GAMA Setup

GAMA is the simulation platform that runs Virtual Universes. This guide covers installation and configuration for use with SIMPLE.

Requirements

• Version: GAMA 2025.06 or later (with JDK)
• Download: GitHub Releases

Installation

1. Download the GAMA installer for your operating system.
2. Follow the official installation guide.
3. Launch GAMA to verify installation.

Configure Network Settings

The WebPlatform communicates with GAMA via WebSocket on port 1000 by default.

1. Open GAMA.
2. Go to Support → Preferences → Network → Server Mode.
3. You can change the port if needed (default: 1000).

note

GAMA binds to all interfaces by default, so the server port is accessible on any IP address of the machine.

info

Ensure these settings match your WebPlatform's .env file:

• GAMA_IP_ADDRESS (default: localhost) — change this if GAMA runs on a different machine than the WebPlatform.
• GAMA_WS_PORT (default: 1000)

See the .env Reference for details.

Install the SIMPLE Plugin

The SIMPLE plugin adds VR capabilities to GAMA (abstract_unity_linker, abstract_unity_player, VR_Experiment, and related operators).

1. In GAMA, go to Support → Install new plugins...
2. Click Work with and enter the update site URL:

https://project-simple.github.io/simple.toolchain/

3. Press Enter. Select SIMPLE Unity plugin from the list.
4. Click Next and follow the prompts to install, then restart GAMA.

After restarting, a UnityVR menu appears in the GAMA IDE.

For more detail on the plugin's GAML API, see the GAMA Plugin overview.

Verify Connection

1. Start the WebPlatform (npm start).
2. Ensure GAMA is running.
3. The WebPlatform connects to GAMA automatically and shows a connected state in the admin UI.

If the connection fails, check:

• GAMA is fully started and not showing errors.
• Firewall allows connections on port 1000 (or your configured port).
• GAMA_IP_ADDRESS in .env matches the machine running GAMA.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Can't connect	Verify GAMA is fully started before launching the WebPlatform
Port in use	Change the port in GAMA preferences and update .env