Learn PICO8-LUA with Real Code Examples

Virtual console with Lua interpreter

Graphics buffer for 128×128 screen

Sound engine and music tracker

Cartridge system with code, sprites, map, and music

Sandboxed I/O and persistent memory

128×128 pixel screen

16-color palette

Sprites drawn via `spr()`

Tiles and maps for level design

Render loop handled by `_draw()` function

Single-threaded game loop

Separation of `_update()` (logic) and `_draw()` (render)

Event-driven input handling

Tile-based level and sprite system

Integrated sound/music pipeline

Retro-style platformer

Top-down shooter

Puzzle or logic game

Interactive demo or art project

Game jam submission

Retro fantasy console with fixed resolution and color palette

Sandboxed Lua environment for safety

All-in-one editor for code, sprites, map, sound, and music

Token and memory limits encourage creativity

Immediate feedback loop for rapid prototyping

Keep code modular using functions

Reuse sprite and map assets

Optimize loops and calculations

Minimize SFX and music channel usage

Split larger projects into multiple cartridges if needed

Port simple Lua scripts to PICO-8 syntax

Adapt graphics and sound to 128×128, 16-color limits

Convert larger assets into PICO-8 map/sprite system

Optimize code to fit within token/memory constraints

Test in sandbox environment before sharing