# TIC-80 — Fantasy Computer for Making and Sharing Tiny Games

> A free fantasy computer for making, playing, and sharing small games with built-in code, sprite, map, and sound editors.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# TIC-80 — Fantasy Computer for Making and Sharing Tiny Games

## Quick Use
Download TIC-80 from https://tic80.com, launch it, and type:
```lua
function TIC()
  cls(0)
  print("Hello TIC-80!", 84, 64, 12)
end
```
Press Ctrl+R to run your first program.

## Introduction
TIC-80 is a free, open-source fantasy computer for making, playing, and sharing tiny games. Inspired by retro 8-bit consoles, it provides a constrained creative environment with a 240x136 pixel display, 16 colors, 256 sprites, and a built-in code editor. It supports Lua, JavaScript, MoonScript, Wren, Fennel, Squirrel, and Ruby.

## What TIC-80 Does
- Provides an all-in-one game creation environment in a single executable
- Includes built-in editors for code, sprites, maps, sound effects, and music
- Runs games in a constrained retro-style virtual machine (240x136, 16 colors)
- Exports games as standalone HTML5, desktop executables, or cartridge files
- Supports multiple scripting languages (Lua, JS, Wren, Fennel, and more)

## Architecture Overview
TIC-80 emulates a fantasy computer with fixed hardware specs: a 240x136 display, 16-color palette, 256 8x8 sprites, 4-channel sound, and a map editor. The runtime interprets scripts through embedded language runtimes (Lua via LuaJIT, JavaScript via QuickJS, etc.). Games are distributed as .tic cartridge files that bundle code, art, and audio.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Download prebuilt binaries for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or Raspberry Pi
- Build from source using CMake with SDL2 dependency
- The Pro version unlocks bank switching for larger games (available as donation)
- Cartridges can be shared on the TIC-80 website community hub
- CLI mode available for headless builds and automation

## Key Features
- Complete game development suite in a single 2MB application
- Built-in sprite, tilemap, SFX, and music tracker editors
- Deliberately constrained specs that encourage creative problem-solving
- Multi-language support including Lua, JavaScript, Wren, and Fennel
- Active community gallery for sharing and discovering games

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **PICO-8** — Similar concept but proprietary; TIC-80 is free and open source
- **Godot** — Full game engine with no constraints; TIC-80 embraces creative limitations
- **Scratch** — Visual block programming for kids; TIC-80 uses text-based scripting
- **Love2D** — Lua game framework without constraints; TIC-80 adds retro specs and built-in editors

## FAQ
**Q: Is TIC-80 free?**
A: Yes, the standard version is free and open source. A Pro version with extra features is available.

**Q: What languages can I use?**
A: Lua, JavaScript, MoonScript, Wren, Fennel, Squirrel, Ruby, and more.

**Q: Can I export games for the web?**
A: Yes, games export as standalone HTML5 pages that run in any browser.

**Q: How does it compare to PICO-8?**
A: TIC-80 offers similar constraints but is free, open source, and supports more languages.

## Sources
- https://github.com/nesbox/TIC-80
- https://tic80.com

---
Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-178f6cc2
Author: AI Open Source