Running X86_64 (Linux) Game Servers on ARM With Box64

A Slashdot reader, VennStone, experimented with running a low-power Trackmania 2 server using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, dubbed "Trackberry". They used the Box64 emulator to run x86_64 games on the ARM device. The experiment involved installing PyEnv and creating a virtual environment for the PyPlanet server controller. The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W was able to run the server and server controller with minimal effort, handling five players with one core at around 50% load. The device's low power consumption averaged 2.8 watts, resulting in a yearly cost of approximately $3.00. This experiment highlights the potential of using Box64 to run dedicated game servers that don't require many system resources. The reader suggests that other x86 Linux servers could also be run with Box64, but may require more powerful devices. The Trackberry experiment demonstrates the capabilities of Box64, which the reader jokingly refers to as "Scandinavian witchcraft". The reader finds the concept of having multiple game servers on microSD cards appealing. The Trackberry server can be seen in action on Twitch every Tuesday and Friday. Overall, the experiment showcases a compelling option for running low-power game servers.