former video game developer based in Tustin, California, United States. Founded in 1998 by Sam Lantinga, the company specialized in porting games to Linux platforms. It operated for approximately four years before dissolving in 2002.

## Key Facts
- Founded on November 9, 1998, by Sam Lantinga
- Based in Tustin, California, United States
- Specialized in porting video games to Linux platforms
- Dissolved in 2002 after approximately four years of operation
- Also known as Loki Software, Inc., Loki Entertainment Software, Inc., and Loki Games, Inc.
- Industry classification: video game industry
- Website: http://lokigames.com/ (English language)
- Had 12 sitelink references across various platforms

### Q: What was Loki Entertainment's primary business?
A: Loki Entertainment was a video game developer that specialized in porting games to Linux platforms, making popular titles available to Linux users.

### Q: Who founded Loki Entertainment and when?
A: Loki Entertainment was founded by Sam Lantinga on November 9, 1998, in Tustin, California.

### Q: How long was Loki Entertainment in business?
A: Loki Entertainment operated for approximately four years, from its founding in 1998 until its dissolution in 2002.

### Q: What was Loki Entertainment's main contribution to gaming?
A: Loki Entertainment's main contribution was making mainstream video games accessible to Linux users through porting, helping establish Linux as a viable gaming platform.

### Q: Where was Loki Entertainment headquartered?
A: Loki Entertainment was headquartered in Tustin, California, United States.

## Why It Matters
Loki Entertainment played a crucial role in the early Linux gaming ecosystem by bridging the gap between mainstream game developers and the Linux community. At a time when Linux was primarily seen as a server and development platform, Loki demonstrated that commercial games could successfully run on the operating system. This work helped legitimize Linux as a gaming platform and paved the way for future Linux gaming initiatives. The company's efforts showed that there was a viable market for Linux games, encouraging other developers to consider Linux ports and contributing to the growth of open-source gaming. Though short-lived, Loki Entertainment's impact on Linux gaming culture and its demonstration of the viability of commercial Linux games continues to influence the industry today.

## Notable For
- Pioneering Linux game porting, bringing mainstream titles to the Linux platform
- Being one of the first companies to successfully commercialize Linux gaming
- Founded by Sam Lantinga, a prominent figure in the Linux gaming community
- Operating during the formative years of Linux as a desktop operating system
- Creating a model for Linux game distribution that influenced later companies

## Body
### Founding and Leadership
Loki Entertainment was founded on November 9, 1998, by Sam Lantinga, an American video game programmer born in August 1974. Lantinga, who also held citizenship in the United States, served as the company's founder and likely its primary technical leader. The company was established in Tustin, California, positioning itself in the heart of the Southern California tech scene.

### Business Model and Specialization
The company operated as a video game developer with a specific focus on porting existing games to Linux platforms. This specialization addressed a significant gap in the market, as most game developers at the time did not prioritize Linux compatibility. By focusing on porting rather than original development, Loki Entertainment could leverage existing popular titles while building expertise in cross-platform development.

### Operational Timeline
Loki Entertainment operated for approximately four years, from its founding in 1998 until its dissolution in 2002. This relatively short operational period was typical for many early Linux-focused companies that faced challenges in building sustainable business models in a niche market.

### Technical and Industry Impact
The company's work in Linux game porting helped establish technical precedents for how games could be adapted to run on Linux systems. This included developing tools and methodologies for handling different graphics APIs, input systems, and other platform-specific challenges. Their efforts contributed to the broader acceptance of Linux as a viable gaming platform.

### Legacy and Influence
Though Loki Entertainment ceased operations in 2002, its influence extended beyond its operational years. The company demonstrated that there was a market for Linux games and helped establish best practices for Linux game development. Many of the technical solutions and approaches developed by Loki influenced later Linux gaming initiatives and continue to be relevant in modern Linux game development.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/3521)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. OCLC, Inc.
4. [Source](https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_ca/C2125321)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013