About OpenPBBG

OpenPBBG is an open-source game engine designed to power lightweight, browser-based persistent games.


Built from the ground up using PHP, MySQL, and HTML with Bootstrap 5, OpenPBBG gives indie developers the tools to create dynamic online games with persistent state and strategic gameplay. Whether you're building a crime empire, a fantasy kingdom, or a post-apocalyptic survival sim — OpenPBBG gives you the foundation to bring your world to life.

What Is a PBBG?

A PBBG (Persistent Browser-Based Game) is an online game where your world and progress continue evolving even when you're offline. These games are designed to run in the background, often featuring slow-paced strategy, economy systems, or RPG elements.

OpenPBBG empowers developers to easily build these types of games without relying on bloated engines or expensive server stacks.

Why Open Source?

We believe in transparency, collaboration, and shared knowledge. OpenPBBG is completely free and open-source under the MIT License. You’re free to use it, modify it, and contribute to its growth — whether you’re building a commercial game or just experimenting with ideas.

  • No license fees or restrictions
  • Actively maintained and improved
  • Community-driven roadmap and features

Core Features

  • Modular PHP backend for rapid development
  • MySQL integration for persistent game data
  • Bootstrap 5 frontend layout for clean and responsive UI
  • Simple user system with registration, login, and session handling
  • Built-in templating and routing system
  • Extensible components for buildings, items, combat, and more

Who Is It For?

OpenPBBG is for developers who want full control over their game code and architecture. It’s beginner-friendly for PHP users but robust enough to handle large, complex browser games. Whether you're building solo or as part of a team, OpenPBBG gives you a fast and flexible foundation.

The Team

Project Lead

Creator and maintainer of the OpenPBBG engine. Oversees development, coordinates contributions, and implements new features and core functionality.

Contributors

A growing group of developers, designers, and testers from the open-source community who help improve and expand the engine with new features and patches.

Get Involved

We welcome contributions of all kinds — whether it’s code, documentation, bug reports, or feature ideas. Join our community to collaborate