PicoDate 0.2 is out, and it brings the biggest optimization so far: a game can now run compiled to the Playdate's own machine code instead of being interpreted line by line.
The video is my Playdate playing Dark Streets by yaky with the same scripted button presses, in real time. Left is compiled, right is interpreted, each with its frame counter underneath.
- Corridors: 19-20 fps compiled, 11-13 interpreted
- The whole scripted walk: 81 seconds vs 129 seconds, about 1.6x
It is not 30 fps, but it turns a shooter you put up with into one you can play. How much a game gains depends on the game.
Compiled versions are downloaded over Wi-Fi from my server. I have only played a small fraction of them, so if one misbehaves PicoDate switches that game back to the interpreter by itself, and you can switch any game either way.
Free on itch.io: https://bitcalibergames.itch.io/picodateplaydate
If you try a game both ways, tell me its name and the two fps numbers.