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Show HN: Mochi Invaders – Like Space Invaders but for Practicing Japanese Kana
10 months ago
- The author, a beginner in Japanese, needed practice reading Kana (Hiragana and Katakana).
- Instead of using existing resources, they built a Space-Invaders-style game to practice.
- The project involved learning SpriteKit and app testing, turning procrastination into productive learning.
- The game, named Mochi Invaders, is now available on the App Store.
- The project was powered by LMNO.lol.
If You Think AI Can Make SNES Games, We Have Magic Beans We'd Love to Sell You
9 months ago
- Generative AI is criticized for prioritizing commercial slop over meaningful advancements.
- AI's current capabilities fall short in creating enjoyable, cohesive retro games despite claims.
- The AI industry is accused of over-promising and under-delivering, with Elon Musk as a notable example.
- AI struggles with basic tasks and lacks the ability to understand or control complex processes like game development.
- Video games are valued for their human creativity and emotional depth, which AI cannot replicate.
- The idea of AI autonomously creating games is seen as unrealistic and disrespectful to the medium.
Herringbone Tiles
9 months ago
- Introduction of 'Herringbone Wang Tiles' for generating large 2D regions from smaller ones.
- Comparison with traditional Wang Tiles and their limitations.
- Explanation of 'complete stochastic set' for better random generation.
- Discussion on map connectivity and edge constraints.
- Application of herringbone tiles in game development, like in Infamous.
- Advantages of herringbone tiles over hexagonal tiles for certain layouts.
- Example of dungeon generation using herringbone tiles with procedural elements.
- Potential use of herringbone tiles in city layouts for better grid alignment.
Boost HTML5 Game Performance with WebAssembly
9 months ago
- WebAssembly (WASM) significantly enhances HTML5 game performance by enabling near-native execution speeds and efficient memory management.
- Key performance bottlenecks in HTML5 games include computation-heavy tasks, garbage collection pauses, and inefficient memory management.
- Strategic integration of WebAssembly involves identifying performance-critical code (e.g., physics engines, pathfinding) and compiling it to WASM while retaining JavaScript for UI and logic.
- A step-by-step guide outlines the process: profiling, choosing a WASM development approach, setting up the environment, and optimizing data transfer between JS and WASM.
- Real-world case studies demonstrate performance gains (e.g., 15x faster pathfinding, 87% reduction in physics processing time).
- Best practices include minimizing JS-WASM data transfers, implementing fallbacks, and leveraging WASM-specific optimizations like SIMD and multi-threading.
- Future trends include WASI for portable code, WebGPU integration, advanced concurrency models, and WebAssembly-specific game engines.
AV-Racer Devlog (1): Getting a functional car model
9 months ago
- Initial exploration of car physics simulation for a game.
- Transition from a realistic model to an arcade-like car model for better gameplay.
- Implementation of basic car mechanics: acceleration, braking, and friction forces.
- Introduction of a logarithmic scaler for adjusting values on a logarithmic scale.
- Development of a sliding effect to simulate drifting without complex physics.
- Use of substepping to improve simulation accuracy and prevent physics 'blow up'.
- Refinement of angular velocity and sliding mechanics for a more realistic feel.
- Introduction of an accumulator to simulate grip loss during turns.
- Final adjustments to coefficients for balanced and enjoyable gameplay.
- Plans for future articles on track creation and management.
DeepMind reveals Genie 3 "world model" creates real-time interactive simulations
9 months ago
- Google DeepMind introduces Genie 3, an advanced AI model for creating interactive worlds from prompts or images.
- Genie 3 allows real-time alterations to environments, including objects, weather, and characters, enhancing dynamic game development.
- DeepMind positions Genie 3 as both a gaming tool and a research asset for AI development, leveraging synthetic data for training.
- The model improves upon Genie 2 with higher visual fidelity, real-time 720p resolution at 24fps, and memory of created worlds.
- World models like Genie 3 aim to advance AI towards AGI by providing unlimited interactive training environments.
1500 Archers on a 28.8: Network Programming in Age of Empires and Beyond
9 months ago
- PAX East highlighted the 'deprofessionalization of video games', with successful games by solo devs and small teams potentially leading to a lack of specialists.
- Age of Empires faced challenges with simulation step times varying greatly due to rendering, AI pathing, and other factors, limiting the number of units that could interact in real-time.
- The multiplayer code for Age of Empires aimed to support 8 players, smooth simulation over various connections, and a target platform of a 16MB Pentium 90 with a 28.8 modem.
- A synchronous simulation approach was adopted, where each machine runs the same simulation with identical commands, ensuring all games remain identical despite network conditions.
