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Why Gameyfin is FOSS: The Risks of Source-Available Software and How You Can Support Open Alternatives

When I started developing Gameyfin, I made a deliberate choice to release it as Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) under the AGPLv3 license. This wasn't just a technical decision - it was a statement about what I believe software should be: transparent, user-controlled, and resistant to what Cory Doctorow calls "enshittification". In this post, I want to explain why FOSS matters, especially for self-hosted tools like Gameyfin, and why I think users should be cautious about source-available alternatives.

What's the Difference? FOSS vs. Source-Available

FOSS:

  • You have the freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute the software.
  • The AGPLv3 license ensures that even if someone builds on Gameyfin, they must share their improvements with the community.
  • No single entity can restrict your use or lock you into a paid tier.

Source-Available:

  • You can view the source code, but the license restricts modification, redistribution, or commercial use.
  • The developer retains full control and can change the terms at any time.

Why It Matters:

With source-available software, you're trusting a single company to act in your best interest forever. If their priorities change - if they decide to monetize more aggressively, or pivot their business - your ability to use or modify the software could be restricted overnight. FOSS, on the other hand, gives you a permanent seat at the table.

The Risk of Enshittification

Cory Doctorow's term "enshittification" describes how platforms gradually degrade user experience in favor of profit - adding ads, paywalls, or restricting features. GameVault's paid subscription model (GameVault+) is a classic example: what's free today might not be tomorrow. With FOSS, users can always fork the project or self-host without fear of losing access to core features. The community can step in to maintain or improve the software, even if the original maintainer's priorities change.

Note: I picked GameVault as an example because it's a well-known alternative in the game library management space and because they personally contacted me last year (more on that below). This isn't an attack (I actually favor diversity since it leads to innovation) - it's about illustrating the risks of source-available models in general.

Why I chose not to join GameVault

Last year I received an invitation to join GameVault as a contributor for the web UI (back then GameVault was only available as Windows client, that has changed in the meantime). While I appreciate the offer, I declined for these reasons:

  1. Philosophical Differences: GameVault's source-available model conflicts with my belief in FOSS principles. I want to ensure that users have full freedom to use, modify, and share the software without restrictions.
  2. Diversity of Options: I believe in a diverse ecosystem of tools. When GameVault released their own web UI, I was actually glad to see more options for users.
  3. Freedom to Innovate: As the sole maintainer of Gameyfin, I have the freedom to experiment and innovate without needing to align with anybody else.

Why I Don't Accept Donations

I'm lucky to have a stable full-time job that pays well enough, so I don't need or accept donations for Gameyfin. I want to be clear: this project isn't a side hustle or a way to make money. It's something I work on because I like to try out new things. That said, there are plenty of ways you can support Gameyfin - and they're all more valuable than money.

How You Can Support Gameyfin

The best way to support Gameyfin is to use it, break it, fix it, and talk about it. Here's how:

  • Report bugs with detailed descriptions.
  • Submit PRs - especially bug fixes.
  • Request new features and help shape the roadmap.
  • Spread the word - tell your friends, your foes, your grandma.

The more people use and contribute to the project, the stronger it becomes.

Conclusion: Choose Freedom

At the end of the day, software is about more than just features - it's about who controls it, and who benefits from it. I hope you'll join me in supporting FOSS, not just for Gameyfin, but for all the tools we rely on every day.