Panic's James Moore and Dave Hayden discuss developing the unique Playdate handheld with a hand crank and free SDK. They delve into game optimization, Lua API evolution, code freedom, distribution strategies, crank control innovation, and nurturing a positive work culture at Panic.
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Quick takeaways
Playdate console features a hand crank for unique gameplay experiences.
Free SDK for Playdate allows easy game development and experimentation.
Playdate's community thrives with creative camaraderie and interactive user base.
Deep dives
Plaidate Console Features Unique Inputs and Free Game Development SDK
Plaidate, a gaming console developed by Panic, offers unique inputs including a hand crank. It stands out for offering a free software development kit (SDK), allowing anyone to create games for the console. The team members, James Moore and Dave Hayden, discuss the development process, highlighting the console's retro feel reminiscent of classic computer programming simplicity.
Evolution of Plaidate and SDK Development Over 10 Years
The development of Plaidate's SDK traces back over a decade, with James Moore recalling the first commit made in 2014. The SDK evolution involved the initial game 'Hammerdown' and the journey of 'Inventory Hero'. The SDK provided various drawing functions and a 3D engine, allowing developers to experiment and create games with ease.
Pathfinding Algorithms and QR Code Functionality in the SDK
The SDK offers surprising features like pathfinding algorithms (e.g., A* algorithm) and QR code drawing capabilities. Both functionalities, while somewhat unexpected for a console SDK, provide game developers with additional tools and resources to enhance the gaming experience on Plaidate.
Crank Functionality and Game Development on Plaidate
The hand crank on Plaidate adds a unique gaming element, allowing for innovative gameplay mechanics in titles like 'Casual Burger' and 'Whitewater Wipeout'. Developers creatively utilized the crank for features like camera focusing, showcasing the versatility of the console's input mechanisms.
Plaidate's Community and Creativity Stand Out Among Game Developers
The Plaidate community has flourished with nearly a thousand games on platforms like Itch.io. Encouraging camaraderie and creativity, creators engage in award ceremonies and community support. The emphasis on community involvement highlights the console's impact beyond gaming, fostering a vibrant and interactive user base.
Panic has created games such as Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game. They recently ventured into gaming hardware with the Playdate. The console is unique for its inputs, which include a hand crank, and because Panic provides a free SDK, so anyone can develop games for it.
James Moore is a DevOps Engineer and Dave Hayden is an Engineer at Panic. They join the show to talk about developing the Playdate handheld.
Joe Nash is a developer, educator, and award-winning community builder, who has worked at companies including GitHub, Twilio, Unity, and PayPal. Joe got his start in software development by creating mods and running servers for Garry’s Mod, and game development remains his favorite way to experience and explore new technologies and concepts.