An attempt to re-implement the popular role playing game (RPG) Morrowind on Linux platforms
OpenMW is an open source implementation of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, an open world action-fantasy RPG (Role-playing Game) video game created by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Ubisoft and Bethesda Softworks.
A container for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
First of all, we should mention that OpenMW is not an actual game. It is only a container for the original The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, enabling Linux users to play it, natively, on their open source operating systems.
Popularly known only as Morrowind, the game is the third installment in The Elder Scrolls series, released in 2002 for Microsoft’s Windows operating systems and Xbox gaming consoles. If you really want to play Morrowind on Linux, you have two choices: install it via Wine, or use OpenMW.
Getting started with OpenMW
In order to play Morrowind on your Linux distribution, you must own the original game. After installing OpenMW, either by using the binary files provided on the dedicated download section above or via the default software channels of your Linux operating system, you need to run the “omwlauncher” executable.
An “Error detecting Morrowind installation” dialog will popup, allowing users to add the Morrowind.esm file. This can be obtained either from an existing installation of Morrowind, by pressing the “Browse to Install…” button and navigating to the folder containing the file, or from the original CD.
In addition, you will need to import a Morrowind.ini settings file (this is a required step as the game will not start). Therefore, you should press the “Import” button when asked if you want to import settings from Morrowind.ini.
Once you do the above steps, the OpenMW launcher window will open, allowing you to play the Morrowind game. But, before you do that, first you need to go to the “Data Files” tab and make sure that the box to the left of the “Morrowind.esm” entry is checked.
