Dungeons & Desktops: 10 roguelikes that never die (because their communities won’t let them)

NetHack, first released in 1987, is a seminal roguelike game that evolved from Hack and Rogue, reflecting the genre's origins in Unix-era experiments. These games have been shaped by both developers and players over decades, with their open-source nature fostering communities that continuously refine and expand their worlds. Notable titles like NetHack, Angband, and Pixel Dungeon highlight the collaborative spirit and iterative development of roguelikes, where contributors add new mechanics, refine existing systems, and create various forks to explore different gameplay possibilities. Events like the 7DRL challenge and the annual Roguelike Celebration further emphasize the dynamic and collaborative nature of this genre, where fast-paced innovation and community-driven contributions keep these games evolving and engaging.