Have you ever dreamt of developing games that run on practically anything, from a modern browser to a microcontroller? Enter WASM-4, a minimalist fantasy console where constraints spark creativity. Unlike intimidating behemoths like Unity, WASM-4’s stripped-back specs challenge you to craft games within its 160×160 pixel display, four color palette, and 64 KB memory. Yes, you’ll curse at times, but as every tinkerer knows, limitations are the ultimate muse.
Born from the WebAssembly ecosystem, this console accepts “cartridges” in .wasm format. Any language that compiles to WebAssembly—be it Rust, Go, or AssemblyScript—can build games for it. The console’s emphasis on portability, with plans for microcontroller support, positions it as a playground for minimalist game developers. Multiplayer support? Check. Retro vibes? Double-check.
Entries from a 2022’s WASM-4 Game Jam showcase this quirky console’s charm. From pixel-perfect platformers to byte-sized RPGs, the creativity is staggering. One standout, “WasmAsteroids,” demonstrated real-time online multiplayer within these confines—proof that you don’t need sprawling engines to achieve cutting-edge design. This isn’t just about coding—it’s about coding smart. WASM-4 forces you to think like a retro engineer while indulging in modern convenience.
WASM-4 is a playground for anyone craving pure, unadulterated experimentation. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or curious hobbyist, this console has the tools to spark something great.
“Any language that compiles to WebAssembly—be it Rust, Go, or AssemblyScript—can build games for it.”
Was it on purpose C and C++ was not mentioned here?
The webpage says “Use any programming language, as long as it can compile to WebAssembly. AssemblyScript, C/C++, Rust, Go, and more.”
Methinks rust folks are again trying to push rust as the silver bullet /s
If that were the case, they wouldn’t include Go. Rust devs hate Go for no reason.
Yeah, there is something fishy about trying to direct people away from C/C++. It’s not just this article and website
Ironic too. Rust relies on LLVM which was designed for C++.
Rust is a programming language, it doesn’t rely on the existence of any compiler. LLVM wasn’t designed for C++, it was designed to be language agnostic.
Reminds me of early Palm Pilots: 160 x 160 LCD screens, with ~100 kb heaps.
Fantasy consoles are kind of common.
We would end up with much better software if programmers had to use resource-constrained machines, instead of 64-core, 256GB DDR, and 1TB SSDs. The entire field has become sloppy.
Right? A Tetris game these days is a 1gb download. But ye olde 512B version is perfectly good
Up vote!
Or program on the hi-end workstation for fast turn around … but resulting application must run on a RPI Pico. … :D . Ha!