Underwhelming game development with PICO-8 - Jonas Winje - NDC Oslo 2024

PICO-8 is a fantasy console with intentional constraints (128x128 pixels, 16 colors, 32K cartridges) that encourages creative problem-solving within limitations

Games are built entirely within PICO-8’s environment, including code editor, sprite editor, sound editor and map editor - no external tools needed

Uses Lua programming language with a custom standard library optimized for game development, offering basic building blocks while requiring developers to implement their own solutions

Fast feedback loop between coding and testing, with immediate execution and live code reloading that helps rapid prototyping

Exports games as PNG files that contain all source code, graphics and sound, making distribution simple

Limited memory (2MB heap) and processing constraints prevent complex solutions, encouraging “good enough” implementations

Works well for arcade-style games, platformers, puzzle games and other retro-inspired genres

Built-in tools include 4-channel synthesizer for sound/music, sprite editor with 16-color palette, map editor for level design

Community focuses on making complete, small scope games rather than ambitious projects that may never ship

Environment intentionally feels distinct from modern development, capturing essence of retro game development without actual hardware limitations