Two years ago, “Exodus” stood as one of the most sought-after third-party add-ons for the Kodi media player. This open-source software enabled users to stream movies and TV shows, often without proper authorization. Although the official Exodus project ceased operations in 2017, numerous forks continue to circulate widely, underscoring the resilience of open-source software in the face of eradication efforts.
When the craze for pirate streaming boxes peaked in early 2017, the third-party Kodi add-on “Exodus” stood at the epicenter.
Exodus earned widespread acclaim for its unparalleled ability to access streaming video, offering a vast library of pirated movies and TV shows.
Maintained by “Lambda,” one of the community’s most prolific developers, Exodus became a primary target as rightsholders intensified their crackdown efforts.
The trouble began with the mysterious disappearance of the popular add-on repository TVAddons. Since Exodus was distributed through this repository, users encountered difficulties updating it.
Initially shrouded in mystery, TVAddons’ return over a month later revealed that it was embroiled in a lawsuit filed by Bell Canada, TVA, Videotron, and Rogers. This legal action also targeted Exodus, among 17 other add-ons.
Shortly thereafter, development of the Exodus add-on came to an abrupt halt. Suddenly, millions of users discovered that their pirate streaming boxes were rendered obsolete overnight, at least in their current form.
However, the void left by Exodus didn’t remain empty for long. Numerous alternatives emerged, many of which were built upon the original Exodus code, which remained open source. Even today, nearly two years after its discontinuation, Exodus’s legacy lives on through its code, perpetuating its presence in the Kodi ecosystem.
TVAddons recently compiled an overview of the various Exodus “forks” that continue to thrive online.
At the forefront of Exodus successors stands the aptly named “Exodus Redux,” readily available through GitHub and meticulously maintained by developer I-A-C.
Yet, the Exodus code has birthed numerous offspring. Among them are “Yoda,” “Exodus 8,” “Overeasy,” and “13Clowns,” each offering users seamless video streaming experiences via intuitive interfaces.
Despite the ease with which open source code can be forked, these add-ons aren’t immune to scrutiny. Several Exodus-based add-ons have succumbed to pressure from entities like the anti-piracy group ACE.
For instance, the Covenant add-on, developed by Team Colossus, bowed out after one of its key developers received a visit from law enforcement. Similarly, the Placenta add-on shuttered its operations following a cease and desist letter.
This raises a pressing question: are rightsholders’ efforts ultimately futile?
According to TVAddons, which has barred these forks from its platform, takedown campaigns may yield short-term victories. However, when open source software is dismantled, myriad alternate versions inevitably emerge, proliferating beyond control in the long run.
While this holds true in theory, the relentless pursuit of rightsholders may exert a subtler influence. Though hardcore pirates will invariably migrate to new forks, others may grow disillusioned by the cycle of shutdowns and eventually abandon their quest.
A glance at the declining popularity of the Google search term “Kodi add-ons” amidst major enforcement actions hints at this trend. While it may be mere coincidence, it could also signify a wave of resignation among users.
Indeed, the resilience of open source software is undeniable, but accessibility also plays a pivotal role.
We’ve witnessed this phenomenon with other popular open source applications, such as Popcorn Time. Despite the demise of one of its leading forks due to Hollywood pressure, others persisted. However, over time, interest gradually waned.
Similarly, when Limewire ceased operations years ago, its Frostwire fork endured. Yet, it never attained the same level of prominence as its predecessor.
In essence, while Exodus exited the stage long ago, its code continues to thrive. However, whether its audience remains as expansive as before remains an open question.