Terry Cavanagh has released the source code for his popular 2D puzzle platformer, VVVVVV, under the MIT license. The codebase, primarily written in C++, includes the game's source, assets, and build scripts for various platforms. This release allows anyone to examine, modify, and redistribute the game, fostering learning and potential community-driven projects based on VVVVVV.
This GitHub repository, titled "VVVVVV Source Code," contains the complete source code for the critically acclaimed 2D puzzle-platform video game, VVVVVV, developed by Terry Cavanagh. The codebase, primarily written in C++, utilizes the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) library for cross-platform compatibility, enabling the game to run on various operating systems. The repository is structured in a conventional manner, with distinct directories for source files, assets such as graphics and sound effects, and platform-specific build scripts. The game's core logic, including physics calculations, collision detection, and level design data, resides within the source directory. The assets directory houses the visual and auditory components that contribute to the game's distinctive aesthetic and atmosphere, encompassing sprite sheets, background images, and music tracks. Furthermore, the repository includes build scripts and configuration files tailored for different target platforms, facilitating the compilation and execution of the game on diverse systems. This comprehensive release of the source code provides an invaluable resource for game developers, students, and enthusiasts to examine the inner workings of a successful indie game, study its implementation techniques, and potentially learn from its elegant design. The availability of the source code also allows for community contributions, bug fixes, and potential modifications or extensions to the original game, further preserving and enhancing its legacy.
Summary of Comments ( 60 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43910681
HN users discuss the VVVVVV source code release, praising its cleanliness and readability. Several commenters highlight the clever use of fixed-point math and admire the overall simplicity and elegance of the codebase, particularly given the game's complexity. Some share their experiences porting the game to other platforms, noting the ease with which they were able to do so thanks to the well-structured code. A few commenters express interest in studying the game's level design and collision detection implementation. There's also a discussion about the use of SDL and the challenges of porting older C++ code, with some reflecting on the game development landscape of the time. Finally, several users express appreciation for Terry Cavanagh's work and the decision to open-source the project.
The Hacker News post titled "VVVVVV Source Code" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43910681) has several interesting comments discussing various aspects of the game's development and the released source code.
Many commenters praise the game's simplicity and elegance, both in terms of gameplay and the underlying code. One user highlights the game's clever use of only vertical movement, creating a unique and challenging platforming experience. They also point to the concise nature of the codebase as a testament to its efficient design.
Several comments delve into specific technical details. One commenter points out the use of the Flixel framework, a popular choice for 2D Flash games at the time of VVVVVV's development. Another discussion revolves around the choice of ActionScript 3, with users reflecting on the language's prevalence in the Flash gaming era and its eventual decline. The game's level format is also examined, with some commenters expressing interest in understanding how the levels are designed and represented in the code.
The accessibility and readability of the code are recurring themes. Users appreciate the clean and well-commented nature of the source, making it relatively easy for aspiring game developers to understand and learn from. One comment specifically mentions the educational value of studying such a well-structured project.
A few comments touch upon the game's music and sound design, praising its distinctive chiptune style. Others discuss the game's difficulty, with some finding it challenging but fair, and others recalling specific difficult sections.
There's also some discussion about porting efforts and compatibility with different platforms. One user mentions playing the game on their Nintendo 3DS, showcasing the game's cross-platform appeal.
Finally, a few commenters express their admiration for Terry Cavanagh, the game's creator, and his other works, highlighting the impact he's had on the indie game scene.
Overall, the comments section paints a picture of a community appreciating a classic indie game, its elegant code, and the developer behind it. The discussion ranges from technical details to personal experiences, showcasing the diverse ways people connect with and analyze video games.