Bitsy#

Release status:

Early access

Available since:

v0.6

Bitsy is a small game engine for making small pixel art adventure games. Games run natively on a web browser, distributed as a HTML file that contains all data for the game, usually. Bitsy hacks are extensions that are used by some games made in Bitsy and that may include data stored outside of the HTML file (e.g.: music files).

To install a game made with Bitsy you can choose “Import from ZIP” and give the Importer access to the ZIP file containing the game’s HTML, as well as any additional files it uses.

You’ll have the chance of selecting a thumbnail for the cartridge and correcting the title of the game if the Importer guessed it wrongly. Just click the big “Install” button when you’re happy with how it will look in your library.

Game file expectations#

In order for the Importer to recognise a game as made with Bitsy it needs to have an HTML file at the top-level of the ZIP file, and this HTML must contain the Bitsy engine. The Importer checks for a BITSY VERSION in the file, as well as scripts containing Bitsy game data.

The title suggested by the Importer is the same as the title in the HTML page.

How the game is repackaged#

Bitsy games are already distributed as web games in general, so the Importer makes no changes to the contents of the HTML file. It does add the necessary Bridges to make the web APIs it expects available to the cartridge through emulation.

Controls#

Bitsy games use a D-pad-like set of buttons for moving the character around by default. Interacting with elements is done by bumping into them. So imported games can be controlled using only the D-Pad in Kate.

Additionally Kate uses Capture button (Capture button) to take a screenshot (press once), or record video (hold for half second, hold again to stop recording). And Berry button (Berry button) to open Kate’s context menu (which lets you close the cartridge or view the screenshots/video captures you’ve taken).

These special keys are not forwarded to Bitsy.

Known limitations#

The Importer only really knows how to import games made with an unmodified Bitsy engine. Many Bitsy games are released with “Bitsy hacks”, which are extensions to the engine that can take any form. While some of these Bitsy hacks may work by chance, there are no guarantees from the Importer.

If you’d like to see a Bitsy hack specifically supported please put forward a feature request on GitHub or the Kate community forum on Itch.io.

Also note that Bitsy games are generally released with a 512x512 resolution, so they might be scaled down slightly when running Kate with a 800x480 resolution. Black bars will always be added around the game’s screen to avoid squishing or stretching the game to a different (non-square) aspect ratio.