Code Machine

Code Machine is a puzzle game where you don’t control the character directly. Instead, you program their actions using simple commands, then hit run and watch it play out. The fun comes from planning ahead, chaining actions together, and dealing with systems like conveyors, buttons, doors, and crates that all interact. It starts simple, but quickly becomes about optimisation and clever sequencing rather than brute force.

I built Code Machine in about 10 days (so far) for the 2026 Gamedev.js Game Jam. The idea came from wanting something small, self-contained, and properly “gamey” rather than another tech demo. So instead of adding more systems, I focused on one core mechanic and pushed it as far as I could in a short time.

Under the hood, it’s built with my BeepMini engine, using a tile-based system and ECS-style logic to keep everything flexible. That made it easy to experiment with mechanics while building levels, which ended up being half the challenge. The whole thing leans into that “retro machine” feel, like you’re programming a tiny robot and hoping it does what you think it will.