Game Development with CircuitPython

A Cheap Handheld Device for Game Programming Workshops

Radomir Dopieralski

Education Gadgets Hardware/IoT Learning MicroPython

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Making computer games is difficult: it requires creativity, multidisciplinary knowledge of art, psychology, math, computer science, physics and others, patience, open mind and dedication. Making computer games with Python is a nightmare. You hit practically every sharp corner that Python has, starting with installation, through binary libraries, poor hardware support, up to distribution.

PewPew devices are an attempt at solving the worst problems by giving you a dedicated, cheap, simple and portable gaming device, that you can easily program with Python with just a simple text editor. They also make pretty neat conference badges. I will talk about how they were conceived, how they are used, and how you can extend and improve them yourself.

At the end of the talk you should have a good idea about what is CircuitPython and MicroPython and how they can be used to build and program such simple devices. You should also know where to find the resources necessary to try designing and building your own.

Type: Talk (30 mins); Python level: Beginner; Domain level: Beginner


Radomir Dopieralski

I have been programming in Python since 2005, when I joined the MoinMoin Wiki project. Since then I've been using it both professionally and for hobbies. My day job is developing OpenStack, but my hobbies involve game programming with PyGame, and using MicroPython/CircuitPython to build walking robots and assorted electronic projects. I am a big fan of wikis and roguelike games, and I have attempted to build both, with mixed results.