Survivalist Pro
Photo by Joshua Miranda Pexels Logo Photo: Joshua Miranda

Are 8-bit games still being made?

Original Titles Are Still Being Made on 8-Bit Games can be programmed by anyone with the knowledge to do so using platforms like the open-source Arduino where our consoles' games come from!

What does NSR mean in retail?
What does NSR mean in retail?

Net service revenue (NSR). This is gross revenue (see above) less subconsultants and reimbursable expenses. Jul 27, 2016

Read More »
What do most retirees do all day?
What do most retirees do all day?

Unfortunately, the bulk of that time (5.42 hours to be exact) is spent watching T.V. The rest is spent on things like relaxing (about an hour),...

Read More »

How Modern and Retro 8-Bit Titles are Brought to Life

Have you ever wondered how your favorite 8-bit game is made? What goes on behind the scenes to make the character move? How does the device in your hands know how to respond to controls?

Today we’re going to cover the basics of how 8-bit games are brought to life! Let’s first start with some of the classics.

How Early 8-Bit Games Were Programmed

When 8-bit gaming first entered the market, most games were developed by teams of programmers using the assembly and/or C computing language. Engineering teams would collaborate with a creative team to bring their shared vision to life. This would result in arcade cabinet games or cartridge titles for home-based consoles that became a hallmark of late-20th Century entertainment. One of the 1980s’ greatest titles, Pitfall!, used animated sprites at various pixel lengths to create its on-screen movements. The sprites would emulate a sense of movement by displaying, disappearing, and reappearing in a timed sequential order.

Modern 8-Bit Game Programming

With the rise of digital technology, producing 8-bit games has never been easier. Programmers can interact with one another in online communities where they can share information and offer feedback to one another. This makes creating your own games easier than ever and it no longer requires an advanced engineering degree. Modern programming still requires a basic knowledge of assembly and/or C languages to create new games. Fortunately, with all of the educational resources available online, these can be learned without enrolling in a university course. All it takes is some imagination and determination!

Original Titles Are Still Being Made on 8-Bit

Despite many consumers opting for HD consoles like the current X-Box or PlayStation, an active community of 8-bit enthusiasts has found a home online. Games can be programmed by anyone with the knowledge to do so using platforms like the open-source Arduino where our consoles’ games come from!

How Do You Bring a Game to Life?

What happens in the last days of hospice?
What happens in the last days of hospice?

Increase in the need to sleep, having to spend the large majority of the day in bed/resting. Difficulty eating or swallowing fluids. A decrease in...

Read More »
How long can you leave a gun without cleaning?
How long can you leave a gun without cleaning?

We recommend you clean your carry gun at a 2-week interval and ensure that whenever you hit the shooting range with it, you would have cleaned it...

Read More »

As we mentioned in our post about platformer games, most 8-bit games are developed in a tile-based format. The game’s avatar travels between fixed tiles positions that also house the character’s surrounding environment. The developers then constantly test the character’s movements against the level design elements to ensure that they interact with one another as intended. For example, if a character is meant to jump onto a solid platform, you want to make sure the platform is programmed to be solid!

Other Types of Modern 8-Bit Games

“Demakes”

Another popular application for 8-bit programming is the “demaking” trend. Essentially, a demake is the opposite of a remake. Instead of updating a game for modern consoles, you recreate a more recent 3D title in a two-dimensional 8-bit style. For example, a programmer could “demake” a popular game like Skyrim into a top-down adventure game like the original Legend of Zelda. It should be noted that most of these games are considered fan-made tributes. Most developers that produce demakes do not have the appropriate licensing rights. As such, if you are interested in demakes, they should only ever be released for free to someone who wants to play them.

Paying Homage to the Classics

8-bit has also seen a massive increase in popularity through the rise of community-developed titles like the ones found on your favorite 8BitCADE console. Titles like Kong, Squario, and Castle Boy are all styled after iconic NES titles (Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros., and Castlevania, respectively). Unlike demakes, an homage can pay tribute to a game while using its own characters, designs, and anything else that distinguishes it from its inspiration. For example, Squario offers a similar gameplay experience and visual style to the classic Super Mario platformers but with completely original character and level designs.

Build Your Own 8-Bit Gaming Console with 200+ Games

Like this: Like Loading...

How do adults deal with not having friends?
How do adults deal with not having friends?

If you are unsure where to meet new people, then here are some ideas: Attend a club or organization meeting. Sometimes they will have an open house...

Read More »
Does Emily from Make It or Break It come back?
Does Emily from Make It or Break It come back?

Emily still lives in Las Vegas, helping mom Chloe run her uber-successful national restaurant chain, Boulders. Emily and Damon reunited after the...

Read More »
What is a bob in prepping?
What is a bob in prepping?

July 13, 2022. In Resources 0 comment. Building a bug out bag is one of the most important steps you should take to get prepared. These packed and...

Read More »
What happens if you buy a house that didn t have planning permission?
What happens if you buy a house that didn t have planning permission?

If you cannot provide the necessary planning documents, the buyer's solicitor will raise this with the buyer. As the new owner will inherit the...

Read More »