A video game where you are an operating system (plbrault.com)

Article summary

The article discusses a video game where the player takes on the role of an operating system, managing CPU cores, processes, memory pages, and swap space to avoid angering the user. The game is designed to be simple and playable in a web browser, using Pygame and compiled to WebAssembly. The author believes the game can have educational value in introducing computer science students to operating system principles. The game is available to play on itch.io and its source code is open on GitHub.

Main themes

• operating system management
• game development
• education and learning
• indie games
• game engines
• nerd culture
• computer science principles

What commenters say

• The game is a great way to learn about operating system principles in a fun and interactive way.
• The game's simplicity and nerdy theme may limit its appeal to a wider audience.
• Using a game engine like Unity or Unreal would not have been a good fit for this type of game due to its unique requirements.
• The game's mechanics are similar to other time management games, but its theme and implementation set it apart.
• The game could be improved with additional features, such as automation options and a scripting language.
• The game's educational value is limited by its lack of realism and simplification of complex operating system concepts.
• The game is part of a larger trend of indie games that focus on niche or technical topics.
• The game's success is unlikely to be replicated by other games with similar themes or mechanics.