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Setting timers in simple games (feat. the frame rule)

This article presents a lightweight timer system for game development using Lua in PICO-8 or Picotron, inspired by Super Mario Bros. scheduling logic. It demonstrates how to implement frame-based timers with minimal code—just two lines—to manage timed events like glowing effects or sound triggers.

Background

The technique draws from analyzing classic game code and adapts it for rapid prototyping in modern game jams, emphasizing simplicity and flexibility without external dependencies.

Source
Lobsters
Published
Jul 30, 2026 at 12:26 AM
Score
6.0 / 10