Resurrecting Infocom's Unix Z-Machine with Cosmopolitan
I recently brought Infocom's original UNIX z-machine source code back to life on modern systems. The modified source code, instructions on usage, a build of the z-machine, and examples of embedded game executables are available. There is also a detailed write-up about the state of the original source code, the porting process, and the invaluable role Justine Tunney's Cosmpolitan project played in bringing the Zork trilogy (and more) to Windows/Mac/Linux/bsd for arm/x86 machines over the course of a lazy Sunday.
In plain words
This project restores Infocom's original Unix Z-machine source code to run on modern operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, and BSD across ARM and x86 architectures. It provides modified source code, build instructions, compiled binaries, and example game executables, along with documentation on the porting process. The work uses the Cosmopolitan project to enable classic text adventures like the Zork trilogy to function across multiple platforms without modification.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
Does the same job
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