TL;DR
Developers released ‘Xs of Y,’ a roguelike game that names itself every run and features procedurally generated content. It’s built in 4,000 lines of code using a Lisp dialect on a Go VM, and is playable in browsers.
The developer of ‘Xs of Y’ announced the release of a roguelike game that generates a unique title, quest, and rune mappings each run, written in approximately 6,900 lines of code in a Lisp-inspired language.
The game, ‘Xs of Y,’ features procedurally generated content including a new title, quest, and rune mappings with each run. It is built using a Lisp dialect called let-go, which runs on a Go bytecode VM, emphasizing minimalism with no dependencies. The game is playable in browsers via WebAssembly (WASM) or natively, with a startup time of around 6 milliseconds. The game’s mechanics include a magic system based on s-expressions, with enemies such as spiders, goblins, slimes, and trolls, each with unique behaviors. The developer notes that the game is still unfinished, with some features like peril and scheduled explosions not yet implemented.
Why It Matters
This development is notable because it demonstrates a highly compact codebase for a complex roguelike game, showcasing the potential of minimalistic programming languages and environments. The procedural naming and content generation add a layer of replayability and uniqueness, appealing to enthusiasts of both roguelikes and programming art. It also highlights the growing interest in browser-based, lightweight games that can run efficiently without dependencies, potentially influencing future indie game development and experimental coding projects.
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Background
‘Xs of Y’ is part of a broader trend of minimalistic game development and procedural content generation. The use of a Lisp-inspired language and a tiny codebase aligns with recent experiments in creating complex systems with minimal code. The developer’s previous work and the inspiration from classic roguelikes like Brogue contextualize this project within a niche of programmers exploring the boundaries of code size, efficiency, and creativity in game design.
“It’s not finished, but it’s playable. Expect mild peril and some unplanned explosions.”
— the developer
“The magic system is based on s-expressions, and each run generates a new title and set of rune mappings.”
— the developer
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Mini Rogue is a game profoundly inspired by roguelikes and roleplaying games. Monsters, hazards, treasures, bosses, dungeons, as…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how complete or polished the game will become, or how the procedural naming and mechanics will evolve. The developer has indicated that the project is still in progress, and some features like peril and scheduled explosions are not yet implemented.
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What’s Next
The developer is likely to continue refining ‘Xs of Y,’ adding features, fixing bugs, and possibly expanding its content and mechanics. Future updates may include more complex enemy behaviors, enhanced safety margins for late-game, and broader platform support.
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Key Questions
Is ‘Xs of Y’ fully finished and polished?
Currently, the game is playable but considered unfinished, with some features still in development.
Can I play ‘Xs of Y’ in my browser?
Yes, it runs natively or in the browser via WebAssembly (WASM).
What programming language is used to build the game?
The game is written in a Lisp-inspired dialect called let-go, compiled on a Go bytecode VM.
How big is the codebase?
The entire project is approximately 6,900 lines of code.
Will there be future updates or expansions?
Future development depends on the creator’s plans, but ongoing refinement and feature addition are likely.