- Speed control mechanisms were implemented to adjust turn lengths dynamically, ensuring smooth gameplay even with varying internet latency and processing speeds.
- UDP was used for networking, with systems in place for command ordering, drop detection, and resending to handle unreliable connections.
- Security was a significant benefit of the synchronous model, as any deviation in simulation would be detected and the game stopped, making cheating difficult.
- User behavior studies revealed that consistent latency was preferable to variable latency, with 250-500 milliseconds being playable for RTS games.
- Metering and early prototyping were crucial for understanding and optimizing multiplayer performance, with tools developed to monitor and adjust network demands.
- The transition to RTS3 involved a fully 3D engine, support for more players, and improved networking with a focus on TCP/IP and home network configurations.
- An object-oriented approach was taken for RTS3's network architecture, abstracting protocol specifics to simplify implementation and maintenance.
- Peer-to-peer topology was retained for RTS3, offering reduced latency and no central point of failure, though it posed challenges with NAT configurations.
- The net.lib library was developed to provide a layered architecture for networking, from low-level socket operations to high-level game communications.
- Improved synchronization tools and multiplayer-enabled console commands were introduced in RTS3 to streamline debugging and enhance the multiplayer experience.
ARM adds neural accelerators to GPUs
9 months ago
- Arm introduces neural technology with dedicated neural accelerators for GPUs, enhancing mobile graphics with AI.
- Neural Super Sampling (NSS) offers AI-driven upscaling, potentially doubling resolution at 4ms per frame.
- Development kit available now includes Unreal Engine plugin, Vulkan emulation, and open models on GitHub/Hugging Face.
- Technology aims to reduce GPU workload by up to 50%, improving efficiency and performance in mobile gaming.
- Future applications include Neural Frame Rate Upscaling and Neural Super Sampling and Denoising for path tracing.
- Partners like Epic Games, Tencent, and NetEase support the initiative, highlighting its industry impact.
Show HN: Orca – AI Game Engine
9 months ago
- Discord server available for support and community interaction.
- Orca Engine is based on Godot Engine with enhancements by Simplifine.
- Integrated chatbot with full access to Godot project files and operations.
- Chatbot capabilities include file operations, node manipulation, script generation, and image creation.
- Supports multiple AI models like GPT-5, Claude-4, Gemini-2.5, and GPT-4o.
- Requires setup of both Godot editor and AI backend server.
- Installation and build instructions provided for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Backend requires Python 3.8+ and specific dependencies.
- API keys configuration needed for AI providers.
- Commercial licensing available; contact [email protected].
- Project is non-commercial source-available unless licensed.
Starting game development in JavaScript with no experience
9 months ago
- Learn JavaScript, HTML, and CSS fundamentals before diving into game development.
- Understand the difference between JavaScript running in Node.js and on the web.
- Use Node.js and NPM for a streamlined development experience with bundlers and hot reloading.
- Stick to 2D game development as 3D is more complex and less supported in JavaScript.
- Choose a game development framework like KAPLAY or Phaser for better results and efficiency.
- Utilize map editors like Tiled or LDTK for designing game levels visually.
- Follow one tutorial from start to finish to consolidate learning before starting original projects.
- Learn pixel art to create custom sprites and modify existing asset packs for consistency.
- Start with small game projects to increase the likelihood of completion and skill development.
- Deploy games on platforms like itch.io and consider using NW.js for desktop game distribution.
Dev Reveals Secrets Behind New "3D" Platformer for the ZX Spectrum
8 months ago
- YRGB 2025, a retro game development competition for the ZX Spectrum, started on August 7th and runs until August 20th.
- Cubix, a new ZX Spectrum game by Gogin, is being hailed as the first-ever 3D platformer for the classic '80s computer.
- The game features Fez-like rotating levels and puzzle-platformer gameplay across six towers, starring a square-shaped creature named Bix.
- Gogin was inspired by Fez and spent 4.5 months developing Cubix, initially prototyping in C# before porting to assembly language.
- The 3D effect in Cubix is achieved using pre-calculated 2D tiles and three large tables for rendering graphics efficiently on the ZX Spectrum.
- Cubix is available for free download from the YRGB 2025 website, playable on emulators or real ZX Spectrum 128K hardware.
Making Games in Go: 3 Months Without LLMs vs. 3 Days with LLMs
8 months ago
- The author, a software engineer with 15 years of experience, built and published a card game called Truco in Go without using LLMs, which took 3 months.
- Challenges included learning React for the UI, transpiling the server to WASM using TinyGo, and hosting on GitHub Pages.
- A year later, the author built another game, Escoba, in just 3 days using LLMs (Claude), which refactored the backend code almost perfectly.
