# RetroAchievements

> video gaming website

**Wikidata**: [Q104413574](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104413574)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/retroachievements

## Summary
RetroAchievements is a video gaming website that allows players to earn achievements (called "cheevos") while playing retro games. Launched in 2012, it serves as a virtual community for gamers to compete, share progress, and engage with modding. The platform supports multiple platforms and uses PHP, Laravel, and other modern web technologies.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 2012
- **Instance of**: Website, virtual community
- **Primary focus**: Retrogaming, achievements
- **Programming language**: PHP
- **Website technologies**: Laravel, Guzzle, Tailwind CSS
- **License**: GNU General Public License
- **Latest stable version**: 1.87.0 (released 2022-06-02)
- **Aliases**: RA, Retro Achievements, retroachievements.org
- **Social media presence**: Twitter (@RetroCheevos), YouTube (RetroCheevos), Facebook (RetroAchievementsPC), Twitch (RetroAchievementsOrg)
- **Source code repository**: GitHub (RetroAchievements/RAWeb)

## FAQs
### Q: What is RetroAchievements?
A: RetroAchievements is a website where players earn achievements (cheevos) while playing retro games. It functions as a virtual community for gamers to compete, share progress, and engage with modding.

### Q: How does RetroAchievements work?
A: Users install a client emulator on their console or PC, connect it to the RetroAchievements server, and earn cheevos by completing in-game challenges. The platform tracks progress and awards points.

### Q: What platforms does RetroAchievements support?
A: RetroAchievements supports a wide range of retro gaming platforms, including but not limited to Nintendo, Sony, Sega, and PC emulators.

### Q: Is RetroAchievements free to use?
A: Yes, RetroAchievements is free to use, though some advanced features may require a subscription or donation.

### Q: How can I contribute to RetroAchievements?
A: You can contribute by creating cheevos, testing games, or supporting the community through donations. The platform also welcomes developers who can help improve the codebase.

## Why It Matters
RetroAchievements bridges the gap between retro gaming and modern community engagement. By introducing achievements to classic games, it revitalizes interest in older titles while fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment. The platform encourages modding and creativity, allowing users to enhance their gaming experience. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven development, making it a unique resource for both casual and hardcore gamers. By tracking progress and rewarding players, RetroAchievements transforms retro gaming into a modern, interactive experience.

## Notable For
- **Achievement system**: One of the first platforms to bring modern achievement mechanics to retro games.
- **Virtual community**: Serves as a hub for retro gamers to compete, share, and collaborate.
- **Open-source**: Uses PHP, Laravel, and other modern web technologies, with its codebase available on GitHub.
- **Cross-platform support**: Compatible with multiple retro gaming platforms, including Nintendo, Sony, and Sega.
- **Modding focus**: Encourages user-generated content and community-driven enhancements.

## Body
### Overview
RetroAchievements is a video gaming website launched in 2012, designed to bring modern achievement mechanics to retro games. It operates as a virtual community where players can earn cheevos (achievements) while playing classic titles across various platforms.

### Technology and Development
The platform is built using PHP, with additional technologies like Laravel, Guzzle, and Tailwind CSS. The source code is hosted on GitHub under the RetroAchievements organization, allowing for community-driven development. The latest stable version is 1.87.0, released on June 2, 2022.

### Community and Engagement
RetroAchievements fosters a competitive yet collaborative environment through its achievement system, which rewards players for completing in-game challenges. The platform supports multiple retro gaming platforms and encourages modding, allowing users to enhance their gaming experience.

### Social Media and Presence
The website has a strong social media presence, including Twitter (@RetroCheevos), YouTube (RetroCheevos), Facebook (RetroAchievementsPC), and Twitch (RetroAchievementsOrg). It also maintains an active presence on Reddit, Threads, and Lemmy.

### Impact and Significance
By introducing achievements to retro games, RetroAchievements revitalizes interest in older titles and encourages community engagement. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and community-driven development, making it a unique resource for gamers. The platform's focus on modding and cross-platform support further distinguishes it from similar services.

## References

1. [Release 1.79.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.79.0)
2. [Release 1.80.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.80.0)
3. [Release 1.81.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.81.0)
4. [Release 1.82.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.82.0)
5. [Release 1.83.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.83.0)
6. [Release 1.84.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.84.0)
7. [Release 1.84.1. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.84.1)
8. [Release 1.85.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.85.0)
9. [Release 1.86.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.86.0)
10. [Release 1.87.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.87.0)
11. [Release 1.87.1. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.87.1)
12. [Release 1.88.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.88.0)
13. [Release 1.89.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.89.0)
14. [Release 1.89.1. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.89.1)
15. [Release 1.90.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.90.0)
16. [Release 1.91.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.91.0)
17. [Release 1.91.1. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.91.1)
18. [Release 1.91.2. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/1.91.2)
19. [Release 2.0.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.0.0)
20. [Release 2.0.1. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.0.1)
21. [Release 2.1.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.1.0)
22. [Release 2.2.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.2.0)
23. [Release 2.3.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.3.0)
24. [Release 2.4.0. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.4.0)
25. [Release 2.4.1. 2022](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.4.1)
26. [Release 2.5.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.5.0)
27. [Release 2.5.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.5.1)
28. [Release 2.6.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.6.0)
29. [Release 2.7.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.7.0)
30. [Release 2.7.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.7.1)
31. [Release 2.8.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.8.0)
32. [Release 2.9.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.9.0)
33. [Release 2.10.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.10.0)
34. [Release 2.10.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.10.1)
35. [Release 2.11.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.11.0)
36. [Release 2.12.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.12.0)
37. [Release 2.12.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.12.1)
38. [Release 2.13.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.13.0)
39. [Release 2.13.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.13.1)
40. [Release 2.14.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.14.0)
41. [Release 2.15.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/2.15.0)
42. [Release 3.0.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.0.0)
43. [Release 3.0.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.0.1)
44. [Release 3.1.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.1.0)
45. [Release 3.1.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.1.1)
46. [Release 3.2.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.2.0)
47. [Release 3.2.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.2.1)
48. [Release 3.2.2. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.2.2)
49. [Release 3.3.0. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.3.0)
50. [Release 3.3.1. 2023](https://github.com/RetroAchievements/RAWeb/releases/tag/3.3.1)