The indie game VVVVVV, created by Terry Cavanagh with music by Magnus Pålsson, has seen its source code made public, generating significant discussion among developers and fans alike. This gravity-flipping platformer, which first captured hearts in 2010, continues to hold a special place in the indie gaming community more than a decade after its release.
A Journey Through Development History
The source code release reveals an interesting development trajectory that many commenters have noted. Originally written in Flash, the game was later ported to C++ in what was called the 2.0 Update by Simon Roth, followed by a 2.2 Update that incorporated SDL2, PhysicsFS, and Steamworks integration by Ethan Lee. This evolution from Flash to more robust technologies reflects the changing landscape of indie game development over the past decade. The repository contains both the C++ desktop version and the ActionScript mobile version, creating what some users described as initially confusing architecture.
One commenter pointed out the fascinating technical aspects of the codebase:
Authentically bad is a good way to put it. My favorite part is the 3300 line Game::updatestate() function and its gigantic switch statement.
This comment highlights how the code structure, while perhaps not following modern best practices, represents an authentic snapshot of indie game development from that era.
Technical Evolution of VVVVVV
- Original version (2010): Developed in Flash/ActionScript
- Desktop version: Rewritten in C++ (2011) for better cross-platform support
- Mobile version: Fork of the original 1.0 Flash codebase
- Notable code characteristic: Contains a 3300-line updatestate() function with a massive switch statement
Community Nostalgia and Cultural Impact
The release has triggered waves of nostalgia among players who remember VVVVVV from the early days of indie gaming. Many commenters mentioned their experiences with the game during the early Humble Bundle era, which for many was a formative period in their gaming lives. The game's distinctive challenges, particularly the notorious Veni Vidi Vici section, remain vivid in players' memories despite the passage of time.
The discussion also reveals how VVVVVV has maintained cultural relevance over the years. Multiple Hacker News threads about the game spanning from 2011 to 2021 demonstrate its lasting impact, with topics ranging from the game's commercial release to discussions about the value of open-sourcing game code. For many developers, this source code release provides both educational value and a nostalgic look at game development practices from the early 2010s.
VVVVVV Game Credits
- Created by: Terry Cavanagh
- Music by: Magnus Pålsson
- Metal Soundtrack by: FamilyJules
- Room Names by: Bennett Foddy
- 2.0 Update (C++ Port) by: Simon Roth
- 2.2 Update (SDL2/PhysicsFS/Steamworks port) by: Ethan Lee
- Additional coding by: Misa Kai
- Beta Testing by: Sam Kaplan and Pauli Kohberger
- Ending Picture by: Pauli Kohberger
The Value of Open-Sourcing Games
The comments reveal an ongoing conversation about the benefits of making game source code public. References to previous discussions indicate that Terry Cavanagh himself has spoken positively about the decision to open-source VVVVVV. This move aligns with a growing trend of developers making older commercial games' source code available for educational and preservation purposes.
While the game remains commercially available for those who wish to support it, the open-source release allows for personal compilation and study. This balance between commercial viability and open access appears to have been well-received by the community, potentially serving as a model for other indie developers considering similar paths for their older titles.
The source code release of VVVVVV not only preserves an important piece of indie game history but also provides valuable insights into game development practices from the early 2010s. As one commenter noted, it stands as a testament to how indie games often succeed not through technical perfection but through creative vision and execution that thinks outside the box.
Reference: VVVVVV