- The frontend for Escoba was more challenging due to React skills and debugging in JavaScript.
- The author provides a step-by-step guide for building a game with this stack, including backend and frontend tasks.
- Backend involves initializing a GameState struct, implementing CalculatePossibleActions, and RunAction to mutate the GameState.
- Frontend tasks include rendering the GameState, letting players pick actions, and triggering bot actions.
- The author explains how to transpile the backend to WASM using TinyGo and handle interop between backend and frontend.
- Troubleshooting tips are provided, such as serving files over HTTP locally.
- The author concludes by sharing their enjoyment of making the games and hopes others find the guide useful.
Building a Jeopardy Game for Laravel Live Denmark
8 months ago
- The author created a Laravel-based Jeopardy game platform for Laravel Live Denmark, including physical buzzers with Taylor Otwell's voice announcements.
- Initial plans to use an existing JeoPHPardy project were abandoned due to its outdated status, leading to a new greenfield project using Claude Code.
- Arcade-style buttons were chosen over bicycle bells for buzzers, sourced in five different colors from BerryBase, and controlled using Dan Johnson's Pinout library.
- The TALL stack (Tailwind, Alpine.js, Laravel, Livewire) was selected for the project, leveraging familiarity and Laravel Boost for enhanced Livewire capabilities.
- Game state persistence was prioritized to prevent resets on browser refresh, with a client/server approach using Laravel Reverb for real-time WebSocket communication.
- Debugging synchronization issues between the game board and control UI was challenging but addressed with Laravel Boost and Playwright MCP for efficient logging.
- Categories and clues were creatively brainstormed with Claude, including a Danish-themed category and Taylor Swift-inspired questions.
- Hardware integration involved a Raspberry Pi 3 with GPIO hat, relays for 12V LED lights, and extensive wiring for five arcade buttons.
- On-site setup used a local WiFi router to avoid venue WiFi issues, though directional speaker problems and enthusiastic button-mashing caused minor hiccups.
- Key lessons included the efficiency of rebuilding from updated plans with LLMs and the importance of venue testing for live events.
Release candidate: Godot 4.5 RC 2
8 months ago
- First Release Candidate (RC1) for Godot 4.5 was dropped last Friday, signaling the engine's stabilization phase.
- RC2 has been released, addressing critical regressions from RC1, moving closer to the stable 4.5 release.
- Development focus shifts to preparing for the 4.5 stable release and queuing changes for the 4.6 cycle.
- Financial support is encouraged to sustain the volunteer and paid contributors working on Godot.
- Users can download and test the latest builds, including Web, XR, and Android editor versions.
- The blog post highlights fixes between RC1 and RC2, covering animation, build system, C#, and rendering issues.
- 10 contributors submitted 9 fixes for RC2, with a detailed changelog available for review.
- Known issues and regressions are being tracked, with users encouraged to report new bugs.
- Godot's development is supported by community donations, with various ways to contribute financially.
Show HN: Making a cross-platform game in Go using WebRTC Datachannels
8 months ago
- WebRTC datachannels are a simpler alternative to complex WebRTC setups for game development.
- Websockets are too slow for most games, making them suitable only for turn-based games like Runescape.
- Web Transport, using QUIC, is a potential replacement for Websockets but is still in development with current issues on Firefox.
- WebRTC datachannels allow sending unreliable packets over the web using SCTP, usable today without waiting for Web Transport.
- Benefits of WebRTC include host flexibility, no need for port forwarding, minimal server requirements, and community support.
- Drawbacks of WebRTC include complex setup and the need for signaling and STUN/TURN servers.
- Various WebRTC implementations exist, including libwebrtc, libdatachannel, Pion WebRTC, and others in different programming languages.
- Existing game networking libraries using WebRTC include Geckos.io, Netlib, Matchbox, PeerJS, and Netplayjs.
- Real-world uses of WebRTC include WebXash3D (Half-Life 1 + Counter-Strike 1.6 reimplementation) and Hypersomnia (2D shooter).
- Go is preferred for development due to efficiency, active WebRTC support, and faster coding compared to Rust.
- Ebitengine is a versatile 2D game engine used for cross-platform games, including potential crossplay between Nintendo Switch, PC, and browser.
- An official Pion example using Ebitengine includes a bundled signaling server for hosting lobbies, currently limited to two players.
- WebRTC enables possibilities like hosting Minecraft-style games without dedicated servers or port forwarding.
A platform-jumping prince – History of Prince of Persia's 1990s Ports
7 months ago
- The original Prince of Persia game was developed on the Apple II by the author over three years (1986-1989).
- The DOS/Windows version, released in 1990, improved graphics and sound, becoming the version most players remember.
- The Amiga port was developed by Dan Gorlin, known for Choplifter, and was one of three versions the author was contractually responsible for.
