The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →GitHub Blog’s March 2024 Game Bytes roundup covered a milestone release for roguelike KeeperRL, a browser port of Canabalt, multiplayer development tools, recovered Area 51 source code, and upcoming game jams. Published March 27, 2024, the issue is a historical snapshot: its jam dates and preview or availability notes describe that time, not current status.
Open-source games and projects
KeeperRL reached version 1.0
After 11 years of development, KeeperRL reached version 1.0. GitHub Blog described it as a roguelike base builder. The release added minor villains, workshops, items, and other improvements. Read the March 2024 roundup.
Canabalt returned as a browser port
Adam Atomic’s Canabalt, originally released as a Flash game in 2009, was brought to the browser in a port built with HaxeFlixel. GitHub Blog credited the port to @ninjamuffin99 and described it as faithful. The issue links to the playable port and its source code.
Megacity Metro demonstrates multiplayer development
Megacity Metro is a Unity demo for large-scale multiplayer game development. The roundup highlighted its cross-platform clients, prediction netcode, and server-authoritative gameplay. It was presented as an open-source demo, not as a comparison of multiplayer products.
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Recovered source code for Area 51
Project Dreamland shared recovered source code for the shooter Area 51, which GitHub Blog said originally released in 2005 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Windows. The project was investigating whether the code could build and run on modern systems. The account of how the code was found is the roundup’s report; the issue does not independently verify its provenance or establish that the game had been made to run on modern systems.
Development tools and documentation
The issue’s tools section ranged from an engine update to a developer SDK and documentation access. These descriptions reflect the roundup’s March 2024 context; they do not establish current support or feature status.
Rank #2
- Work together in this cooperative stacking game where players carefully place miniature books onto a growing tower of cards while following specific placement rules printed on each card
- Each card introduces new instructions and restrictions for where books must be placed, turning every turn into a fun puzzle of balance, teamwork, and careful hand control
- Simple rules make it easy to learn while the physical challenge keeps players engaged as the tower grows taller and more unstable with every book added
- Compact travel tin design makes it perfect for family game nights, classrooms, parties, or quick tabletop fun at home or on the go
- Great cooperative dexterity game for kids, families, and casual gamers who enjoy teamwork challenges, stacking puzzles, and lighthearted skill-based gameplay
- Defold 1.7: The engine update added APIs for converting between world and local coordinates and for sprite vertex attributes, alongside bug fixes.
- The Mirror: Described as a Godot-based environment, it went open source on March 15, 2024.
- Discord Embedded App SDK: It was in developer preview at the time of the roundup.
- Phaser Explorer: An offline-capable progressive web app for Phaser documentation and sample code.
Game jams and jam-made games
The jam listings are historical. The roundup listed these upcoming dates in March 2024; those dates have passed and should not be read as current event schedules.
- Gamedev.js Jam: April 13–26, 2024.
- Fish Fest: April 1–8, 2024.
The issue also noted that 7DRL had completed its 20th year and highlighted Lithic, an entry in Brackeys Game Jam 2024.1. These are the roundup’s descriptions of the events and entry at that point in time.
Rank #3
- ROLL FOR THE ULTIMATE SCORE — Experience the timeless high-stakes dice rolling action of Yahtzee reimagined with authentic 1956-inspired styling. Suitable for 1 or more players ages 8 and up, this versatile edition offers engaging gameplay for solo strategy, casual family game nights, or large group parties.
- PREMIUM VINTAGE COMPONENTS — Features a dedicated rolling cup, a removable dice tray with built-in keepers, 5 poker-style dice, 8 heavy-weight betting chips, a retro-themed scorebook, and 4 pencils. Every piece is crafted for a tactile, casino-quality experience that elevates standard play.
- BEAUTIFUL ON DISPLAY, FUN TO COLLECT — Designed to resemble an elegant hardcover volume, this game doubles as sophisticated decor for your bookshelf, mantel, or coffee table. It's part of an expansive collection of over 20 unique Vintage Bookshelf Edition game titles—allowing you to collect your favorite classic games and line them up together to create a cohesive, custom library aesthetic.
- THE PERFECT GIFT — Solves the challenge of finding a memorable present for friends and family. Gifting one or a few titles starts an elegant personal game library and offers them meaningful, screen-free experiences. Future occasions like birthdays and holidays become effortless as you add new titles to their collection with each passing milestone.
- COMPACT, SPACE-SAVING & TRAVEL-FRIENDLY DESIGN — The fabric book case measures 10.6 x 8.4 x 2.6 inches for convenient, upright shelf display like a classic novel. Inside, all heavy-duty dice, chips, and accessories nest neatly into integrated storage compartments for effortless, clutter-free organization and travel.
About the roundup
Game Bytes is GitHub Blog’s monthly look at game development on GitHub, spanning engine updates, game jams, open-source games, mods, and maps. The March 2024 issue was published on March 27 by Lee Reilly, identified on the page as Senior Program Manager, GitHub Developer Relations. Explore the original March 2024 issue for its links to the projects, tools, and events.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
