Show HN: Bot Land, a game where you fight others via code (bot.land)

Article summary

A game called Bot Land has been launched, where players can create and fight bots using a Scratch-like interface or a subset of JavaScript. The game's development process was streamed live on Twitch for approximately 5000 hours. The game is free to play and allows players to build and automate their bots. The developer aimed to provide a unique gaming experience with a focus on coding and strategy.

Main themes

• game development
• coding and programming
• gameplay mechanics
• community engagement
• indie game development

What commenters say

• The game's development process was remarkably long and required significant dedication and resources.
• The use of a Scratch-like interface and a subset of JavaScript allows for a unique and accessible coding experience.
• Some users find the exclusion of certain math functions, such as sqrt, to be limiting and would like to see them added to the game.
• The game's approach to providing a limited set of functions and encouraging users to find creative solutions is seen as a positive aspect by some users.
• The game's EULA is perceived as brutal by some users, highlighting the need for clear and fair terms of service.
• The game's concept is compared to other games and programming challenges, such as Core War and CodeSpells, which combine coding and gameplay.
• The developer's decision to stream the development process live on Twitch was seen as a great way to build a community and provide transparency.
• The game's potential for educational value and promoting programming skills is highlighted by some users.