- A Commodore 64 port was never officially released but fan-made versions appeared in 2011 and recently.
- The Macintosh version faced delays but its release in a new packaging helped revive the game's popularity.
- The Super Nintendo version expanded the game with new levels, enemies, and music, offering a fresh experience even to the original creator.
- The author reflects on the emotional connection players have with the version they played during formative years.
Show HN: Curated gamedev specific search engine
7 months ago
- GameDev Torch is a specialized search engine for game development resources.
- It searches articles, game engines, frameworks, and blog posts from curated websites.
- Users can find niche resources to complement general search engines.
- Features include searching for inspiration (e.g., 'visual novel engine'), suggesting new resources, and learning effective querying.
- Users can also browse the list of all indexed websites.
- Created by an individual who can be found on Bluesky (bsky).
Avalanche Studios NYC Retrospective – An Ambitious Company Ruined
7 months ago
- Avalanche Studios NYC was founded in 2011 as an expansion of Avalanche Studios in Stockholm, aiming to tap into talent not interested in moving to Sweden.
- The studio's first major project was Just Cause 3 (JC3), which faced numerous development challenges, including a switch to a free-to-play model due to Square Enix's financial troubles.
- Development tools were a significant issue, with the old editor being unstable and the new editor, written in Python, proving to be a disaster due to frequent crashes and file corruption.
- Despite these challenges, JC3 was released in 2015 to good reviews, but the studio's leadership was later fired due to conflicts with Stockholm management.
- Just Cause 4 (JC4) followed, with initial optimism but quickly devolved into similar development issues, including poorly designed scripting systems and input systems.
- JC4 received worse reviews than JC3, with design decisions like escort quests and lack of clear core gameplay contributing to its shortcomings.
- The studio's final project, Contraband, was a multiplayer co-op open-world heist game that struggled with unclear design direction and was eventually canceled, leading to the studio's closure.
- The author highlights a culture of poor development practices, lack of code reviews, and failure to learn from past mistakes as key reasons for the studio's struggles.
- Lessons learned include the importance of proper code review, automated testing, and maintaining high-quality development practices to avoid capability traps and ensure project success.
You Can Now Make PS2 Games in JavaScript
7 months ago
- PS2 games can be developed in JavaScript using the AthenaEnv project.
- AthenaEnv is an environment that provides a JavaScript API for PS2 game development, embedding a modified version of QuickJS.
- Key features of AthenaEnv include rendering, asset loading, input handling, file handling, and sound playback.
- To run a game developed with AthenaEnv, you need PCSX2 emulator with 'Enable host filesystem' option checked.
- Games can be distributed as a single .iso file by including necessary files like athena.elf, athena.ini, and source code.
- A 'Hello World' example demonstrates loading assets, setting up a game loop, handling input, and rendering text.
- Sprite animation and mirroring are achievable with AthenaEnv's API.
- AthenaEnv currently focuses on 2D game development, with 3D capabilities planned for future versions.
- Resources and community support are available through GitHub repositories and a Discord server.
Pong Wars: A battle between day and night, good and bad
7 months ago
- Eternal battle between day and night, good and bad implemented in JavaScript, HTML & CSS.
- Code is minimal and open for reuse; encourages creating alternate versions.
- Colors based on the Mindful Palette by Alex Cristache.
- Feedback and PRs welcome, but simplicity is prioritized.
- Original post shared on Mastodon and Twitter.
- List of alternate versions available in various programming languages and frameworks.

Hasty Briefsbeta

#game development

Show HN: Mochi Invaders – Like Space Invaders but for Practicing Japanese Kana

If You Think AI Can Make SNES Games, We Have Magic Beans We'd Love to Sell You

Herringbone Tiles

Boost HTML5 Game Performance with WebAssembly

AV-Racer Devlog (1): Getting a functional car model

DeepMind reveals Genie 3 "world model" creates real-time interactive simulations

1500 Archers on a 28.8: Network Programming in Age of Empires and Beyond

ARM adds neural accelerators to GPUs

Show HN: Orca – AI Game Engine

Starting game development in JavaScript with no experience

Dev Reveals Secrets Behind New "3D" Platformer for the ZX Spectrum

Making Games in Go: 3 Months Without LLMs vs. 3 Days with LLMs

Building a Jeopardy Game for Laravel Live Denmark

Release candidate: Godot 4.5 RC 2

Show HN: Making a cross-platform game in Go using WebRTC Datachannels

A platform-jumping prince – History of Prince of Persia's 1990s Ports

Show HN: Curated gamedev specific search engine

Avalanche Studios NYC Retrospective – An Ambitious Company Ruined

You Can Now Make PS2 Games in JavaScript

Pong Wars: A battle between day and night, good and bad