The path to RISC-V growth: Why software consistency is crucial

Elektor is set to host a conference on 15 April, 2026, focusing on the growing importance of RISC-V in embedded and IoT systems. One of the speakers at the event is Marcos Codas, the Director of Partnerships and Education at GDevelop. GDevelop is known for its open-source, no-code, and AI game engine. Codas will be presenting on the development of a centralized game store for the Sifive Hifive Premier P550 RISC-V board, shedding light on how software fragmentation impacts platform adoption.

In a pre-conference interview, Alexander Neumann discussed with Codas the issue of software fragmentation in RISC-V desktops. Codas highlighted that while RISC-V hardware is progressing rapidly, software-related challenges hinder its adoption as a medium-term platform. One major issue is the lack of mainline kernel adoption, with board manufacturers often providing outdated kernels lacking essential driver support. This results in fragmented repositories, limiting user access to a wide range of applications.

Codas emphasized the significance of eliminating deployment complexity as a strategic necessity. Simplifying access to applications can significantly enhance the adoption of RISC-V among developers. By providing easy access to a broader range of tools and applications, the platform becomes more attractive and user-friendly, ultimately driving ecosystem growth and developer engagement.

When discussing the benefits of a curated store model, Codas pointed out that users can be assured of compatibility when installing applications. The curated store addresses scenarios where users may struggle to find compatible binaries or need hardware-specific configurations. By streamlining the installation process, users can save time and effort that would otherwise be spent on searching for the right software versions.

Looking ahead, Codas highlighted the importance of a consistent software ecosystem in overcoming barriers to RISC-V adoption. While software plays a crucial role, hardware improvements in power efficiency, performance, and boot management are also essential for RISC-V to compete effectively with ARM and x86-x64 platforms. Codas emphasized the positive correlation between user experience improvements and platform adoption, underscoring the need for ongoing enhancements in both software and hardware aspects.