TL;DR
Developers have released ‘Xs of Y,’ a roguelike game that dynamically names each run and creates new quests and rune mappings. It is written in a minimalistic codebase (~6900 lines) using a Lisp-like language and runs in browsers via WebAssembly.
The developer of ‘Xs of Y,’ a roguelike game that generates a unique title, quest, and rune mappings each run, has made the game playable in browsers. The game is written in approximately 6,900 lines of code using a Lisp-inspired language, and features a complex, unpredictable gameplay experience.
‘Xs of Y’ is a roguelike where every run creates a new title (e.g., ‘Gazebos of Mounting Dread’) and a new quest (such as retrieving the ‘Spatula of Futility’). The game uses secret rune symbols and s-expression-based spells, with the player having root access to a ‘reality engine’ that powers the dungeon. The codebase is written in a dialect of Clojure called ‘let-go,’ compiled to WebAssembly for native or browser play. The game is still in development, with some features like safety margins and game balance still being refined.
The game mechanics include traditional roguelike elements: monsters like spiders, goblins, slimes, and trolls, each with unique behaviors. The game emphasizes chaotic interactions, such as setting things on fire or pushing creatures into hazards, contributing to its unpredictable difficulty. Despite its minimal code size, the game offers complex gameplay, with early stages demanding survival skills and later stages involving more abstract, theological challenges.
Why It Matters
This release demonstrates how a minimal codebase—under 7,000 lines—can produce a complex, procedurally generated roguelike experience. It highlights innovations in game design, emphasizing dynamic content and player agency within a lightweight, portable framework. The game also showcases the potential of WebAssembly to run sophisticated games directly in browsers, making advanced indie projects more accessible without dependencies.
For the gaming community and developers interested in procedural generation, minimalism, and Lisp-inspired programming, ‘Xs of Y’ offers an intriguing example of how compact code can produce rich, unpredictable gameplay. Its approach may influence future indie game development, emphasizing code efficiency and creative procedural mechanics.
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Background
The game builds on the roguelike tradition, a genre characterized by procedural generation and permadeath, but introduces a novel twist: each run’s title and quest are completely new, generated dynamically. The developer, known for working with Lisp-like languages, created ‘Xs of Y’ using ‘let-go,’ a dialect of Clojure targeting a Go bytecode VM. The project is open-source, with the code available on GitHub, and is inspired by classic titles like Brogue.
This project follows recent trends in minimalistic game development and browser-based gaming, leveraging WebAssembly for performance and portability. Its development status is ongoing, with the game playable in browser but still subject to updates and feature additions.
“Every run generates a new title, quest, and rune mappings, making each experience unique and unpredictable.”
— the developer
“The code is about 6,900 lines, written in a Lisp-inspired language, demonstrating how minimal code can produce complex gameplay.”
— the developer
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how stable or complete the game will become, as development is ongoing. Specific gameplay features, balance, and safety measures are still being refined, and user feedback will likely influence future updates.
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What’s Next
The developer plans to continue refining gameplay mechanics, improve safety margins, and possibly add more features. Updates are expected to be released on the project’s GitHub repository, and the game may see further promotion or integration with other platforms.
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As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
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Key Questions
Is ‘Xs of Y’ fully finished and stable?
It is still in development; the game is playable but may contain bugs, incomplete features, or balance issues.
Can I play ‘Xs of Y’ in my browser?
Yes, the game runs in browsers via WebAssembly, with no dependencies required.
What programming language is used to build the game?
The game is written in a Lisp-inspired language called ‘let-go,’ which is a dialect of Clojure targeting a Go bytecode VM.
Will the game have multiplayer or online features?
Currently, there is no indication of multiplayer features; the focus appears to be on single-player procedural gameplay.
