Learn PICO8-LUA with Real Code Examples

PICO-8 Lua allows developers to write games and interactive demos using a simplified Lua dialect within a constrained virtual console.

It provides built-in APIs for graphics, sprites, sound, input, and persistent memory, simulating an 8-bit console environment.

Commonly used for game jams, retro-style games, educational projects, and creative experiments.

Graphics API: sprites, rectangles, lines, text, and colors

Sound and music synthesis tools

Input handling for keyboard and gamepad

Persistent memory via `cartdata`

Constrained 128×128 resolution, 16-color palette

Lua syntax and data types (numbers, strings, tables)

Drawing graphics with `spr`, `rect`, `line`, `print`

Playing sounds and music via `sfx` and `music`

Game loops using `_update()` and `_draw()` functions

Handling input with `btn()` and `btnp()`

code/ - Lua scripts

sprites/ - sprite sheets and tiles

map/ - tile map for game levels

sfx/ - sound effects

music/ - background music tracks

Open built-in code editor

Write Lua code using PICO-8 API

Use sprite, map, and sound editors to design assets

Run and test cartridge in simulator

Save as `.p8` or `.p8.png` for sharing/export

Beginner: simple sprite movement and collision

Intermediate: platformer or puzzle game

Advanced: full-featured 2D game with multiple levels

Expert: optimized memory usage and procedural content

Community: participate in jams or collaborative projects

Simpler than full Lua + game engines

Sandboxed like TIC-80 but with smaller footprint

Retro aesthetic vs modern engines like Unity

Limited but all-in-one development console

Ideal for game jams and small creative projects

2014 – PICO-8 released by Lexaloffle Games

2015–2017 – Community growth and jam integration

2018–2020 – Enhanced export options and web support

2021–2023 – Expanded tutorials and creative community

2025 – Mature platform for educational and creative retro games

Cartridge: single PICO-8 game file (.p8 or .p8.png)

Sprites: graphical tiles for characters and objects

Map: tile-based game level layout

SFX: sound effect object

Music: song object composed of SFX patterns