This is for beginners to find resources about making games in Pico-8. It will not contain EVERY resource, but only the ones that beginners need to get going.
Pico-8 is a fantasy console. It uses a scripting language called Lua. All the tools for code editing, sprite and map editing, plus sound and music editing are all built in! The Pico-8 community is friendly, and there are lots of resources to help you get started!
HOW TO GET STARTED
- Play some games! https://www.lexaloffle.com/bbs/?cat=7&carts_tab=1&#sub=2&mode=carts
-- Note: games use the arrow keys and Z ( O button) and X (X button) usually. Return is the pause menu.
- Peek at the code on the site by clicking Code under the cartridge window!
- You can also download the Cart by clicking Cart, then Right-Click on the cart to download it.
- A great 72-page beginner's guide by @MBoffin : https://mboffin.itch.io/gamedev-with-pico-8-issue1
- ALSO check out @MBoffin 's great educational toolset, carts covering one concept each! https://mboffin.itch.io/pico8-educational-toolset
- Nerdy Teachers have a great intro to Pico-8 and little, well-organized tutorials! https://nerdyteachers.com/PICO-8/
- Watch the LazyDevs BREAKOUT HERO tutorial series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLea8cjCua_P0qjjiG8G5FBgqwpqMU7rBk
- Check out Liquidream 's beginner tutorials on Pico-8: https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/pico-8-gamedev-1-getting-started-tutorial/2347
- Consult the official manual: https://www.lexaloffle.com/pico-8.php?page=manual
- Or Fandom's Wiki on Pico-8 that is more verbose: https://pico-8.fandom.com/wiki/Pico-8_Wikia
- Remind yourself of command syntax with the Pico-8 cheatsheet: https://www.lexaloffle.com/bbs/?tid=28207
- Check out Pico-8 Zines #1 - #4 ! https://itch.io/search?q=pico-8+zine
- Awesome Pico-8 resources list: https://github.com/pico-8/awesome-PICO-8
- General resources listed on itch.io: https://itch.io/jam/game-jamuary/topic/179831/pico-8-resources
Join the Pico-8 Discord: https://discord.gg/YUfWrUh
Okay that's a good start for resources! Now go out there and try to make something!