It’s not the destination… it’s the journey.
Aaaaand we’re off to a new adventure! The New 8-bit Heroes just launched Byte-Off VI, the annual (-ish) competition in which NESmakers create a game in a few weeks, in a hackathon-like format. Here’s a quick summary of what Byte-Off is, what this year’s timeline looks like, and where to find all information you need.
What is Byte-Off VI?
The Byte-Off is the kind-of-annual, kind-of-month-long game development challenge run by the team behind NESmaker, the software that lets people build brand-new games for the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), whether they’re seasoned developers or total beginners. Every year, participants get four to six weeks to build a playable demo inspired by a shared theme. When the competition ends, the community comes together for a special awards show, celebrating the best entries and the incredible creativity shown across the NESmaker community.
Join the Fun; You’re Invited!
Whether you’re a first-time creator or someone with unfinished projects, Byte-Off VI welcomes you. If you plan to attend the awards event at the Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you’re encouraged to come along; either as part of the crowd, or even with your own booth showcasing your work. If travel costs are a concern, the organizers are open to working with supporters who want to help sponsor developers who might otherwise be unable to attend.
Key Details
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s Byte-Off competition:
- Theme Reveal:
February 15March 1st - Submission Deadline: March 31 (midnight EST)
- Who Can Enter: Anyone with a valid NESmaker license
- Judging: An expert panel (drawn from professionals outside the game’s creators) will evaluate most categories; the NESmaker team will judge the category known as “The Wombat.”
Get Ready to Create
Newcomers to NES development don’t need to feel intimidated. NESmaker provides tutorials, community groups (on Facebook, on Discord and in the forums), and tools to help you learn as you go. Byte-Off is all about sharing, inspiration, and community growth. If you’re looking for ideas or motivation, check out games already uploaded to The Retroverse, the online arcade where NESmaker projects are showcased.
Find all information here: https://nes8b.it/bovi